If you're a singer-songwriter or a songwriting member of a band and have hopes of getting a record deal, there are a few things you might want to know. Writing for a specific, unsigned act that you're a member of has challenges and rewards not found elsewhere within the realm of professional songwriting.

Forging a Sound

For a recording artist, great songs — even hit songs — aren't always enough. You need songs that show off the singer or the band and have a distinctive sound that people will be able to recognize. When you hear an Aerosmith song, you know it's an Aerosmith song. Would Travis Tritt sound right singing an N'Sync song? Probably not!

There are a number of factors that work together to create a musical identity for a successful group or artist. The most important aspect of forging a sound usually centers around the voice of the lead vocalist or vocalists. You need melodies and musical styles that showcase the lead vocals and allow the singer to shine. The wrong kind of song, even if it's a great song, can make a fantastic singer sound like an amateur.

It's wise to define the specific genre of the act. Not that you can't go outside the lines of that genre, but it's good to be able to say, “We're a modern country band” or “It's kind of like Dave Matthews with some elements of Widespread Panic and Barenaked Ladies.” Record companies have to be able to label a band before they can sell its work.

Bringing in an Outside Writer

Here's a little secret: Big names from Bon Jovi to the Dixie Chicks, bands that write many of their own songs, sometimes choose to work with professional songwriters. Why would a big star who's written a ton of hits want to do such a thing? A co-writer will bring different strengths and ideas to the table. Working with an established songwriter can help in identifying what's universally appealing about an act and refining those qualities to get a crossover hit.

Bringing in an outside writer can also shake things up and help keep an act from getting into a rut. Once an artist or band has established a musical identity, it can become increasingly difficult to come up with new ideas and still remain within the parameters of that identity. It can be also be hard to work new musical elements into an established sound without alienating the fan base. An outside writer may bring a more objective viewpoint to the table that helps an act to stretch a little without losing what's good about what they already have.

What to Do with the Leftovers

Sometimes you'll write a great song that just doesn't fit your style or the style of the band you're in. Try to think of whom the song might be good for and pitch the song to any singer or band that you think might be a good match. Bryan Adams, Skip Ewing, and Patty Griffin are all well-respected recording artists who have found that songwriting can be a door opener, an extra source of income, and a creative outlet outside of a recording career.

Sometimes you may pitch a song you've already recorded. Van Morrison's recording of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” is beautiful, but Rod Stewart's version made him a lot of money. Billy Joel has had his share of hits, but one great song he wrote and recorded didn't climb the charts — until Garth Brooks made “Shameless” a #1 hit.