Behind the Music: Artists vs Songwriters and the Reality of Commercial Success
When you listen to your favorite pop music, do you often wonder who crafted the melodies and lyrics that touch your heart? Or are you more focused on the artists performing and singing them? This article delves into the often overlooked world of songwriting, exploring how artists and songwriters collaborate (or sometimes not) to create the music we enjoy. We also discuss the business practices behind this creative process and the reality of commercial success in the music industry.
Perception vs Reality: Who Writes Popular Music?
Many music fans assume that the artists who perform a song are also the ones who wrote it. According to my experience, this is a common misconception. In reality, it is quite common for popular artists to have their songs written by professional songwriters or songwriting teams, often referred to as "hit factories."
For instance, Max Martin, known for his hit collaborations with artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry, has penned numerous chart-topping songs. In contrast, many listeners might not be as familiar with Max Martin as they are with his pop stars like Justin Bieber, who has had a successful career in his own right but may not be as well-known for songwriting.
The Business of Songwriting and Performance
The music industry has evolved, leading to a business model where labels invest in songwriting teams rather than individual artists. Once a team produces a hit, the label pairs that song with an artist they believe has the best chance of making it a commercial success. This approach is driven by the overarching goal of achieving the biggest possible earnings, which means a focus on the song's ability to sell records and stream.
Performer's remuneration for their work on a record is straightforward: they receive a one-time payment for performing someone else's music. On the other hand, songwriters and composers often receive ongoing royalties and credits for their work, reflecting a higher level of creative input. For instrumentalists who also write their own music, they stand to gain even more recognition and financial benefits.
Ghostwriting in the Music Industry
Ghostwriting is a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in the pop music industry. Many popular artists will hire songwriting teams or individual lyricists and composers to craft their songs, then present them as their own. This practice, often called "ghostwriting," has led to significant credit issues and cultural shifts in the music world.
Popular artists like Taylor Swift have openly criticized the ghostwriting phenomenon, highlighting the issue of authorship and the effort put into their music. As a result, the public's perception of the creative process has started to change, with more attention being given to the original songwriters and the artists who bring them to life.
Respect and Recognition in the Industry
There is a respect and recognition that comes with writing and performing original music. For performers, the creative input they bring to a song significantly adds to its value, making their name synonymous with the success of the song. For songwriters and composers, the ongoing recognition and royalties they receive are a testament to their skills.
However, the business model of the music industry often prioritizes the expedience of creating a hit song over giving these creators their due credit. The cultural shift towards acknowledging the effort and artistry of individual songwriters has led to a more nuanced understanding of how music is created and who deserves credit for its success.
In conclusion, while the general public often assumes that the artist who performs a song is the one who wrote it, the reality is much more complex. The music industry, driven by commercial success, has evolved into a system that often oversees the collaborative process between performers and songwriters. This article aims to shed light on these issues and encourage a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked contributions of songwriters and composers in the world of popular music.