Working as a songwriter and topliner

Abstract

There is a constant need for talented songwriters and topliners to create hits for the music industry. It is acknowledged that the gap between the skills of people who are just beginning their careers and the requirements for artists and repertoire (A&R) professionals is huge. Because A&R executives need to be carefully concider their decisions before betting a lot of money on a song so choosing a hit song is a game for A&R people. (Beall 2009, 22-23.) Regarding starter songwriters and topliners, narrowing the gap between their skills and A&R requirement need to be taken into account. Even though there are many music creators in the market, only some with hit songs on the charts are considered topshelf songwriters, topliners or lyricists and make a comfortable living from that.

The objective of this thesis was to provide in depth information for people who would be interested in writing topline, lyricist and how to get their foot in the door as a songwriter and topliner, especially in pop music. The rules of the music industry, advice from the music supervisors, songwriters and topliners were also discussed. Three songs written by Uyen Dang were analysed to deliver an essential understanding of this topic.

As a result, comprehensive information was gathered about the music industry. This offers starter songwriters and topliners useful information about the songwriting process through analysis of three songs, the current state of songwriters in the music industry and how to get into the music industry by music supervisors’ advice.