Songwriting Roles

Understand the different ways to contribute to songwriting

Each role may bring something original into the musical work.

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Songwriting Songwriting Roles

What is a composer?

A composer creates and writes the different elements of a musical composition.

2 min read

What is a lyricist?

A lyricist creates and writes the words of a musical work.

1 min read

What is a songwriter?

A songwriter writes both the composition and lyrics of a musical work.

1 min read

What is a topliner?

A topliner is a songwriter focusing on vocals, melodies, and lyrics.

1 min read

What is an arranger?

An arranger finalizes a composition or song, adding their own creative touch.

2 min read

What is a trackwriter?

A trackwriter composes instrumental music that lays the foundation for new musical works.

2 min read

What is a translator?

A music translator translates the lyrics of a musical work from one language into another.

3 min read

What is an adaptor?

An adaptor modifies an existing musical work’s composition to create a new and so-called derivative work.

3 min read

What is an improviser?

An improviser creates a musical work 'on the spot'.

2 min read

What are remixers and DJs?

Remixers and DJs take existing musical works and put a new spin on them, whether in a live setting or studio.

3 min read

What is a music producer?

A music producer is in charge of the recording and can sometimes also be part of the songwriting process.

2 min read

Under , all songwriting roles may qualify as , and each author may be entitled to a share of the in the musical work unless agreed otherwise.

What determines whether you qualify as an author in the applicable , is whether your contribution is part of what makes the musical work , and what was agreed between the songwriters, thus the authors and .

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