[Drop A Link To Your BEST and LATEST Songs...]

Great idea!  I'd love to checkout the playlists when they're finished so I can hear the best of Songstuff!

 

Here are my recent releases:

 

Trash by Alicatt on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7crn5AQIKq6aveSDfugtml?si=ec79953490a941d8

 

Music is Mantra by Alicatt on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/LTs38x4uYzM

 

and Pumpkin Spice by Alicatt on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/alicatt-399903257/pumpkin-spice-1?si=6d86170174e9479bb1a7eae4621050e3&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

[What To Do Before Posting Your Songs On The Internet]

On 9/27/2023 at 5:24 AM, SeninMD said:

Posting songs on the internet can be an exciting way to share your music with a global audience. However, there are several important steps to consider before releasing your music online to ensure that you maximize its impact and protect your creative work. Here's a checklist of what to do before posting songs on the internet:

1. Finalize Your Song: Ensure that your song is fully recorded, mixed, and mastered to the highest quality possible. It should sound professional and ready for public consumption.

2. Copyright Protection: Consider registering your song with a copyright office to protect your intellectual property rights. While your work is automatically copyrighted when created, formal registration can provide additional legal protection.

3. Choose a Distribution Platform: Decide where you want to post your music. Popular platforms include streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Each has its own submission process and guidelines, so research which one suits your needs best.

4. Create Artwork: Design eye-catching cover art for your song or album. This is often the first thing potential listeners see, so it should visually represent your music and capture their attention.

5. Metadata: Ensure that you have accurate and complete metadata for your song, including the title, artist name, album name (if applicable), release date, and genre. This information helps users find your music when searching online.

6. ISRC Codes: Obtain International Standard Recording Codes (ISRC) for your songs. These codes uniquely identify your tracks and are essential for tracking royalties and plays.

7. Digital Distributor: If you're not working with a record label, you'll need a digital distributor to get your music on major streaming platforms. Services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby can help with this.

8. Release Strategy: Plan your release strategy carefully. Decide when you want to release the song and whether you'll be promoting it with a music video, social media campaign, or other marketing efforts.

9. Promotional Materials: Prepare promotional materials like press releases, artist bios, and social media posts to accompany your release. Building hype around your song can help attract listeners.

10. Streaming Platforms Profiles: Create or update your artist profiles on streaming platforms. This includes adding an artist biography, photos, and linking social media profiles.

11. Distribution Agreements: Review the terms and agreements of the distribution platform you choose. Ensure you understand their revenue-sharing model, payment process, and rights management.

12. Publishing and Royalties: Register your songs with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect royalties for your music's public performance.

13. Marketing Plan: Develop a marketing plan to promote your music effectively. This may involve creating a website, engaging with fans on social media, and reaching out to music blogs or influencers for coverage.

14. Prepare for Feedback: Be prepared for feedback, both positive and negative. Music can be subjective, so not everyone will love your work. Constructive criticism can help you grow as an artist.

15. Release Date: Set a release date and stick to it. This allows you to plan your promotional efforts and build anticipation among your audience.

16. Rights and Licensing: Consider how you want to license your music. Will it be available for use in films, commercials, or other projects? Make these terms clear.

17. Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your audience when your music is released. Respond to comments, thank listeners for their support, and engage with your fans to build a loyal following.

 

By following these steps and carefully preparing your music for release, you can increase the chances of your songs making a positive impact when posted on the internet and help your music reach a broader audience.

Excellent checklist here. Thank you for posting!

[What season inspires you most?]

21 minutes ago, Reid Gibson said:

Wow, Guess I'm not alone when it comes to grooving on Fall.  Something about it cooling down enough to think, the impending doom of winter, changes of color, the general scurrying of people getting ready for stuff, school starting, new ideas maybe. Bit and pieces of songs that have been rattling around my head all summer, but was too busy or hot to make it work. Ah, the sun coming up later.  Also, this year, a young man whom we've know for quite a while, opened up a recording studio 8 miles up the road, so I don't have to drive 2 hours to record, what a deal.  Who knows, maybe some divine inspiration to write a cool tune.

Yes! Fall is transition, and transition is inspiring! Hey, congrats on your new studio!

