American Songwriter: Celebrating the Art and Craft of Songwriting
For decades, American Songwriter has served as a premier resource for musicians and enthusiasts dedicated to the craft of writing music. Established in 1984 and based in the heart of the music industry in Nashville, Tennessee, this bimonthly publication focuses on the intellectual and artistic journey of creating songs, offering a deep dive into the stories behind the music.
From its inception, the magazine has remained committed to its original objective: producing an insightful and intellectually intriguing exploration of songwriting. By blending practical advice with high-profile storytelling, it bridges the gap between aspiring writers and legendary icons.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1984
- Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Frequency: Bimonthly
- Current Publisher: Savage Media Holdings (acquired in 2019)
- Circulation: Approximately 30,000
- Core Focus: Songwriting tips, interviews, news, and lyric contests
A Legacy of Musical Diversity
While based in Nashville, American Songwriter is not limited to a single genre. The publication covers a vast spectrum of musical styles, featuring some of the most influential artists in history. Over the years, its pages have showcased the work of legends such as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Dolly Parton, and Eric Clapton.
The magazine's reach extends to contemporary stars and diverse acts, including Taylor Swift, R.E.M., Weezer, Public Enemy, and the Zac Brown Band. This inclusive approach ensures that the art of songwriting is celebrated regardless of whether the music is folk, rock, pop, country, or hip-hop.
Growth and Evolution
The business trajectory of American Songwriter reflects the growing interest in the mechanics of music creation. Originally published by Jim Sharp, the magazine was sold to a Mobile, Alabama-based investment group in 2004. Under subsequent leadership, including Albie Del Favero—the founding publisher of the Nashville Scene—the publication saw significant growth.
Between 2004 and November 2013, circulation grew from 2,000 to over 30,000. The magazine currently claims a readership of roughly 90,000 to 95,000 per issue, complemented by a strong digital presence with 150,000 to 200,000 unique monthly visitors to its website.
In 2019, the publication entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Savage Media.
Empowering Writers through Contests and Education
American Songwriter does more than report on music; it actively fosters new talent. The magazine hosts six bimonthly lyric contests. Winners are awarded professional gear, including a Shure SM58 microphone and a Gibson acoustic guitar, along with a feature in the magazine.
To further support the professional development of artists, the website features a specialized section called Songwriter U. This educational hub focuses on the business side of the industry, providing essential guidance on:
- Royalty collection and marketing
- Touring strategies
- Guitar instruction
- Lyric writing techniques
Publication Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0896-8993 |
| OCLC | 17342741 |
| Language | English |
| Parent Company | Savage Ventures |
| Distribution | Worldwide |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of American Songwriter?
The magazine focuses on the art and stories of songwriting, providing interviews, songwriting tips, news, reviews, and lyric contests across all musical genres.
Where is the magazine based?
American Songwriter is based in Nashville, Tennessee, the global hub of the songwriting community.
What can writers learn from Songwriter U?
Songwriter U is a dedicated section of the website that teaches the business of songwriting, including marketing, royalty collection, touring, and technical lyric and guitar skills.
What prizes are available in the lyric contests?
Contest winners typically receive a Gibson acoustic guitar, a Shure SM58 microphone, and a feature in the magazine. Some annual grand prizes have included co-writing sessions and demo recording opportunities in Nashville studios.
Who owns American Songwriter?
The magazine was acquired by Savage Media in 2019 and is part of Savage Ventures.