Chapter 9: For The Pure Songwriter
Maybe you’re not the performing type. Getting up on stage might scare the hell out of
you. But you love music and you love to write songs. If so, this chapter’s for you. Aside
from the mundane, trite and boring music that often assaults our ears, songwriting is
about what’s in your heart and mind. Then, it’s about constructing lyrics and a melody
that communicates and resonates with an audience. It takes study, experimentation, talent
and a bit of luck.
Usually, the biggest challenge with writing song lyrics is where to start. That’s typi-
cally followed by the common feelings most writers experience. Is my idea any good or
does it suck? What do I do next? What if nobody likes it? Relax. Most, if not all, song-
writers go through this exercise. For the most part, if you like your song, it’s probably
good. At least good enough for you. If a whole bunch of people like it, it’s probably more
than good, maybe even great. And, it might just make you some money.
But, let’s start with some background. Take the Brill Building for example. It’s lo-
cated on Broadway in New York City just uptown from the Tin Pan Alley area and near
Times Square. For many years, Brill housed music industry offices and studios and some
of the most iconic songs were written within its walls. In many ways, it was a musician’s
haven, An artist could find a publisher and printer, cut a demo, promote the record and
cut a deal with radio promoters, all within the Brill building. Aldon Music, founded by
Don Kirshner and Al Nevins in 1958 was one of them. It wasn’t originally in the Brill
Building, but down the street a bit. In many ways, it was something of a music mill,
pumping out hit tune after hit tune with songwriters working in cubicles or from home.