Music Publishing for Serious Songwriters 1: Writing Songs That Sell with Bobby Borg
Why It Matters
By mastering structure, lyric relevance, melody memorability, and market‑specific style, songwriters boost their chances of earning publishing royalties and sync licenses, directly influencing their revenue streams.
Key Takeaways
- •Balance predictability and surprise using AB CBB song structure.
- •Write lyrics that paint pictures and resonate with listeners.
- •Create memorable melodies that listeners can easily hum back.
- •Match song style to target market—radio, film, or TV.
- •Prioritize universal lyrics for sync; avoid overly specific storytelling.
Summary
The video, hosted by Bobby Borg, breaks down the essentials of music publishing for serious songwriters, emphasizing what professional publishers actually look for in a sell‑able song. Borg draws on research from Nashville’s Ralph Murphy and his own industry experience to outline concrete songwriting tactics. He stresses a balanced song structure—specifically the AB CBB form—that blends predictability with surprise, while urging writers to craft verses and choruses that are clearly distinct. Lyrics should paint vivid images, connect emotionally, and avoid overly specific narratives that limit sync potential; repetition can reinforce hooks. Melodies must possess a "hum‑back" factor, ensuring listeners can instantly recall the tune. Style alignment with the intended market—radio, film, or TV—and a modern production sensibility are also critical. Memorable moments include Borg’s anecdote about a mysterious industry panelist who declared, "What matters most is how what you have to say reflects on the life of the listener," and the striking contrast he observed between radio programmers’ preferences and those of music supervisors. He notes that universal, adaptable lyrics outperform story‑driven songs in sync placements. For songwriters, applying these guidelines can dramatically improve the odds of securing publishing deals, radio airplay, or lucrative sync placements. Understanding the divergent criteria of different gatekeepers enables creators to tailor their craft for maximum commercial impact.
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