What is a songwriter?
A songwriter is a composer of songs. The term is widely used in the music industry, especially in genres such as pop, rock, folk and other styles, although the concept is universal.
A songwriter is dedicated to creating songs
Musical composition: Creating the melody, harmony and musical structure of the song.
Lyrics: Writing the words that make up the song, conveying a message, a story or an emotion.
Often, the songwriter combines both tasks, creating both the music and the lyrics. However, there are also songwriters who specialize in one of the two areas, collaborating with others to complete the song. For example, a lyricist focuses exclusively on writing the lyrics, while a composer focuses on the music.
Assisting other artists in creating songs is an exciting and collaborative process that requires a combination of creativity, technique and musical understanding.
Different roles a songwriter can play
Co-writer: Works alongside the artist in the creation of a song, providing ideas and refining the composition.
Ghostwriter: Creates complete songs under the artist's name, ideal for those who wish to expand their catalogue without revealing their own authorship.
Mentor: Offers guidance and advice to the artist in their creative process, helping them develop their skills as a songwriter.
Differences between "songwriter", "compositor" and "lyricist"
Songwriter: This is the most general term that covers the person who creates songs, whether the music, the lyrics, or both.
Composer: This person focuses primarily on the creation of the music, including the melody, harmony, and structure. This term is used more in classical or academic music, although it also applies to other genres.
Lyricist: This person is dedicated exclusively to writing the lyrics of the song.