The Mindset of a Pop Music Artist: Writing for Success or Filling Albums?
When a pop music artist sits down to write a song, are they thinking, “This is going to be a hit,” or are they worried that “It isn’t going to do well on the charts”? This question can be tricky, as the landscape of modern pop music is quite different from what it was in the past. Let’s delve into the complexities of the pop music artist's mindset and the realities of songwriting in the 21st century.
Modern Pop Music: Composition and Production
These days, the landscape of pop music has undergone significant changes. Most pop musicians don't actually write their own songs. Instead, they perform songs that have been composed by others. Often, these songs are played by professional studio musicians who aren't part of the artist's touring band. These musicians then go through the process of pitch correction to ensure the final product is polished and ready for the charts. Even when pop artists are nominally writing their own songs, they may not handle the arrangement or the parts for all the instruments themselves. Their primary contributions may consist of lyrics, melody, and a basic chord structure. The rest of the work, including production and arrangement, is typically carried out by producers and studio musicians.
A Determined Mindset
Despite the many hands involved in the final product, the artist's mindset is crucial. Some artists write songs with the intention of padding out albums, fully aware that not every song will be a hit. However, many single-oriented pop artists aim to have every song be a success or at least have the potential to become one. Realistically, artists know that no song is guaranteed to succeed, and it's nearly impossible to predict which songs will hit the top of the charts. Sometimes, songs that “should” be hits don't make waves, and others that seem unlikely to succeed end up becoming chart-toppers.
Writing to Express vs. Writing to Impress
A pop artist's mindset can also be influenced by their reasons for writing. Some artists write to express themselves, driven by a genuine emotion or feeling. They may think, “I felt this way, and I want to write about it.” These artists are more likely to be honest and authentic in their writing. On the other hand, some artists aim to impress their audience. They might consider, “Will they like this? How will this impact my fanbase? Can I grab their attention?”
Focus on Song Quality First
The ultimate goal for most pop artists is success, but the driving emotion often centers on fame and fortune. However, when composing and writing, it's important to prioritize the quality of the song. Once the core elements of a good song are in place, the process can be refined to focus on achieving fame and fortune. If an artist is driven by the desire for success, the risk of gloom and doom is often lessened. For me, when writing tunes, the primary focus is on creating a good or great song. Once that is accomplished, the song can then be further refined to achieve fame and fortune.
In conclusion, the mindset of a pop music artist while writing a song can vary widely. Whether the goal is to express emotions, impress an audience, or achieve success, the key is to start with a solid song that resonates with listeners. From there, the pursuit of success can be pursued. Always remember, writing a few tunes and seeing what happens is one of the best ways to find your unique voice and musical journey.