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It's Not Just A Song: Educational Book

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It's Not Just A Song: Educational Book

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Hit Songs and Navigating the Music Industry

By RuthAnne Cunningham

Item: 12-0571543197

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It's Not Just A Song by GRAMMY and BRIT nominated Irish singer-songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham is the must-have guide to writing hit songs. The book serves as an essential guide for aspiring songwriters, featuring insights from industry heavyweights and candid discussions on navigating the music business and sustaining a career.

RuthAnne explores the psychology of the writing room, building relationships, production, what makes a good (or bad) deal, royalties and revenue, and the art of staying inspired. Her experience navigating the traditional music industry "Boys' Club" offers young female artists, in particular, some invaluable tools to get a step ahead in their early career and be wary of the hidden pitfalls.

Featuring high-profile interviews with the likes of GRAMMY-winner Amy Wadge (co-writer with Ed Sheeran), multi-platinum songwriter/producer Julian Bunetta (co-writer with Sabrina Carpenter), co-writer on Dua Lipa's "New Rules," Emily Warren, and Adele co-writer Dan Wilson. Discover the stories behind Adele's anthemic "Someone Like You" and Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" and delve into case studies for songs such as Harry Style's "As It Was." This is the book that hit songwriters wish they had!

RuthAnne Cunningham has written for global superstars including Britney Spears, John Legend, Diana Ross One Direction, and Niall Horan, earning her a reputation as one of the most talented and sought-after songwriters of her generation. Her own single "The Vow" broke into the UK Top 40, hit #1 in Ireland twice, and continues to chart globally.

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Additional Details
Series: Faber Music
Publisher: Faber Music
Page Count: 272
ISBN10: 0-571-54319-7
ISBN13: 978-0-571-54319-9
UPC: 9780571543199
SKU: 12-0571543197

More about this title

About the Composer: RuthAnne Cunningham

RuthAnne Cunningham is an Irish singer-songwriter and prolific commercial songwriter whose work has shaped hits for some of the world's biggest artists. A GRAMMY and BRIT nominee, she has co-written songs for Britney Spears, John Legend, Diana Ross, One Direction, and Niall Horan, establishing herself as one of the most in-demand songwriters of her generation. Her own single "The Vow" achieved significant chart success, proving her ability to write compelling material across multiple contexts.

Beyond her own artistry, Cunningham brings hard-won insight into the professional songwriting world. Her experience navigating the music industry as a woman in songwriting rooms informs her perspective on craft, business acumen, and the often-overlooked realities of sustaining a songwriting career.

Why we love this

This book speaks directly to the gap between musical talent and music business survival. Rather than focusing solely on melodies and chord progressions, Cunningham addresses the psychological, relational, and financial dimensions of songwriting that most craft books ignore. Her interviews with Amy Wadge, Julian Bunetta, Emily Warren, and Dan Wilson reveal the human logic behind chart-dominating songs, making it invaluable for students preparing for the realities of professional music work.

Who it's for

Aspiring songwriters and young musicians who want to understand not just how to write a song, but how to build a sustainable career in songwriting. This book is particularly valuable for female musicians navigating industries dominated by established gatekeepers, offering both practical business knowledge and candid mentorship from working professionals.

How to use it

Pair this with a songwriting elective or an advanced composition seminar focused on contemporary music. It works particularly well for programs that want to bridge the gap between academic music training and the realities of making a living as a musician. Consider assigning chapters alongside critiques of songs referenced in the book ("Someone Like You," "Thinking Out Loud," "As It Was") so students can hear the principles at work.

Skills your students will build

  • Understanding song structure through analysis of hit songs
  • Navigating the music business and contract literacy
  • Collaboration and communication in professional writing rooms
  • Artist development and long-term career strategy
  • Rights, royalties, and revenue streams for songwriters

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