Finding the right song to record can be one of the most exciting parts of being a singer.
Maybe you’re preparing your first single. Perhaps you’re working on an album or EP. Or, you may have been performing covers for years and are ready to release music that gives you your own identity as an artist.
Not every singer is a songwriter—and you don’t have to write every song you perform. Fortunately, many singers work with songwriters or discover professionally written songs that they can license and make their own through their performance.
The challenge is knowing where to look and what to consider once you find a song you like.
So, where can singers find original songs to record?
Here are several ways to discover original music and find a song that fits your voice and musical direction.
1. Start by Defining the Kind of Song You’re Looking For
Before searching through hundreds or thousands of songs, take a few minutes to decide what you’re actually looking for.
First, think about:
- Your musical genre
- Your vocal range
- Your vocal style
- The mood you want
- The story you want to tell
- Your intended audience
- Whether you’re recording a single, EP, or album
- Whether you want an upbeat song or a ballad
For example, a country singer looking for a song about coming home will have a very different search than a pop vocalist looking for an energetic breakup anthem.
As a result, the more specific you can be, the easier it becomes to recognize the right song when you hear it.
2. Work Directly with Songwriters
One traditional way to find original songs is to build relationships with songwriters.
Songwriters are constantly creating new material, and many write songs with other artists in mind.
For instance, you may meet songwriters through:
- Local music communities
- Songwriting events
- Music conferences
- Recording studios
- Nashville and other songwriting communities
- Social media
- Online songwriter networks
Building relationships can lead to wonderful creative collaborations.
Over time, you might discover a songwriter whose style fits your voice particularly well. You may even eventually work together on songs written specifically with your artistry in mind.
The downside is that finding the right songwriter can take time, especially if you don’t already have connections in the music industry.
Fortunately, online song catalogs offer another way to discover original music.
3. Explore Online Song Catalogs
Online music marketplaces give singers another way to discover original songs without having to know the songwriter personally.
Instead of waiting for someone to send you a song, you can actively search for the type of music you’re looking for.
This can be particularly helpful for independent artists who are producing their own music and need to find songs on their own.
In addition, you can listen to different songs, compare styles, and find material that fits the direction you’re developing as an artist.
One platform I’ve become involved with as a songwriter is Starchild.
Starchild is built around connecting professionally written songs with artists looking for their next song. The platform allows artists to search by genre, mood, tempo, vocal type, lyrical theme, and style.
As a result, you can begin with an idea as specific as:
“I’m looking for a slow country ballad for a female vocalist about coming home.”
On the other hand, you can simply browse and see what inspires you.
4. Listen Before You Decide
Finding a song that looks good on paper isn’t enough.
Instead, you need to hear it.
Pay attention to the melody, lyrics, arrangement, vocal range, and overall feeling of the song.
As you listen, ask yourself:
Can I hear my voice on this song?
Sometimes a song will sound interesting when you first hear it, but you may realize that it doesn’t fit your voice.
Other times, a song you weren’t expecting to like can immediately feel like something you were meant to sing.
For that reason, give yourself permission to explore.
5. Look Beyond One Production Style
Another thing to consider is the production.
You may love a song but not necessarily love the way the original demo sounds.
However, that doesn’t automatically mean the song isn’t right for you.
The underlying composition—the melody, lyrics, and chords—can sometimes work beautifully in a completely different musical setting.
For example, you might hear a song produced as a pop track and imagine it as:
- A country ballad
- An acoustic arrangement
- A piano-driven song
- A rock performance
- An Americana recording
In other words, try to hear the possibilities in the song rather than judging it only by its original production.
6. Make Sure the Song Fits Your Voice
Once you’ve found a song you like, don’t forget the practical side.
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
Is the vocal range comfortable?
You don’t want to spend an entire recording session fighting the melody.
Do the lyrics feel natural?
You should be able to communicate the words honestly and confidently.
Does the style fit you?
A song doesn’t necessarily have to fit perfectly into the music you’ve already released. However, it should make sense for the artist you’re becoming.
Can you make it your own?
Think about how your voice, phrasing, emotion, and interpretation could change the way the listener experiences the song.
A songwriter creates the song.
Ultimately, the singer brings the song to life.
7. Understand the License Before You Record
This is one of the most important steps when you’re choosing an original song.
Before you begin recording, don’t assume that every song is available under the same terms.
Instead, understand exactly what rights you’re receiving.
Depending on the song and license, you may need to consider things such as:
- Commercial recording rights
- Distribution rights
- Publishing
- Royalties
- Exclusivity
- Whether you can change the arrangement
- Whether you can monetize your recording
For example, Starchild provides the specific rights and terms associated with each licensing package before purchase.
If you’re unsure about a contract or licensing agreement, consider getting professional legal advice before releasing the recording.
8. Think About the Story You’re Trying to Tell
A great song isn’t only about vocal range or genre.
Just as importantly, it’s about connection.
What do you want your music to say?
Maybe you’re building an album about love and relationships.
Maybe your music centers around faith.
Perhaps you want songs about small-town life, family, heartbreak, hope, or starting over.
When you’re searching for original songs, think about the story you’re building as an artist.
Ultimately, the right song may be one that expresses something you couldn’t have said quite as well yourself.
Explore Original Songs by Cascia Talbert
I’m a singer-songwriter as well as a flutist, composer, arranger, music producer, and music educator.
I’ve written original songs in a variety of styles, including country, Americana, Christian, inspirational, Christmas, patriotic, and contemporary music.
Some of my songs are available for singers and recording artists through Starchild.
My catalog includes songs with very different personalities—from heartfelt country songs and Christian music to fun, humorous songs and contemporary material.
You can listen to the songs, explore the available options, and decide whether one might be a good fit for your voice and your project.
Browse My Original Songs on Starchild
You can also visit my Original Songs for Sale page here on The Country Flutist to learn more about my songwriting and available catalog.
Explore Original Songs for Sale
What If You Don’t Know Exactly What You’re Looking For?
That’s okay, too.
You don’t necessarily have to begin your search with a specific song title or even a specific songwriter.
Sometimes you simply need to start listening.
You might discover a song because of its lyrics.
Another might grab you because of the melody.
You might hear a production that makes you imagine an entirely different arrangement.
And occasionally, you’ll hear a song and immediately think:
“This is the one.”
That’s the kind of discovery that makes searching for original music so much fun.
Finding Your Next Song
There are more ways than ever for singers to discover original music.
You can develop relationships with songwriters, attend music events, explore online catalogs, and search specifically for songs that match your voice and musical style.
Most importantly, give yourself time to listen and explore.
Don’t choose a song simply because it’s available.
Instead, choose one because you can hear yourself performing it.
Your next song may already be written.
You just have to find it.
🎵 Ready to Start Looking?
Browse Original Songs by Cascia Talbert on Starchild
And if you’re looking for more information about my songwriting and available music:
Happy singing!
Cascia Talbert
The Country Flutist
countryflutist.com
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