Songwriters, listen up, I love Christmas and holiday music, I really do.

The songs make me smile, laugh and sometimes cry. Christmas memories and experiences are universal and make for great material for writers and, consequently,  Christmas songs allow the listener to recall and relive memories.

But the fact remains, new original Christmas songs are difficult to get covered by artists, especially newly famous artists.  You may have what you believe to be the greatest Christmas song ever (of course it is), but it’s still incredibly difficult to get it recorded.

And I can tell you the main reason why.

It’s quite simple, really.

Almost every single recording artist has been developing and working on their craft for years, many since they were very small children.  In the process, they visualize and plan: who they’re going to be; where they’re going to play (big arenas, huge crowds, massive applause); and what they’re going to do (be famous). And, of course, one of the things they have always been planning to do is record a fabulous Christmas album with all of their favorite holiday classics!

So, unfortunately, if your holiday song (with the potential to be an all time classic) is in competition with the artist’s dreams of recording their favorites it’s going to be an uphill struggle.

This is not meant to say that new Christmas songs don’t get recorded. They do. This is not meant to say it never happens. It does. New Christmas songs come along all the time, but I’m just trying to explain a bit of how the business really works.

Also, just something else to keep in mind, decisions for recording holiday songs are typically made by early September. So please keep this in mind for your pitches.

I hope you find this helpful.

And, Merry Christmas!
Until next time, friends….be nice!