← archive index · live page · raw markdown

Platinum Selling Songs (and How to Make Money as a Songwriter) with Justin Gammella (FINNEAS, Bella Poarch, Bahamas)

Metadata

description

Why is it so hard to make a living as a songwriter? I ask Justin, who's an advocate on behalf of songwriters, and a hit writer himself. We dig into what it means to be a writer in 2024, the challenges, the opportunities, and the joy of it. Let's Love Music More. Justin Gammella is a platinum-selling songwriter, producer, vocal producer, podcast host, and songwriter advocate based in Los Angeles hailing from Long Island, New York. With a diverse clientele that includes a roster of renowned artists such as FINNEAS, Bella Poarch, Benson Boone, Steve Aoki, Lauren Jauragui, Bahamas, Lennon Stella, Ashe, Kaskade, Vicetone, Rosie Darling, Shallou, mazie, Katelyn Tarver, Jake Scott, Blake Rose, Carlie Hanson, and more, Justin’s multifaceted talents have left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a member of SONA (Songwriters of North America) and an active participant in multiple committees, he champions the rights and recognition of fellow songwriters. With a career that spans across various genres and projects, Justin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every endeavor, ensuring a signature touch of excellence in all his collaborations.

status

complete

date

2024-11-26

kind

guest

guestSlugs

justin-gammella

listenUrl

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Platinum-Selling-Songs-and-How-to-Make-Money-as-a-Songwriter-with-Justin-Gammella-FINNEAS--Bella-Poarch--Bahamas-e2remdb

appleUrl

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/platinum-selling-songs-and-how-to-make-money-as/id1567355195?i=1000678259897&uo=4

spotifyUrl

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5CsK1ZVJQ0DW93B48YnaO0

youtubeUrl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfyLDSMh3EE

topicsDiscussed

Songwriting
The music business
Music production
Collaboration
Touring
Los Angeles
New York
AI
Songwriter advocacy and streaming pay
Publishing deals
Leaving the artist path for writing

hostNote

**Justin Gammella** is a platinum-selling songwriter who's written with **FINNEAS**, **Bella Poarch**, and **Bahamas**, and he's also an active advocate for songwriter pay through SONA. We start with the gap between how glamorous the job looks from outside and how hard it actually is to make a living writing songs for other artists. Justin walks us from classical training into hit songwriting, what changes in a room when you're writing for someone else's voice, and how to know what you actually want from a publisher before you sign with one, "if you don't know what you want, you might not be ready for one." We get into fair pay, streaming economics, and why he thinks songwriter compensation won't move without consumers pushing for it too. He closes on the balance between artistry and commercial pressure, and why, whatever else he's doing, music keeps pulling him back.

selectedMoments

label
Opening introduction and welcome
startSec
100
note
The host introduces Justin Gammella, highlighting his career as a songwriter and producer.
label
The struggle of songwriters
startSec
178
note
Justin discusses how the perception of music's glamour does not match the financial realities songwriters face.
label
Importance of fair pay
startSec
256
note
They talk about how fair pay for artists affects the music quality and sustainability.
label
Justin's early musical journey
startSec
339
note
Justin shares how his passion for music started at a young age and evolved over time.
label
The dynamics of songwriting
startSec
498
note
Discussion on how collaborating with other artists in songwriting sessions influences creativity.
label
Navigating publishing deals
startSec
960
note
Justin explains the importance of finding the right publisher and negotiating favorable terms.
label
The balance between artistry and commercialism
startSec
1204
note
Conversation on how songwriters can maintain artistic integrity while being commercially successful.
label
Future of music consumption
startSec
1860
note
Justin discusses trends in music and how the industry is evolving.
label
Advice for aspiring songwriters
startSec
3438
note
Justin offers encouragement and practical advice for those looking to pursue a career in songwriting.

excerptQuotes

text
At the end of the day, you want to make sure the artist is getting paid well.
startSec
257
reviewed
true
text
The way we get paid is similar but different, and we're fighting the same battles.
startSec
258
reviewed
true
text
I think you have to know what you want in a publisher. If you don’t know what you want, you might not be ready for one.
startSec
1039
reviewed
true
text
You want to blame us? I don’t care, but you have to force consumers to do it or else it’s never going to happen.
startSec
3137
reviewed
true
text
Music will always pull me towards it no matter what I'm doing in life.
startSec
3511
reviewed
true

faq

question
What challenges do songwriters face in 2024?
answer
In 2024, songwriters face challenges such as unfair compensation, the complexity of music publishing deals, and the need to navigate an ever-changing industry.
question
How can songwriters advocate for their rights?
answer
Songwriters can advocate for their rights through organizations like SONA, participating in collective bargaining, and by raising awareness about the importance of fair pay.
question
What advice does Justin Gammella have for aspiring songwriters?
answer
Justin advises aspiring songwriters to focus on their artistic integrity, collaborate with others, and understand the business aspects of music to ensure a sustainable career.

transcriptPublished

false

draft

false

Content

No body content; see metadata above.