Writing Behind The Scenes – Hit Songs Written by The Widely Unknown
Quite often you’ll find that your favourite artist isn’t always the one behind your favourite song. So we are looking at three songwriters you may not have heard of.
Diane Warren
Born in California in 1956, Diane Warren is a multi-award winning songwriter and publisher. She has written 9 number one singles and over 30 ‘Top 10’ singles, and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She also owns her only Music Publishing company called Realsongs to look after her rights, as well as running The Diane Warren Foundation that is a charity organisation that has aided in animal rights, music education and enrichment for those suffering.
Our Favourite Songs?
- If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher (1989)
- I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing by Aerosmith (1998)
- Rhythm Of The Night by DeBage (1985)
- Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton (1996)
- Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paloma Faith (2014)
Jack Antonoff
Making his name back in 2008, Jack Antonoff made his pop music debut with his band Fun, and further in 2012 with the band’s number one single ‘We Are Young’, which is one of 125 songs that are classified as a Diamond Record.
Since then, Antonoff has been a co-writer and producer to some of the biggest music stars from Taylor Swift to Lana Del Ray, and has won 8 Grammys as well as often being credited as having a significant impact on the sound of contemporary pop music for the last 10 years.
Our Favourite Songs?
- We Are Young by Fun. (feat. Janelle Monáe) (2011)
- Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift (2022)
- Green Light by Lorde (2017)
- Mariners Apartment Complex by Lana Del Ray (2018)
- Pay Your Way In Pain by St. Vincent (2021)
Max Martin
Rising to Prominence in the late 1990s, Max Martin was responsible for some of the biggest hits of the end of the millennium with his work with Britney Spears, NSYNC and Backstreet Boys.
Originating in Sweden, Martin started out at Cheiron Studios learning production basics and producing Eurodance songs. The studio was then hired to produce the Backstreet Boys’ self-titled debut album which allowed Martin to move into the mainstream.
He has written or co-written 25 songs that have appeared on Billboard Top 100 and has won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award 11 times.
Our Favourite Songs?
- …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears (1998)
- So What by P!nk (2008)
- I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys (1999)
- The One That Got Away by Katy Perry (2011)
- Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande (2016)
Have you written any songs for a band or an artist?
Being a songwriter for artists and bands have always been a huge part of the music industry, with many musicians from Elvis, Frank Sinatra, to The Supremes having songs written for them.
Although a songwriter may choose to sell their songs for a flat fee, many still keep ahold of their Publishing Royalties – which means they will always receive royalties for their composition being played.
Songwriters can still make money through radio play, covers, as well as streams and purchases.
Make sure to sign up to RouteNote Publishing so your worldwide compositional royalties are being looked after and going straight into your pocket whether you’re performing the song or not!