Strong Song Skills Will Help You Score in the Urban Market
David Renzer, Worldwide President of Universal Music Publishing Group, says developing your chops is the key to success in the urban music marketplace.
By Kevin Zimmerman
UMPG was named “Urban Publisher of Year” at the 2004 BMI Urban Awards. What’s the current trend in the urban songwriting market?
David Renzer: Right now, the urban area is very producer-driven. There’s obviously room for someone who’s strong with melody or lyrics, and there’s definitely opportunities for artist/songwriters, but someone who’s a writer and a producer seems to have a leg up.
You look at someone like Dre & Vidal [Andre Harris & Vidal Davis] ? they’re very talented producers who are writing as they produce. On the artist side, you look at someone like Anthony Hamilton, who’s a very talented artist/writer - whether he’s got a guest spot on the Jadakiss record singing and writing the chorus, or working on his own album, he always seems to be collaborating with other writer/producers. The same is true of a Jill Scott or a Kelly Price - they collaborate on songwriting with different musicians and producers all the time.
The same thing is true to a degree in the pop world, but there are probably more opportunities for a straight songwriter there. But the only place where you can really make it as just a pure songwriter, really in the world, remains Nashville. If you look around the globe, there’s really no place else like it - it’s so writer-driven and song-driven.
What led to the rise of the writer/producer in urban music?
Renzer: That’s definitely due in part to the influence of hip-hop. The whole market is a lot about sounds that are created in the studio. R&B is still out there - someone like Prince or Mariah Carey are writing r&b/pop songs, but hip-hop is especially so track-driven and a lot of it is about what you produce in the studio.
If you’re looking to break into the business but are not located in one of the country’s three music hubs - New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville - what are your options?
Renzer: There are plenty of regional scenes where artists and songwriters can get out and sing. Austin, to name one, is especially thriving, and in the urban area Atlanta is obviously still very active. It’s important to get out there, perform live, and build a local following - that’s key.
If you’re a songwriter or songwriter/producer, build your chops - technology has allowed people to put together their own studio without requiring a huge investment. It’s become more cost-effective than ever before. I was on a plane recently with an artist who basically has his studio on his laptop - he can make tracks as he travels and stays in different hotel rooms. Technology has really done some amazing things.
But you’re not suggesting that songwriters or producers try to hone their craft in a hotel room?
Renzer: Absolutely not! Networking remains key. BMI, the Nashville Songwriters’ Association, the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame ? they’re all involved in educational workshop type things, and their websites have updated information. Get out there and take advantage of it.
Those are some pretty good things-to-do. What about things NOT to do?
Renzer: One bit of advice is to try and avoid being in a situation where you’re sending in your music cold, via CD or whatever. You have to work very hard at making a contact with someone at a publishing company or with an attorney or manager, and establish some personal contacts that way. For legal reasons, publishers are not allowed to listen to unsolicited material ? and that’s all the more reason to go out and take advantage of the tools and opportunities that are out there.
Also, particularly in the urban area, you should be able to play an instrument. Someone who just relies on all samples is probably not going to succeed. Developing your musical chops is key.
Posted Feb 14, 2005
Member Comments
Another great article. Definitely appreciate that this site provides insight from real authorities. Also appreciate that you have a good amount of info related to urban music. Mr Rezner’s comments are particularly encouraging to me as a songwriter/producer who plays multiple instruments. Looking for authentic hip hop that’s sample free? Holla at ya boy!
“One bit of advice is to try and avoid being in a situation where you’re sending in your music cold, via CD or whatever. You have to work very hard at making a contact with someone at a publishing company or with an attorney or manager, and establish some personal contacts that way. For legal reasons, publishers are not allowed to listen to unsolicited material ? and that’s all the more reason to go out and take advantage of the tools and opportunities that are out there.”
^^^^ is it just me ...? but this did not make any sense ...???? What oppurtunities should we take advantage of ...? Renzer started off good but in the end Renzer didnt tell us anything ...????? did anyone catch what Renzer was trying to say ...?????
I don’t know. Made sense to me. The way I read it, he’s saying take advantage of all the opportunities to make a connect ... at conferences, contests, or though organizations like TAXI. Anyway, that’s my take.
Question:
Those are some pretty good things-to-do. What about things NOT to do?
Renzer said: One bit of advice is to try and avoid being in a situation where you’re sending in your music cold, via CD or whatever. You have to work very hard at making a contact with someone at a publishing company or with an attorney or manager, and establish some personal contacts that way. For legal reasons, publishers are not allowed to listen to unsolicited material ? and that’s all the more reason to go out and take advantage of the tools and opportunities that are out there.
THIS IS SOME VERY GOOD ADVICE…...
I can understand why Music publishers & record companies do not accept unsolicited material. Especially with the way some people are stealing other people’s songs and claiming them as theirs only to get the A&R person or others involved in a copyright infringement case. Best way to get your songs to a Music publisher or record company is through someone the industry people are familiar with. A reputable entertainment attorney, or a manager…
There’s a whole lot more to this subject though.
David You’re right too, like I wrote to “Big Jon” of EMI… Melody is Key so is the Musical & Lyrical Hook ...add in New/Fresh/Innovative & Relevant Lyrics and you’ll probably have a Hit. Whether writing 1 or 100 songs if the fore mentioned aren’t present it’s probably a futile waste of time and effort. As I told “Big Jon”... I WRITE ONLY HITS! I know this sounds presumptuous- But I Do. If what I’m writing isn’t going anywhere good ...I just move on rather than try to force or conform something suspect into something that might be acceptable. By the way I write in various genres from Rock, Metal, Pop, Country, to R&B etc. So… If possible I would like to have a dialog with someone like yourself. My email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) I look forward to possibly talking & working with you, Cheers!
P.S. I’m also looking for music writing collaborators- so email me if you’d like.
I would like to say that I’m intrigue by the articles I’m reading on this site. I’m new to songwriting, though I’ve been writing for years. I like this article and it gave me an idea on how to go about getting my work recognize. I’m also happy to know that New York is one of the places to be when it comes to the music career.
I a, currently in school getting my B.A. in biology, yet I also work on my music weekly. I have yet to be published as far as my songs go. They are excellent songs geared towards the urban crowd. I also sing but I really would like to get my songs out there. What steps do I need to take . Niki Troutman .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Seems Urban music gives more opportunities for those who are based outside NY, LA or Nashville than other genres. For example: song
Irreplaceable for Beyonce is written by author from Norway.
I’m looking for co-workers in R&B, hip hop, pop.
This is my latest song co-written with a singer from Scotland:
http://www.exploretalent.com/contestants/urban-music-contest-1/angel-wade-your-a-liar-13930
and I’m opened for new projects.
http://www.soundclick.com/aleksandrsaltovskiy
http://www.looperman.com (then find AlekSalt in profiles)
contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
