Surviving As An Older Songwriter

Many states have a film commission—do a web search on that topic and get the website and contact information on your local one or any others that are close enough for you to get in touch with. Check, too for the same info for local film companies and ad agencies in your area, and, if you do get to talk with people in those places, see if they ever accept outside contractors for film or commercial soundtrack material. Put a bunch of your best instrumentals, hottest songs and references together and send them a nice promo package if they are willing to accept work. You might also contact your local cable stations and see if they at least take music for free (you would get good exposure if you get a theme song for a popular local cable show or commercial). Actually, if you are good, and older, this is actually an asset in this field—many prefer to work with someone who is more stable and reliable, and no one sees you, so appearance doesn’t matter—results do. For that matter, if you own your own business, you might consider using your musical talents somehow in advertising for your product. Use your songs as jingles or background for your commercials, or try to hold songwriter events at your place of business, either as a promotional thing or an employee talent fun event. If you do it for a charity fundraiser, you may find you get your music to an even larger audience, but your pay will help others out, while it helps you at the same time.

HOST YOUR OWN SHOW

If you really have the bucks to blow, this is often a great way to get some exposure. If you know people in local cable, or have the time to get a license yourself, once you can run the equipment, you can always use your own music and run it a lot, show yourself playing, invite your friends, and try to get new musicians more exposure. You can do the same in a local coffeehouse, bar or restaurant—your own or someone else’s. Many will jump at the chance for live music, and, if you can get your friends and neighbors to show up, you will eventually create a small buzz for your music. Actually much easier to do if you are older, because you probably have more time and disposable funds,

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