Songwriter vs. Producer (who they are + what they do)
I love making music.
I started as a songwriter playing on an old family guitar with two missing strings in Northeast Ohio. Eventually, I segued into music production. Nowadays, I do both — and they’re constantly supporting each other, as good friends do.
So welcome to my guide on what a songwriter vs. producer is. Here’s my take:
A songwriter is someone who comes up with an idea and composes original lyrics and music. A producer is someone who records, develops and prepares a track for professional release.
Alright, let’s do this.
What Is Songwriting?
Songwriting is the act of creating original music, by any means necessary.
So a songwriter is someone who writes, conceptualizes and composes that original music.
This feels pretty obvious.
But here are some of the specific things a songwriter usually does:
Writing lyrics, melodies and chords
Building and planning a song’s structure
Playing live shows and touring (not always though)
Infusing music with their authentic musical style and voice
Using their principle instrument to conceptualize song ideas
Recording and sending demos or ‘stems’ to producers
Explore more:
➤ Become A Songwriter
What Is Music Production?
Music production is the process of recording, developing and distributing music using software and digital tools.
So a music producer is someone who overseas the recording, technical development and release of a song.
Here are some of the specific things they do:
Turning a songwriter’s demo or vision into reality
Offering feedback and suggestions to musicians
Creating polished and professional, release-ready songs
Using software (a DAW) and digital tools in a studio to create music
Song development (sound selection, recording, arranging, editing, etc.)
Mixing and mastering (sometimes this part is outsourced)
Explore more:
➤ My Top Music Production Tips
Songwriter vs. Producer (7 takeaways)
1. Songwriters Perform
Producers are less focused on booking gigs and playing live — they’re busy helping other artists make music in the studio.
BUT, there are plenty of exceptions.
DJs and electronic producers put on amazing shows. And many producers have their own music or band.
But for this post, let’s keep things simple and just assume producers are in the studio, on their computers and using software to make sounds.
Songwriters on the other hand, are generally more focused on getting gigs, playing live shows and getting exposure. From busking to touring, songwriters have a keen focus on performance.
But then again, not all songwriters play live music — this is a musician stereotype. Nothing is dogmatic.
But again, for the sake of simplicity, let’s assume generalities.
2. Producers Are Software Wizards
I’m not saying that songwriters don’t know their way around a plugin or software program — especially electronic songwriters.
But this tends to be the producer’s domain.
A producer takes deep dives into the subtleties of their FX plugins, EQ parameters and frequency behaviors.
They move beyond the melody and into the technicals — the waves and sonic patterns happening in the background. They are digital wizards.
This is actually my biggest issue with my own productions. I love the songwriting process way more.
When it comes to the technicals of music production, I sometimes get bored (even though I know it’s super important).
So I try to embody different mindsets depending on what I’m doing (i.e., a songwriter vs. producer mindset).
This helps me stay motivated and focused.
3. Producers Guide Songwriters
As a songwriter, I’m usually hyper focused on writing melodies and finding the ‘soul’ of a song.
And often, I change my mind and lose focus a lot. This leads to many unfinished projects and a lack of clarity (if you know, you know).
It’s hard to be objective and push through motivation droughts and creative ruts. But producers are fantastic cowriters in this way.
Part of their work is to help guide songwriters with lyric direction, phonology and melody writing. They understand what it takes to make a song sound as epic as it possibly can.
For me, I see songwriting as a prototype. The producer is able to fine-tune the music so it’s ready for ‘the market’.
Producers are sometimes like Sherpas for songwriters.
4. They’re Different Stages of the Same Journey
Songwriting and music production are nothing more than different checkpoints along the same journey to creating a song.
As a songwriter, I usually start a production with an idea in mind (not always, but often).
Songwriting sometimes feels like brainstorming, where I focus on play and creative flow. Then I take my favorite ideas into the computer for production.
I think it’s the same for others too. Songwriters usually go to a producer with some ideas in mind. They have a vision and they need help to realize it. Producers know how to translate that idea into reality.
Even though an idea may change a lot during the production process (again, producers help guide musicians in this way), many of the core melodies and direction will remain.
The music-making process has many different phases. Songwriting and music production are just two of the checkpoints towards the same destination.
5. They Have Different Income Streams
Songwriters and producers usually follow different career paths.
Here are some ways producers make money:
Taking on songwriters as clients
Music publishing
Creating online courses
Selling digital products like sample packs, presets or beats
On the other hand, songwriters usually make money by:
Playing live shows
Selling merchandise
Collecting royalties for sync placements or streaming
Teaching
Selling their services
Of course, there are definitely some overlaps here (producers can get royalties and songwriters can sell digital products too). But in general (*traditionally), songwriters and producers have different income streams.
Keep in mind though that making money as a modern musician has expanded in exciting ways.
For example, I’m a musician but I also make money through blogging.
So don’t feel like you’re backed into a corner when it comes to monetizing your passion and skills. Get creative!
6. Both Are Musicians
Both songwriters and producers are musicians. They are both an epic act of creative artistry.
So don’t get too caught up in the blurred lines of where a producer starts and a songwriter ends.
It’s all music. Both are musicians expressing their visions and creativity.
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7. You Can Be Both
Many songwriters become producers. And many producers become songwriters.
You can do both. In fact, I recommend it! Learning music production has given me a lot more creative freedom and flexibility.
It’s also expanded my songwriting toolset. I can make sounds and songs that my guitar and voice alone simply cannot.
So just because you’re songwriter doesn’t mean you’re not a producer (and vice versa). In fact, becoming both can amplify your music and create synergy.
While these two roles can be quite different, they’re also genetically similar — like siblings in a family.
So, Who Gets Music Credit?
I thought I’d round out this post by leaving you with a question to ponder.
What’s your take on producers receiving song credits?
Should credit be equally shared, or based on the level of impact their ideas had? Or some other system?
Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Later ✌️
Songwriters and producers are two sides of the same (musical) coin.
Each excel in specific areas, but together they make each other stronger. A songwriter is usually more focused on composition and writing lyrics and melodies.
A producer, on the other hand, tends to focus on the recording, development and distribution of music.
But as with everything in life, there are plenty of caveats and gray areas. All this is to say that you can absolutely be both. It just depends on your goals, passions and preferences.
But either way, just remember that songwriters and producers are equally creative and both musicians.
So which one are you?
