More on The Popular Tune

The myth of the hit single is the idea that it can happen to anyone who has a great song. This is not true. Yes, having a great tune is a good thing, but it may have no actual connection to the song's probability of becoming a hit single.

That, as it has always been, requires the right people with the right connections. This is true nationally and locally, although one wonders in this day and age if there is anything intrinsically local anymore that can then be moved nationally.

For instance:

Were I to produce a fabulous recording that all the world had to hear, just how would I go about getting them to hear it? Radio? Well who exactly controls what is heard on the radio? The big radio conglomerates, like the big record labels, are interested in that which will sell and make them money. Do I fit within the categorical imperatives they would require in order for them to promote the song? And without promotion, the song goes nowhere, period.

Simple facts of the game.

And the song is merely a component of the product which is the entertainer. Songwriters are a dime a dozen, and if it takes a dozen, along with as many producers and engineers to create the songs to project an up and coming entertainer into the mainstream stratosphere above the rest of the grasping masses, then if the bet is a good one; the bet is made.

If, on the other hand, you do not meet the necessary demographic, or cultural, or aesthetic (read physical) appeal that research tells us that a song, let's say the song you have written and recorded, will be targeted to, then it is highly likely, no matter how wonderful the song, that anyone will care-beyond telling you, assuming they even took a moment to listen to it, you're not a god fit.

Is this discouraging? It sure is.

And it gets worse! On the very off chance that hard work and perseverance, as well as the fact that you are photogenic and young (this is far more important than you might think for reasons you might not-think contracts), a hit must then be followed by more and any and all appearances must promote the brand in order to justify the burgeoning support foundation you will need to succeed- and those people don't work for free. In fact, most are failed performers who came to the realization that there is good money to be made in the industry behind the camera, if you will, than struggling to be in front.

You have to be able to maintain that infrastructure. many don't.

All for a hit song.

That's not the same as finding your audience. Or your musical calling. It is why I demure when offered unsolicited advice on what I need to do to write a hit song. It may all be good advice, and it may help you write a better song; it may...but a hit single?