[Seasonal variances in music release and listening]

On 9/21/2023 at 12:52 PM, Peggy said:

 

Sure, there's research and analytics, and with global streaming services there is a  lot of data available to use, both from creators and listeners. But ..I think a lot of it is common sense. Just in self-reflection, on when and how an individual creates or listens to music, I think similar results would emerge. 

I would think some may, but I think most people would gravitate to sunny music in the summer, because of the seasonal influences.

This is so interesting, because I'm usually wanting music that is opposite of the current season. In the Winter, I gravitate toward sunny music. In the Summer, I keep it chill. 

[Seasonal variances in music release and listening]

Thanks for including my post here, @Peggy. I wonder if there's been any research done on this. For instance, do people crave sunny music (like The Beach Boys!) in the deep cold Winter? 

[What season inspires you most?]

16 hours ago, VoiceEx said:

Hi @Alicatt!

 

My approach to songwriting and storytelling through music is a bit unorthodox, being as the vast majority of my music is rooted in science. As such, natural phenomena such as seasonal changes and how they affect our bodies and minds has always played a very crucial role in my songwriting process.

 

To give a small example, in clinical psychology it is suspected that SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is more rooted in our biology, than it does in our psychology. I could give many more examples, but the main take away from this, is that all humans are affected by the changing of seasons in a wide array of aspects. Aspects which could also be utilized in songs 👍

 

Though in terms of preferences. For me its the winter. Stormy nights and intense rain are my "Night an Ode", my musical witching hour. Plus. I think that the clothing in winter is just better than all other seasons. Though that's just me, yes 😅

Wow, @VoiceEx! This is very interesting to consider from a biological perspective. And, you bring up another good question: The times of day that we tend to feel most inspired. For you it's at night, and for me, it's early morning around sunrise. Different bodies and minds react to environments differently!

[Hello! I Am Alicatt.]

Thanks @Peggy for checking out my songs, and for the article links. I love the idea of a lyric critique! That could be really helpful. Everyone here has been so welcoming. It's nice to have a place to chat with other songwriters!

[What season inspires you most?]

9 hours ago, DonnaMarilyn said:

Hi Alicatt,

 

It's hard to say whether I feel most inspired to write in a particular season, but on a personal level my favourite season is autumn. I was born in October, so maybe that plays a role. 😉 I love the colours and the changes, and the feeling of preparing to go into a kind of hibernation, introspection.  Many of my lyrics are reflective in nature, so perhaps they've emanated from that state of hibernation, so to speak. 

 

Donna

 

Yes! There's reflection in the Fall, but also and preparation for Winter. It's a creative time for me too!

[Hello! I Am Alicatt.]

Hello Songstuff! My name is Ali (aka Alicatt), and I am a singer/songwriter from Illinois USA. This is the first online music community I've ever participated in, and I have to say, I am very impressed with the site and how friendly everyone has been so far.

 

I've been writing and singing little songs since I was a kid, but I never thought about recording my own stuff until now. So, my current project is writing and recording my own vocal acapellas. My style is mostly Rock/Pop/Electronic. I love to layer my voice to create lush harmonies, and I also add a bit of beatboxing to give the song a punch of vocal percussion.

 

I thought it would be fun to give you my current list of song titles:

 

Pumpkin Spice

Gold Digger

Love Signs

Zodiac

Music is Mantra

Galaxy Girl

Rainbow

Need to Dance

 

I've been releasing my acapellas on Looperman for personal use and have had a few decent remixes. I also built a website to feature my work and offer the .wav vocal pack files with a commercial license for sale. It's been a lot of work, but I feel good about my progress, and I've learned a lot in the process.

 

My website link is in my profile, if anyone is interested. I'm looking forward to making some connections here, getting your feedback, and continuing to grow!

 

Best of luck to you all!
Alicatt

[What season inspires you most?]

It's beginning to feel like Fall here, and I always get most creative when the leaves turn color.

 

Is there a particular season when you feel most inspired?  Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall?

[What are you listening to in 2023?]

 

Prince & The Revolution!

 

 

 

[Newbie!]

Hello Cherie! Best of luck on your musical journey!