Co-writing
Collaborating with another person on a songwriting project has more than one advantage. The old saying, two minds are better than one, explains one of them. Another advantage is that co-writing can be just plain more fun than writing alone. Writers choose their collaborators for varying reasons. Proximity used to be one of those reasons. It still is for some people, but not for everyone. I have had good success with using email and Drop Box to pass songs back and forth. I have worked with co-writers that I have never met. In other words, you don’t really need to sit down together with someone to do the chore. The one time I tried to do that it was totally unfruitful. I have to concentrate without distractions when I am writing and I find that being alone in my studio provides me that needed stillness.
Some writers have fortes, perhaps they are good with music or maybe good with lyrics. One of my co-writers, for example, really excels at uncovering good song subject matter. That skill is priceless. Some other, more fortunate song writers, are good at all aspects of the craft. Collaborating can be very helpful for a writer, such as myself, who has a limited songwriting skill set. Because of that, I use the sage advice I learned during my years in the business world; always hire people who are sharper than you for they will make you look good. That surely can be applied to songwriting collaborators too.
Here are some examples of songs I have collaborated on with other people:
The Hangin’ Judge – Co-written with Patrycya Hill, this song received a Semi-finalist placement from the Song of the Year contest. Performed here by Jim Sharply from his 2017 Still Pickin’ CD, Reuben’s Train.
I Am the Ring – Co-written with Patrycya Hill, this song received an Honorable Mention from the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Performed and produced here by Troy Engle of Nashville and PA.
Holly Malone – Lyrics were co-written with Cas Haskell, a bass player from North Carolina and I wrote the melody for the chorus. The melody for the verses was written by Greg Shields of NC and it is performed here by Greg.
Anatone – Co-written with (my husband) Richard Maine who gave me numerous ideas for these lyrics. Performed here by Troy Engle.
I’m Still Pickin’ – Co-written with Patrycya Hill and Jim Sharpley, this song found its way onto the 2017 Reuben’s Train CD of the Still Pickin’ Trio. Pat brought the idea to me, I put the lyrics together and Jim wrote the melody.
You Chose Me – Co-written with Greg Shields, this song received an Honorable Mention Award from the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest. I wrote the lyrics and Greg wrote the melody. The demo here is performed by the Les Butler Quartet, a southern gospel music group.
The Whittler – Co-written with Greg Shields and Pat Hill, it is performed here by Greg Shields of North Carolina.
Some Recommendations
If you are looking for a bluegrass demo service at a very affordable price, I recommend Troy Engle. I have been using Troy for 12 years and he never fails to give me an excellent demo. He will use whatever instruments you want for he is skilled on everything. I guarantee you will be pleased with his rendition of your song. Reach Troy at troy@unpluggeddemos.com
If you’re looking for a Southern Gospel quartet demo service, Les Butler would be an excellent choice. Reach Les at lesgrass@aol.com
If you’ve written some lyrics but still need a melody written, James Rogers of Boondock Studios in NC is both good and affordable. His name is Paul but he prefers to be called James. He can write music for you and he also can produce excellent demos of bluegrass as well as numerous other genres. Reach James at paulrogers86@hotmail.com