Placing an order is easier than ever with the new ability to save your submission progress! We encourage you to stick to the most important details that will help your artist craft your song's lyrics when filling out the order form. Below you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to place your order! The initial process takes about 10-20 minutes and once purchased you can take your time filling out the rest of your details! Your chosen artist will reserve your spot for 24 hours after the initial purchase.
THE GIFTER AND RECIPIENT
First, we need to know who this song is from. Their name will go in the first gifter name slot. Then enter the email you want to be associated with your Songfinch account. Once your song is ready, we'll email you the unique URL so you can listen to your song right away.
Next, we need to know who this song is for and their relationship to the gifter! Please include the recipient’s name and pronunciation for all names you want sung in the song. If the box is checked, the artist will weave their name into the lyrics. If it is not checked, the artist will make sure not use their name.
If you’re unsure whether or not to include the pronunciation, it’s always better to include it.
For example:
David is pronounced: DAY-vid
Aretha is pronounced: uh-REE-tha
Vancouver is pronounced: van-COO-vur
WHAT IS THE SONG FOR?
We'll also need to know what the song is for and if you'd like the occasion mentioned in the song. Is it their birthday? Do you want the artist to say "Happy Birthday"? If so, click mention the occasion. If not, do not check that box and the occasion will not be in your song.
CHOOSING YOUR ARTIST
Here is where we start to get into what kind of song you're looking for! Every artist sounds different and that’s part of the beauty of music. Genres contain many different variations, sub-genres, and styles. What may be a country song to you, may not be a country song to someone else. Our artists don’t change their sound and style from song to song, so what you hear on our site will be very similar to what each artist will produce if they were to create your song. Artist’s sample songs give you a style/vibe preview before you purchase. We have 7 different genres and plenty of artists ready to create! Each one of our artists has their own unique style, so we strongly recommend choosing your artist yourself.
Artists: http://www.songfinch.com/artists
Playlists: https://www.songfinch.com/playlists
If you know which artist you want to work with, you can select "I already know who I want". On the next screen, you'll be given the opportunity to select up to 3 artist preferences.
When entering in your artist choices, you'll be presented with the artist’s name and the genres they perform in. Please select which genre you want that artist to perform your song in. We ask for three artist choices so we are prepared with options in case your first choice artist is not available! Please see the example below on how you can select your artist and genre. You can select multiple artists in different genres. Once you choose your artist, you'll be taken to the "tempo/mood" selections.
If you do not have an artist preference in mind, select "Choose for me" and our Music Supervision team will be able to choose an artist for you based on the below criteria. You'll then be asked what genre you prefer and what kind of vocalist you want.
PICKING A GENRE
We currently offer seven genres: Country, Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic Pop, Folk, Rock, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop and Christian.
Please note, the artist you select will create the song your song based on the example you listened to in order to pick that artist. Though in each genre offered we have artists that cover the entire spectrum, keep in mind that does not necessarily mean the artist you picked can create across the full spectrum of genres themselves.
For example, if an artist you picked does country, the sub-genre and style of country they do will be similar to the song example that helped you pick them. If they sound like pop country, chances are they probably aren't the best fit if you want a traditional country sound.
If you're not sure what to order or need more clarity, we're here to help!
Take a look at our full genre breakdowns here!
CHOOSING YOUR VOCAL STYLE, MOOD, AND TEMPO
Once you pick the vocal style, you’ll be asked to choose some moods to inspire the vibe and style of your song. You’ll be able to select up to two different moods! Keep in mind how well the moods work together as well.
Here is the list of available moods:
Heartfelt - Heartfelt songs highlight your emotional moments, stories, and feelings in a sincere way.
Comical - These songs highlight your funny stories and memories in a playful yet tasteful way.
Romantic - This features emotional intimate lyrics, often with a slower tempo.
Reflective - Reflective songs focus on the past memories, stories, and details you provide.
Uplifting - These songs highlight your messages of encouragement and inspiration.
Somber - These songs use an emotional and serious tone, often with a slower tempo.
Happy - Happy songs are bright, positive, and sure to bring a smile.
Lighthearted - Lighthearted songs are fun, carefree, and whimsical, with a lively bounce.
