1. Connect with songwriting groups and associations to learn, share information, and meet collaborators.
2. Use area nightclubs and open mic nights to test new material in front of live audiences.
3. Consider joining Texas music associations and unions relevant to your genre and goals.
4. Review Copyrights, Trademarks and General Music Business Information and learn the basics of music publishing.
5. Build a strong catalog—aim for a “resume” of at least 40 original songs.
6. Register your songs with the U.S. Copyright Office.
7. Register with TMO’s Musician Listings so you can be eligible for referrals.
8. Keep your contact list current and pursue relationships with established recording artists who may be a fit to record your songs.
9. Create a realistic “wish list” of artists you want to cover your songs, then contact their management (TMO may have contact info). Make sure your writing genuinely fits their repertoire.
10. Broaden exposure through social media featuring high-quality video performances of your songs.
11. Make your music available via streaming and downloads using distribution services such as TuneCore, ReverbNation, and CD Baby.
12. Explore opportunities with film, television, and video game music supervisors that accept unsolicited material.

Tip: your “best work” should be the first thing people hear when they land on your pages—lead with your strongest songs and your best video.

• Copyright registration: Register songs with the U.S. Copyright Office to document ownership.
• Sound recordings royalties: If you own the sound recording (SR) and/or release music independently, consider registering recordings with SoundExchange to help collect certain digital performance royalties (e.g., non-interactive digital transmissions, including satellite and internet radio).
• Educate your audience: Some streaming royalties paid to sound recording owners/featured artists may flow through organizations like SoundExchange depending on usage and rights.

Keep it clean and easy to scan. A basic songwriter promo pack can include:

• Song titles + year of copyright
• Lyric sheets for your three best lyrical songs
• A list of songs recorded by others (include artist name + album name)
• All co-writers and (if applicable) their publishing company names

Tip: if your pack is longer than one page, make the first page a “highlight reel” with links to your best recordings/videos.

• Austin Songwriters Group
• Corpus Christi Songwriters
• Dallas Songwriters Association
• Denton Songwriters Guild
• Fort Worth Songwriters Association
• Houston Songwriters Association
• Nashville Songwriters Association International • College Station
• Nashville Songwriters Association International • Dallas
• Nashville Songwriters Association International • Fort Worth
• Nashville Songwriters Association International • Houston
• Rockport Songwriter Association
• Texas Songwriter Association

Tip: go to one meeting/event and set a simple goal—meet 2 people, exchange links, and follow up within 48 hours.