Creating a song is usually a deeply satisfying process for me, though it is also challenging. If you’re interested in working with me to create a song for you, I encourage you to read this page to get a sense of how that process might work. Feel free to contact Barbie to set up a call if you’d like to clarify any of this or discuss next steps.
Process
As you may have seen on the previous page, I have used different processes for different projects, depending on who is involved, what kind of music is needed, etc. You can read through those examples to get a better sense of how each of them happened. Regardless of the particular process, though, it will be essential that we have some intentional conversation to get a sense of your vision and what you want the song to express, the mood, genre, etc. I may also ask you to send me some written answers to a few questions to give me a starting place.
My goal is to create a song you love and that speaks your heart and mind, and I will work hard to make that happen. There will be multiple opportunities for feedback, and re-writes and editing are crucial to making it all that it can be. If, however, you decide it isn’t working, you can walk away from the process at any time, paying only the initial deposit. I would like to emphasize that this has never happened. It’s good to have a plan, though, just in case the process doesn’t go where you hoped.
Costs and Timelines
The total fee for a completed song that you adore is $3000, including a professional, high quality, produced recording of the song. If a professionally produced recording is not necessary, the fee for the song, with a very basic recording, will be $2000. The deposit, due when I begin working on the song, is $750.
The timeline on a song will generally be three months, beginning from our first meeting to discuss the specific content of the song (video conferences are fine, too). If you have a specific deadline in mind that is less than three months, please let me know and I will do what I can to accommodate it.
Guidelines and Boundaries
It has been an honor for me to be invited into creating songs that try to speak another person’s heart and mind. To the degree that I have been able to do that, it is because I have resonated with the things they wanted to express. It may go without saying, but for the wake of clarity, it is probably worth stating clearly that I will not take on a project that doesn’t feel authentic to my own worldview and values.
It may also be worth noting that a commissioned song is not the same as a co-write. I can coach you on writing your own song, or I can write one for you with your feedback, and will try as hard as I can to create something you love. If you need further clarification on this point, feel free to get in touch.
You will have full rights to use the song however you like, in good faith. I will retain ownership of the song and its publishing rights.
Movies and Sync Fees
My songs have been used in films, and I have a large catalogue of instrumental music that lends itself to synchronizing with images. If you are interested in using one of my songs, with or without words, as a background for video or film, I would love to talk with you. There are so many factors in determining the costs associated with that kind of usage that the best thing is to simply get in touch so we can discuss it.