Today we have a little epiphany, especially if you’re a professional songwriter writing songs and hits for other artists.
Admittedly, doing the research on this article was illuminating for me as well! So let’s jump right in on how this observation may (and should) completely shift your thinking around how to write songs for artists—especially if your goal is to land cuts with major players in today’s music scene.
To be honest, this is completely counterintuitive to how most professional songwriters have been writing for “focus artists” for their sessions. Since the 1960s, the idea was generally to get cuts and hits by “writing young” and targeting young artists.
Today, that might not be the case! You go, boomer!
This idea originally came from a sharp observation by my colleague Caroline (props to her), and it’s absolutely worth taking into your next co-write.
Today—Most Songs Written by Professional Songwriters Skew Too Young, and That’s a Problem (Unless It’s for K-Pop)
Lately, at my publishing company, we’ve been hearing a lot of submissions come in that feel very “young” musically, lyrically, and in production. That works well in certain lanes—like K-pop, where that youthful sparkle thrives.
But when it comes to writing songs for the top-tier artists in the US, UK, and EU markets—the kind of song written for names at the top of the charts who sell out arenas—it’s a mismatch.
Except maybe for the Tate McRaes out there, the number of superstars at that level who skew young is slim. And that’s counterintuitive!
Let’s take an empirical look at why this is the case.
If you’re learning how to write songs for artists that dominate globally, you need to take into account who these artists actually are and their corresponding ages.
Spoiler: They’re not teens. They’re not even in their early 20s anymore. Maybe even out of their 30s!
Beyoncé
Who Are Today’s Real Superstars?
Let’s name names—and note the ages:
- Bruno Mars, 39
- Ariana Grande, 31
- Taylor Swift, 35
- SZA, 35
- The Weeknd, 38
- Joe Jonas, 35
- Dua Lipa, 29
- Drake, 38
- Rihanna, 37
- Ed Sheeran, 34
- Bad Bunny, 31
- Eminem, 52
- Christina Aguilera, 44
- Post Malone, 29
- Justin Bieber, 31
- Sabrina Carpenter, 25
- Beyoncé, 43
- Adam Levine (Maroon 5), 46
- Adele, 36
- Lana Del Rey, 40
- Katy Perry, 40
- J Balvin, 39
- Travis Scott, 33
- Shakira, 48
- Calvin Harris, 41
- Ellie Goulding, 38
- Shaboozey, 30
- Benson Boone, 22
- Olivia Rodrigo, 22
- Kendrick Lamar, 37
- Billie Eilish, 23
- Chappell Roan, 27
- Jelly Roll, 40
- P!nk, 45
- Teddy Swims, 32
- Charli xcx, 32
- Miley Cyrus, 32
What’s the average age here? I’m going to ballpark this as artists in their early 30s.
So if you’re trying to crack the code on how to write songs for artists, you’ve got to meet them where they are—adulthood! Not where they were when they started (i.e., Rihanna or Beyoncé in their teens).
Billboard
Switching Writing Default from “Writing Young” to “Writing Adult”
As mentioned, for decades, the industry default has been ingrained to “write young.” Even starting in the 1960s and especially in the early 2000s, that made sense—labels had their own teen pop rosters. But that world is long gone.
Britney Spears
Today, if you want song placements, try flipping the script: Write like you’re speaking to a 32-year-old with real experience, actual stories, depth, heartbreak, challenges, wins, mistakes, and edge.
When you write that way, your work becomes instantly more relevant to the artists on the A-list—and their audiences, who are often in the same phase of life.
Rick Beato on How to Write Songs for Artists with Staying Power
Check out this video by Rick Beato, where he talks about this exact idea: how the industry and its stars have aged—and that’s not a bad thing.
It’s a must-watch if you’re serious about learning how to write songs for artists who stand the test of time—not just flash-in-the-pan trends.
Rick Beato
Sophistication Matters—But So Does Range
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about writing “older” in a boring or dated way. It’s about writing with sophistication, lived experience, cultural edge, statements, and emotional range—both lyrically and vocally.
Stay up to date on must read, new articles, courses and special offers.
Don’t forget another vital guideline: Most of the stars listed above are POWERHOUSE singers! They need songs that let them vocally stretch. That’s right—they need songs that meet them on their level. Think vocal ranges that span at least an octave and a third or a fifth. That’s right—give them something to SING, so they can “blow” (to use a Berklee bit of terminology).
Example: Back when I worked with Kelly Clarkson, she’d constantly get songs that didn’t allow her to really sing. In other words—songs written within a sixth or a seventh of a range—not even an octave! You’d be surprised how many huge vocalists today face that same issue.
Kelly Clarkson
If you want to get cuts, give your songs the vocal landscape to allow artists the platform so they can shine.
Final Tip on How to Write Songs for Artists Who Actually Have Hits
So if you’re serious about figuring out how to write songs for artists who top the charts and headline stadiums—write like it.
Ask yourself: Would this song make sense coming from someone with a mortgage, a kid (or two or more), a career, and some heartbreak behind them? Would Taylor Swift, Drake, or Beyoncé cut this?
If not, it’s time to dig deeper.
Because the next time you hit “send” on a pitch, your song just might need to level up the relevance, nuance, and resonance for these older artists.
Most professional songwriters and producers are adults themselves—so now, think about it being your time to finally embrace it.
Credits:
Cvphead, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
UltimateWarrior13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Nicolas Padovani, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Come Up Show, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Greg, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
