Do you have the instincts of a musician? You probably do, because it’s what got you to this point as a musician. Unfortunately, most people who have dabbled in songwriting will eventually fail and give up. According to numbers, it will most probably occur to you as well. But it isn’t necessary. This kind of artistic discontent has a simple cause, and it has to do with intuition. When we say we have an instinct for something, we refer to a natural skill. Natural ability. And we usually recognize instinct by how easily we can accomplish something.

As Phillip Sanders, a well-known American songwriter and country music singer, states, many composers began as a hobby, a method to calm their brains, and only later discovered the potential financial rewards. Any composer serious about making a living as a songwriter will confront a unique set of challenges. However, many of these issues are not unique to one person; speaking with other songwriters will quickly reveal that they experience many of the same problems you do regularly. You might want to stay around because we’ll go into more detail with a few instances later on in this piece. Below mentioned are five of the most prevalent composer challenges and what you can do to overcome them,

• Doubting your professional decision

Yes, deciding to be a songwriter takes courage. Composing a profession from the art of making music is still desirable, and many people find that expressing themselves via lyrics set to music is therapeutic. If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction when your musical idea comes to life, especially if it’s played on the radio. It’s certainly not easy, but if you genuinely enjoy what you do, you’ll recognize that the challenges you experience are all part of the trip. Some of the most well-known composers have recounted their years of hardship before breaking the mold. 

• Inspiration comes at unexpected times.

Every songwriter has days when finding words is complex, and it’s not only because of writer’s block. On the other hand, creativity can strike in the small hours of the morning when you’ve just returned to bed after a long day. It may also happen while you’re at Starbucks, getting a quick snack before heading back to your 9-5 desk job, waiting for your music to ‘take off.’

• The writer’s block 

You realize you need to record a song or two to keep your portfolio growing. After all, the more songs you have under your fingers, the more likely you are to achieve success. However, you’ve been gazing at a blank sheet for the past hour or two, which keeps happening. What will you do if that song doesn’t write itself? Indeed, this is one of the terrifying situations a lyricist can have. It’s often preferable to get up and do something that will divert your attention away from the subject. You could, for example, contact a friend or go to the gym. When it comes to refocusing, working out works best for me. Whatever method works best for you, you’ll discover that your ideas will begin to flow when you return to that blank page.

• Getting Exposure 

Yes, getting heard is challenging when the public’s attention is focused on only a few well-known musicians. There are so many other songwriters vying for their attention; why should they listen to you? So, you’ve finally turned those words into a good demo, if not a radio-ready song. Still, no one is listening to it, even though you’ve published it on your social media profiles and sent dozens of letters to music publishers and film supervisors. You must understand that acquiring awareness takes time and planning.

Furthermore, being noticed can occur in a variety of ways. Begin by creating solid online profiles. Use excellent photos that contribute to your branding efforts and a well-written bio to ensure that you stand out.

• Earn while you work

If you’re a new songwriter without another source of income, you’ll find that you need to get one sooner rather than later. Early in your career, whether you’re born into a wealthy family with connections or lucky enough to be picked up by a record company, prepared to spend a sizeable down payment. You will have to find a method to fund your lifestyle until you start earning money from your music, which can take years. Sure, you could wish to pursue composing full-time in the future, but you’ll need to get a job until you earn enough royalties. Depending on your talents and qualifications, you can work as a secretarial, a director of marketing, or even a music industry salesman, with the benefit of earning money from a 9-to-5 job while progressively advancing your music-making dreams. The best part is that you don’t have to go too far away from music.

Take this from someone who has been there: the journey of a composer can be a true rollercoaster, from coping with personal issues to dealing with the costs of recording music and trying to gain recognition. You don’t have to face the music alone, thankfully. Suppose you need assistance overcoming many of the difficulties that songwriters face. In that case, you must check out the journey of Phillip, a highly acclaimed American songwriter and country music artist – but that is not all. He has also been an accomplished entrepreneur in the clothing, wine, and fragrance business and as a commercial investor for oil and gas.

Jenny Roy