The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions I Get About Songwriting
By Diona Devincenzi, Songwriter, Producer, Artist
As a songwriter and music producer, I get asked a ton of questions—about the craft, the creative process, the business, and the day-to-day life of being in the music industry. So I figured I’d compile the 10 most frequently asked questions I get about songwriting and share my answers here. Whether you're an aspiring songwriter, music lover, or just curious about how it all works behind the scenes, I hope this gives you a peek into my world.
1. Which comes first—the lyrics or the music?
Honestly? It depends.
Sometimes, I start with a full set of lyrics or even just a chorus idea and build the melody around that. Other times, I’m collaborating with co-writers who bring in the music first, and I write the lyrics to fit.
When I’m writing solo, the words and music often come together at the same time—kind of like a conversation between melody and meaning. I might also start with a rhythm track or a guitar riff and let the song unfold from there.
But if I had to name one approach I use the most, it’s starting with a title. About 80% of the time, a great title sparks the whole creative process for me. Every song has its own path—and I love that.
2. Do you ever perform your songs live?
Not much lately. Most of my work is in the studio, where I do perform—just in front of a mic instead of a crowd. When I’m recording, I always try to sing like I’m performing to a live audience. Never say never, though.
3. What instruments do you play?
I sing, play guitar, and dabble on the keys. That combo keeps things interesting in the studio and gives me lots of flexibility in how I write and produce.
4. Do you sell your songs? How does that work?
The short version: songwriters license songs more than they sell them outright.
As the songwriter, I still own the copyright to my music. But I license the usage rights to artists, music supervisors, ad agencies, and production companies. That means they pay to use my songs in recordings, shows, commercials, films, or streaming platforms.
So technically, it’s more about licensing intellectual property than “selling” songs.
5. How do you make money as a songwriter?
Great question—and one I get a lot. Here are a few of the main ways:
Music placements - in film, TV, ads, or YouTube videos.
Digital sales - think iTunes, Bandcamp, artist websites, etc.
Streaming royalties - from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.
Performance royalties - when a song is played publicly.
Sync licensing fees - when a song is licensed for media.
There are other revenue streams, but those are the big ones. Want to learn more? I created a free downloadable guide called 10 Huge Tips for Licensing Your Music—grab it here.
Trust me, you’ll thank me.
6. Who are your favorite artists to listen to?
I listen to everything—seriously. I’m a huge Spotify user and always exploring new genres. What draws me in is vibe, soul, and groove. I love bluesy, hooky songs with substance—strong melodies and lyrics that say something.
I’m not big on fluffy, repetitive pop. But I respect a great pop hook when it’s done right. (You can find my current faves on Spotify!)
7. What’s it like living in San Diego?
I love it. San Diego is super inspiring—it has this laid-back creative energy that’s great for writing and producing music. I moved here after living in Nashville for years, and I truly appreciate what both cities offer.
That said, San Diego’s gotten really popular, so the traffic and growing pains come with the territory.
8. You must write country music, right?
Not exactly! I’ve lived in Nashville, but I don’t write country. And honestly, neither do a lot of Nashville-based writers.
My music leans more into rootsy, bluesy, soulful rock with some indie pop thrown in—especially for sync work in film and TV.
9. Isn’t modern country just pop music with a twang?
A lot of it is. Today’s mainstream country often blends ’70s rock vibes with modern hip-hop rhythms and phrasing. But there are also amazing retro-country subgenres that still honor that classic sound—they just don’t get as much radio play on mainstream stations.
10. Have you written anything I would know?
Maybe!
If you watch network TV, stream content online, or pay attention to music in film, you may have heard my work. My songs have appeared in shows like SEAL Team, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, Life Sentence, and Lethal Weapon, among others.
But if you're thinking about traditional AM/FM radio—nope. My focus is sync licensing and storytelling through sound in film, TV, and digital platforms.
(Quick note: “Terrestrial radio” = the physical AM/FM stations. Think: the car radio, not Spotify or SiriusXM.)
Bonus Question: Do you ever see country music stars?
When I lived in Nashville, yes! I’d spot them at the grocery store, airport, gym, or grabbing coffee at Starbucks. The cool thing about Nashville is that no one really bothers celebrities. It’s part of what makes them love living there.
Got more questions about songwriting or the music biz? Drop them in the comments below—or send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.