Thanks for taking the Songwriter101 Career Quiz!

Based on your responses, we have created a career evaluation for you.

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You're starting with a decent listening crowd. Keep playing, but remember that with rare exceptions, if you can't draw in your hometown, you might want to rethink your approach. Sometimes you have to take it on the road to find your audience.

If there is limited musical variety in your locale, you may need to travel in order to connect with people who will get your music. (2)

Good to hear that you're playing your hometown. You should try to get some gigs outside your hometown.

Building a fan base beyond your home turf is key to building your career. You might try to find an agent who can book you as an opener for bands in other cities. (1)

When licensing your music for television or film, it is helpful to understand what synchronization licenses (or sync license) and cue sheets are. A sync license grants a film or television program use of a song; the rate is usually negotiated by a music publisher. A cue sheet is a list of songs used in a film or a TV show that the PRO's use to pay royalties.

Songwriter101 on sync licenses

Songwriter101 on cue sheets (9)

As your music starts to get more airplay, you should get to know about the charts. Charts are compiled from monitoring a set number of radio stations on a weekly basis for individual songs' airplay. If your song is spun frequently enough on the participating stations during that week of monitoring to get in to the top list of songs being played, it will appear on the chart.

For example, R&R's CHR/Pop Top 50 chart tracks an average of 121 radio stations per week. During a recent week of their tracking, the number 50 song had 570 plays from 60 out of the 121 monitored stations. The number 1 song had 8844 plays from 119 out of the 121 monitored stations. In other words, the number one song is in the playlists of 119 stations, and is being played in frequent rotation on most. (8)

Performing live on television is a great way to expand your reach. Even the smallest of audiences will contain listeners who may have never heard your music before. There are millions of fans out there just waiting for your music. (5)

In today's competitive climate, both major and indie labels want bands and artists who have built a following by touring and have already sold self-released CDs. You can sell your music online on your own website, or search the web for music sites that attract fans who enjoy the same kind of music you play and post your CD for sale on as many of these as you can. Research your buying audience and sell your CD where they shop, live and work. Contact your local clothing boutiques, coffee houses, shoe stores, neighborhood pubs or food markets and see if they will carry your record for sale, on site. Appear on weekends in these places, playing live and selling your record. (4)

Affiliation with a performing rights organization (or PRO) is extremely important if your songs are being played on the air. Songwriters are compensated when their songs are played on the radio, television, supermarkets, or even in large concert halls.

A good relationship with your representative at the PRO can be beneficial as well, since these individuals are often well connected in the industry. (11)

Since you don't yet have a publicist, you need to know that publicists are good to have on your team. When you have an album to promote their relationships with the press can be key. Publicists can also organize promotional events and possibly secure opening slots for a major or minor tour. (7)

A reputable booking agent can help promote your album on tour and secure opening slots with known artists. (6)

Unsigned? Be smart, do your homework!

Know where your fans are and develop savvy marketing strategies that will help you stand out from the rest of the unsigned artists.

Apply to play at showcases in your local area or at one of the top music conferences, such as SXSW or CMJ. Attend seminars and other educational workshops where key A&R people speak.

Contact local colleges, radio stations and newspapers to further publicize yourself. Build a unique, informative website that includes a bio, photos, song samples and tour dates. (3)

Glad to hear you've setup a website. Whether your site is flashy or basic, you should make sure to include the following components:

-schedule of gigs
-music samples
-your bio
-offer a few pictures
-links to buy your cd (and other merch)

Other handy features include:

-notes from you
-articles & interviews
-reviews
-messageboard
-more photos! (10)

Question 1: What is the farthest you have ever traveled for a gig?
Answer: Locally

Question 2: How many people do you realistically draw to a show in your HOME market?
Answer: 20

Question 3: Are you signed to a record label?
Answer: I am unsigned

Question 4: Do you have a CD for sale in any record store either locally, regionally, nationally, or even internationally?
Answer: No, my CD isn't available in record stores yet

Question 5: Have you ever performed live on television?
Answer: No, I have never performed live on television

Question 6: Do you have a booking agent?
Answer: No

Question 7: Do you have a publicist?
Answer: No

Question 8: Have any of your songs ever appeared on the charts (Billboard, R&R, CMJ, etc.)?
Answer: No

Question 9: Have you ever licensed a song to a film or TV show?
Answer: No

Question 10: Do you have a website?
Answer: Yes

Question 11: Are you affiliated with a performing rights organization (PRO)?
Answer: Yes, BMI

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