by Cari Cole
As a songwriter, musician or artist, it’s often difficult to know which songs to present. Should you show your best song first even if that means the more artistic deeper song that might not show commerciality, or the uptempo commercial song that might not showcase your deeper artistry as a writer? Is it different when you are showcasing for a label or manager or pitching your song for a licensing opportunity? What about when you’re showing songs to a publisher for co-writes or a radio promoter?
Here’s the rule of thumb: the best most uptempo song wins. It shows your music biz savvy and that you know your own catalog #smartmusician. Ever notice how a label or management team introduces an artist with their uptempo radio friendly songs first? Then, once we’re familiar, comes the searing heartbreaking ballads? There’s a reason for that. Our attention is more easily captured by the more uptempo hook driven songs – period. People want to feel good is my guess. Now, I know what you’re thinking – you’re probably like me and you tend to like the ballads despite that. Yep – I know, but that’s ‘cause we’re artists.
The truth is, you always want to lead with your BEST song followed by another BEST song and another BEST song. Then later comes your best ballad – and BAM – you’ve won them forever. Make sense?
A great template to follow is to watch the order artists release their music in. What comes first? And what’s the order of songs on their albums? You KNOW they obsess over the order ad nauseum. For good reason. You can’t plan on anyone getting past the first song.
On Adele’s 21 (which has now sold over 21 million worldwide without even touring!) she’s got two uptempos – Rolling in the Deep and Rumour Has It leading the album (use this as information you use in your next presentation). Then she follows with a midtempo with a slight ballad feel Turning Tables – a meaningful song with a dynamic build, but not really a ballad. The first ballad is in 4th place: Don’t You Remember. The biggest ballad on the album is actually in 11th place. It was most likely a surprise hit for them. It’s pretty hard even for professionals to predict what songs will strike people in their solar plexus even when you think you know 
In terms of who you’re presenting to (a label, producer, music supervisor, publisher, radio, promoter, or your fans) there are some differences which I’ll address further down in this article, but the general rule of thumb is: present 2 of your BEST most uptempo songs first followed by your best midtempo, followed by your best ballad.
And make sure your catalog is organized this way on your website, your record – your Youtube channel, so whomever stumbles across you (you never know who is), will only hear your best first.
Here’s the way I simplify the process for the artists and songwriters I consult and work with.
Every songwriter or artist loves all of their songs – understood – they are your babies. But for the sake of success let’s get professional. As a good parent you’ve got to choose who is ready to fly and who needs more nurturing ;).
Take an hour or two (or more if you have a big catalog) to sort out your songs In order of importance:
Radio friendly uptempo songs first
Midtempos next
Ballads third
Then ask these questions of each song to further decide if they’re ready to really fly:
Is it lyrically smart/clever, well written?
Is it melodically interesting, compelling?
Is it musically relevant?
Is the production innovative?
Songs that fit all the requirements win over the others. Period.
Then narrow it down to your Top 10.
I use this process whether I’m working with worktapes, demos or broadcast quality material.
Then use this order to present to just about everyone in all cases – especially for a “first listen” of your material. People will appreciate your selection and trust a second listen. Once you have a relationship you can show the more artistic songs, but still only if they meet the requirements of your Top 10 or Top 20 list. Remember, you’re the one who has to know when your babies are ready to fly. And only show worktapes to your songwriting coach or co-writers. Even your publisher deserves a great demo.
Ready to uplevel your song catalog and get your music on an seriously pro level? Set up a consult with me – we’ll discuss how to make you undeniable. And yes, I work with songwriters and musicians as well as artists.
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