Next, you’ll get to pick a tempo for your song! The tempo indicates the beats per minute or speed of your song. This can heavily influence the feeling your song gives! Take a minute to consider what you want to use your song for! For example, slow-tempo songs are ideal for a slow dance or ballad. Up-tempo songs have plenty of energy that are ideal for celebrations or anthems!
Keep in mind: A slow-tempo romantic song has a whole different vibe than an up-tempo romantic song, so please make sure to select one if you have a preference. If not, the default is “No Preference” and the artist will use their expertise to form the tempo based on all of your other selections to make the best song possible.
Once you pick your tempo you’ll be able to purchase your song and reserve your spot with the artist you’ve chosen! Once you’ve purchased your song, your spot will be held with your original artist for 24 hours. You can take your time filling out the questions and story prompts and then sending them to your artist. Otherwise, you can wait as long as you would like and select an available artist when you’re ready to submit your order.
WELCOME TO SONGFINCH STUDIO
WHO IS YOUR RECIPIENT?
Here is the time to tell us why you’re ordering this song! Tell us what story you want your song to tell, write your story like you’re telling someone you’ve never met before, and try to avoid listing things out without context. Be thorough and take your time. The details and context you provide help your artist add depth, emotion, and meaning to your song. Please keep in mind, our artists don't know you or your story so provide context when possible!
Tips:
Make sure it makes sense
After you finish a response, re-read it from the perspective of a stranger. Be sure to include enough context so your artist understands what you’ve shared. Make it extra clear by including pronunciations too.
Avoid making a list
Without context, a list of random places, dates, and things could end up sounding like one of those goofy parody songs. If you only say, “Pepperoni, Pineapple, and Sausage”, that could be your go-to pizza order or the names of your three dogs. Context is key!
Include descriptive details
“I remember the crackling sound of the fire while sleeping under the stars” hits differently than “We went camping.” Think about all of the senses, and give your artist a peek into what your memories feel like.
SHARE YOUR STORY
We've limited the story prompt text box to 750 characters since we don't need a ton of information to write your song. Keep in mind each song is about 2:30-3:30 which includes two verses and a repeated chorus, so we don't need pages of information. You can purchase a third verse at checkout! Please keep in mind we can’t accept external links like Word Docs, PDFs, Webpages, etc so include all of your song information within the text boxes provided. If you do want to include dates, please stick to the MONTH, DAY, YEAR format!
There are a number of prompts to choose from so use your best judgment when providing us with your story. We also have thought starters and storytelling tips to help guide you in the right direction!
In the next section, share with us the three most important details that you need included in your song. All other details are used to help craft your song's lyrics and are not guaranteed to make it into your lyrics, but these three details will be included no matter what. Please limit one detail per line and a short sentence of context.
Please keep in mind, if you request an artist to use a certain instrument we cannot guarantee that will be used. Some artists may not play that instrument or feel that another would work better with the song they are creating for you.
Next, we’ll get some pronunciation from you! Please include the pronunciation of any words, names, or places included in your entire song submission here.
REVIEW YOUR SUBMISSION
After sharing your pronunciation, you're finished! You'll be given the option to review your details and make any changes here. Use this time to double-check that your spelling, pronunciations, and details are correct and included. Anything within your submission can make the song unless noted by you. Please keep in mind if there is something misspelled or mistyped, the artist will use what is written!
Before being able to submit your order and choose your delivery date, you are required to select this box. By selecting this box, you are understanding that no changes can be made to your order once it is submitted.
All songs are delivered on the 7th day by 11:59pm CST if you don't select rush shipping. We cannot deliver your song sooner than the date selected at checkout. Rush fees start at $25 USD for 6-day delivery and go up to $75 USD for 4-day delivery.
At this point, you can also select an Extra Verse, any add-ons, or tip your artist! You can also order these after your song is delivered. You cannot add a third verse while your song is in progress. All prices are in USD, if you are located outside of the US you will be charged in your country's currency.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident to complete your purchase knowing that we will take your request and create the best song possible!
If you are looking to get in touch with our Customer Success team or if you have additional questions, you can reach out HERE! They are online 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CST, 7 days a week.
We can't wait to write your song!