**This is a Thursday morning workshop.**
Watch Stream Here: https://vimeo.com/event/5859944/9b0fbb3951?fl=so&fe=fs
Discover what actually goes into writing a hit song, from what happens in a writing room and how to navigate it, to how songs develop from an initial idea to a fully-formed track. Learn about how musicians and songwriters are paid through easy-to-understand explanations of royalties, contracts, deals, and revenue streams. Set out in clear chapters for easy reference, It's Not Just A Song guides you through topics like choosing the best manager, finding collaborators and building and maintaining relationships in the industry.
It's Not Just A Song offers unprecedented access to the inner workings of professional songwriting, including some of the pitfalls and challenges songwriters can face. As RuthAnne emphasises in her introduction, "There is nothing without the song. Songwriters are the foundation upon which the entire music industry is built. Without songwriters, there is just silence." This book arrives at a crucial moment for the songwriting community, following the Ivors Academy's recent successful campaign securing per diems and vital rights protections for songwriters.
Yet despite its candid examination of the industry’s challenges, the book's greatest strength lies in RuthAnne's infectious passion for songwriting. Her obsession with the craft since she was 7 years old, the joy and fulfilment she derives from it, and the incredible places it has taken her shine through on every page. With its mix of honest advice and practical tips you can try out straight away, this book is guaranteed to motivate readers to start their next creative project as soon as they put it down.
About Ruthanne Cunningham:
RuthAnne has spent the last twenty years shaping modern pop music from behind the scenes – garnering over 12 billion streams across her songwriting catalogue and over 200 million for her artist releases. She is the writer behind global hits such as ‘Too Little, Too Late’ by JoJo, ‘Work Bitch’ by Britney Spears, and ‘No Control’ by One Direction. It was in her years of experience in writing rooms that the idea for her 2025 debut book ‘It’s Not Just A Song’ came into fruition. Through revealing anecdotes; exclusive interviews with world-leading songwriters such as Amy Allen (Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles) and Emily Warren (Dua Lipa, Chainsmokers); and informative industry guidance; RuthAnne lifted the veil on the coveted world of songwriting and shared the stories of some of the biggest hit songs of the 21st century.
About Sony Music Publishing:
At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP here.
**Children under the age of 13 are not allowed at workshops. 13 & up are welcome to become members.**
