How To Choose the Right Song to Record
Picking the right song to record is kind of like deciding what dish to bring to a party. You want something memorable. It has to leave a mark, but it also has to fit the vibe of whoever’s there (because nobody eats the person’s weird potato salad). Your song? Same deal. It’s gotta be authentically you but also have broad enough appeal—or a specific enough niche—to make people perk up and say, “This is interesting.”
Feeling stuck on where to start? Here’s the recipe for finding the track that’s ready to shine in the studio and beyond.
1. What’s the Song’s Endgame?
Is this song your power move to score a record deal? A secret weapon to slide into a label’s inbox? Or maybe it’s a track designed for your fans to blast on repeat while screaming the lyrics. Knowing what this song is meant to do is step one.
If you’re aiming for chart love or streaming stat domination, focus on something with a catchy hook enter Taylor Swift’s ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together’ or a "stick-in-your-head-for-days" riff like Kings of Leon, “Sex on Fire". But if it’s a song to connect deeply with your audience, reflect on the emotion it carries. Ask yourself (yes, old-school artist vibes here), What story am I telling? Purpose drives direction. Pro tip? Write it down somewhere you can see it while working. You’ll thank yourself later.
Want more on audience appeal? Visit our instagram where you can find some of the artists we’ve worked with that are killing it right now—trust me, you’ll find useful gems.
2. Test It Like You’re Sampling Ice Cream Flavors
Think about how you know if an ice cream flavor is “the one.” You sample it. Same rule applies to your songs. Put them out there a little. Play that track for trusted friends, your bandmates, or a manager who actually listens (we see you, Karen!).
Performing live? Great! Gauge the crowd reaction—are they vibing, nodding along, feeling it? Social media also makes this fun. Try clips on Instagram Stories or TikTok (maybe cut to the best-hook part). If comments flood in like, “Where is this on Spotify??” congrats, your song might be THE song.
3. What Gives You Butterflies?
Look, songs are like relationships. You’re gonna spend a long time with them—perfecting them in the studio, performing them, talking about them. If the thought of recording a particular track doesn’t excite you—doesn’t make your stomach flutter with anticipation—then it’s probably not the one.
Listen to your gut—and, spoiler, your gut is very rarely wrong. Record something that makes your heart race. Your people will feel the electricity you put into it when they hear it. Goosebumps are universal currency.
If you need help finding that spark, check out our Creative Coaching Services with Danielle Todd. We’re basically matchmakers for your sound.
4. Will Your Audience Love It, Too?
Here’s where things get a little business-y. Picture your audience. Are they music geeks who live for lyrics straight from the soul, or casual listeners who want something they can hum while driving to the beach? The vibe matters.
If your crowd is raw and intimate, lean into emotional tracks. But if you’re gunning for the mainstream, think of that universal connective thread. Is there a standout hook? A beat that makes heads turn? Both? (Bingo.)
Need help identifying your audience? Start with demographics. Have that conversation. Check out bandzoogle’s blog about getting to know your fanbase. The more you know!
5. Get a Producer in the Mix
Your producer isn’t just sitting there tweaking EQs and pressing buttons. They’re part artist, part magician, part coach. Collaborate with them early in the decision process. Done right, they’ll help sharpen the storytelling edge of your track. Trust their experience—they’ve likely seen what works, what doesn’t, and where your song could benefit from a tweak (or why that quirky tambourine moment actually kicks).
If you’ve never worked with a producer before (or are looking for someone who “gets” your vibe), check out our Nashville Producer. We would love to chat with you to see if we are the right fit for your project. Set up a phone call right here.
6. Shake Up the Variety Bag
Ever been to an all-you-can-eat buffet where every dish is spaghetti? Exactly. Variety is key when constructing a record, an EP, or even a series of singles. If you’ve already decided on a batch of dreamy acoustic tracks, consider whether the next song could add some fresh energy with new instruments or a shift in tempo. Changing it up keeps fans guessing and engaged.
7. Remember the Practical Stuff
We know, boring but...how complicated is this track? If there’s a 26-piece brass orchestra in your mind but your budget says “bare-bones acoustic session,” it’s time to rethink. Simplicity doesn’t mean boring—it can mean clarity.
Work smarter, and bring your producer into this discussion. Maybe scaling it back brings out the secret magic of the song. Pro producers are wizards with this stuff, so don’t hesitate to ask.
8. Trust Your Inner Compass
Ultimately, the right track is the one you keep coming back to. It’s the one that makes you excited to press “record” every day and share it with the world. Your gut feeling isn’t a random coincidence—it’s experience, intuition, and passion all working in harmony. Trust it.
Go Make Magic Happen!
The process of choosing the right song doesn’t have to feel like soul-crushing pressure—it’s your chance to showcase what makes you unique as an artist. And remember, we’re here to help you along the way. Whether it’s turning your raw recordings into studio-quality tracks or strategizing your next big move, we would love to help you through the process. Let’s chat today!
Your next hit is waiting. You’ve got this.