Collaboration is one of the most rewarding and productive activities a songwriter can engage in. It is also one of the most challenging. Co-writing will stretch you in ways you can’t even imagine in advance.

Take a look at the Billboard Singles charts and you’ll notice that the vast majority of hit songs were written by 2 or more writers. Because? Because many songwriters have discovered that the collaborative whole is much greater than the sum of the parts of solo writing. We are all human, with strengths that we can capitalize on, as well as weaknesses that we can complement with the strengths of others.

Many artists find writing solo year after year limiting. The multifaceted approach can produce flashes of brilliance, but solo writers often find themselves stuck in a rut.

If you feel the need to merge with other talents, first look at yourself as a songwriter from an objective point of view. Imagine your next co-authoring date as a potluck: what will you bring to the party?

o Are you passionate, enthusiastic, hardworking and fun?

o Are you willing to dedicate time, energy, money and your heart to the noble cause of making good music?

o Do you have unique talents and powerful things to say in your songs?

o Are you willing to give and listen to constructive feedback?

o Are you familiar with the basic rules and terminology of your chosen field?

and most important:

o Have you generated a body of work that showcases your strengths as a writer?

BE LIKE A MAGNET

How can you attract quality co-writers? First of all, let’s face it, most talented and successful writers aren’t looking to bail you out. However, many will want to pitch in if it looks like they’ll get something of value out of the partnership. Therefore, your job is to create material that other writers think will contribute to your success.

And keep in mind that most people want to work with partners who have reached a comparable level of development. I can’t wait for Serena Williams to ask me out for tennis, or Tiger Woods to challenge me to a round of golf, until I work on my game a little more. Why should the composition be different?

May your goal be to become a collaborator magnet. This means putting your contributions in the best possible shape before you walk in the door.

You will inevitably be judged by the real goods you bring to the table. And if you’re honest, you’ll admit that you’re weighing your potential collaborators in the same way. This is how it should be. Look with an objective eye at your body of work thus far.

Has:

o Carefully written lyrics, presented in relatable song form?

o Better versions of instrumental tracks, melodies, hooks and/or riffs?

o Lists of possible titles?

or Any possible “song starts”?

or Any finished songs professionally demoed?

These are the “business cards” that you will introduce to other songwriters and artists. You want to rigorously hone them so that you can display them proudly, confident in their value, without apologizing, embarrassing yourself, or making excuses for your shortcomings. Isn’t that the standard of quality you would expect in return?

You “pay your fair share” by polishing your talents, your diamonds, until they shine. Eventually, if you’re serious about your own gifts, word will get out that you have something of value to offer. This process is sometimes called “eating your way up the musical food chain.” It doesn’t happen overnight. There are no “quick fixes” like in any serious field of endeavor.

“YOU GOT THAT KISSA LOTTA FROGS”

Participation is the key. Join, play, take risks… basically, you have to put your talent, your heart and your soul on the line! No one knocks on your door out of the blue, begging you to co-write. You have to make a concerted and consistent effort to create writing relationships from scratch.

In fact, I’ve noticed that collaborating is a lot like… dating!

o Some collaborations are adventures: good for some songs, but not long-term.

o Some are nightmares: you want to run screaming in the opposite direction.

o Some are not reciprocated: you feel the impulse, but your partner does not.

o And luckily, some are magical: you stay with them for a long time, maybe even forever.

And yes, it can be heartbreaking. But I guarantee that you will feel completely alive! There is never a dull moment in this quest, as you and your co-writer aspire to the great calling of creating great works of art together.

You just have to keep writing, rewriting, and publishing it, trusting that you will eventually attract like-minded souls. So where exactly are these like-minded souls hiding?

A few days of research can bring you a wealth of opportunities. Here are some avenues that have produced results for me, and I have collaborated with at least a hundred other writers since 1983:

o Take a songwriting class.

o Find a teacher, or better yet, a mentor.

o Start a local songwriting support group.

o Hire or form a band, even if it is only for a limited number of performances.

o Join a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the US)

o Check out programs offered by commercial music organizations such as The Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Recording Academy, Women In Music, Nashville Songwriters Association, etc.)

o Join the various songwriting communities online, just google it! Myspace.com offers a whole new realm of possibilities.

o Check local publications and listings for exhibits, classified ads, and open mics.

o Search the Internet for artists in your line of music.

o Go to local music stores and check their bulletin boards, or put up your own sign.

o Post a free ad on Craigslist.com.

o Read or subscribe to publications about the music business.

You are only limited by your imagination and your level of commitment.

In short, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but a delicious feast is available if you’re willing to harness your own talents. How’s that for a mixed metaphor?

Finally, I suggest that people fearlessly delve into their innermost selves when writing songs. Listeners can always tell when you’re being honest and real.

In one word:

o Write your truth, and write A LOT.

o Dare to write horrible songs in search of brilliant ones.

o Create a support team that will hold you to higher standards.

o Develop your strengths and complement your weaknesses as a writer, musician, singer and engineer.

o Read the books, do the exercises, subscribe to the publications… know your field!

o Participate in the grip, building relationships with a variety of potential partners.

Together, let’s raise the level of songs in the world, to bring back the good old days of music!

Copyright 2006 Alex Forbes