Songwriter and JMC lecturer Paul Aiden says there are two questions he gets asked every time he tells someone he’s a songwriter and producer:
“Ooh! Anything I’ve heard of?” or,
“Do you really make money off of that?”
With over two decades in the global music industry, Paul Aiden has mastered turning songwriting and music producing into a sustainable career. Working with top-tier artists, securing international publishing deals, and mentoring emerging talent at JMC Academy, he believes that combining passion with vocation offers a unique path, one that not everyone gets the chance or encouragement to pursue.
An accomplished artist, producer, and songwriter recently relocated from London to Sydney, Paul transitioned from being signed with Universal Music to writing for others across genres. His work boasts multiple chart positions worldwide, including number 2 in the USA and over 250 million streams, with press features in outlets like Billboard USA. Collaborations with industry leaders such as 3Beat/Universal, Axtone, and Ministry of Sound further cement his status as a global force in songwriting.
Explore Paul's Work on his website and Spotify
Unlike traditional professions, freelance songwriting doesn’t come with a clear-cut path and for many parents, the idea of their child pursuing a creative career can be daunting. But with the right mindset, skills, and industry knowledge, it’s not only possible, it’s a career that can be sustainable and rewarding. Here’s how he built his own path and his best advice for aspiring songwriters.
1. A Strong Support System
Growing up in the United Kingdom, Paul developed a love for music from a young age, going to live concerts with his parents and experiencing music as a shared passion. As a member of ‘the only band at school,’ Paul had the opportunity to perform and receive early validation for his talent.
“In our heads we were already famous,” he recalls, reminiscing about when his band would feature in local newspapers in his hometown on the outskirts of Manchester. “All I was excited about was music lessons, practicing music, and talking about guitarists and other bands.”
Now, as a mentor, Paul sees many young songwriters who may not have had that same early encouragement.
“When [my students] play me something new, I’m sitting there considering all aspects of what I’m hearing, from the vocals to the instrumentation and effects… I feel like so many of my students have never really been told how good they are. Some of them have never even played their music to their families, and I’m just like… what?!”
For parents, this highlights an important takeaway: Encouragement matters. Simply acknowledging a child’s talent, helping them find performance opportunities, or exposing them to live music can make a huge difference in building confidence.
“Paul was one of the first people I showed my original music to” says JMC Music student Hollie Beard . “His encouragement and belief in me really fostered my self-confidence and individual style as an artist. As well as helping in the production of my released single ‘September’ and my unreleased EP tracks, Paul has provided so much support and insight into what goes into a track release, the best ways to set yourself up as an artist and the best ways to be seen and heard.”
2. Take Bold Steps to Start Earning as a Songwriter
With a solid foundation of musical experience, Paul traveled to Australia as a backpacker at the age of 21, spending his time between seeing the Aussie sights and busking across cities. Paul’s journey took him from busking in Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall (his favourite busking spot!) to working with major artists. But success didn’t come from waiting, it came from taking risks.
“While I was busking in Pitt St Mall, this guy came up to me and asked, ‘Is that your own song?’ and I said yeah… and then he said, ‘Oh nice, well I’m in a pop band called Human Nature’... so suddenly I had two pop stars coming to visit me at my apartment in Kings Cross to hear more of my music.”
This chance encounter led to his first funded songwriting trip to Los Angeles.
“It was a whole coming-of-age fairytale, really. Here I was, playing, singing, making money, living off it, amazing weather… I was literally busking, and then I was given a tonne of cash. Someone met me at the airport in America, I was in Hollywood—it was a dream come true. I imagined it and then it happened.”
For aspiring songwriters, the lesson is clear: You have to put your work out there. Whether it’s through busking, open mic nights, uploading demos online, or pitching songs for sync licensing, taking bold steps is the key to building momentum.
3. Networking is Crucial to Songwriting Success
While luck plays a role, long-term success in songwriting comes down to networking and persistence.
Reflecting on his first record deal at 22, Paul says, “I guess I was lucky in hindsight, because I was approached by a label that didn't offer me a whole lot of money, but really believed in me.”
Harnessing the power of early digital platforms, Paul built connections across the globe.
“Early on, I really got on board with Myspace as a way to share music. I came back from Australia to the UK for a while, but I had this dream of going to New York. So I started networking with New York-based bands and kind of booked this whole trip through making friends on Myspace, playing in Manhattan and in Brooklyn, and I stayed there for ages… I felt like Myspace was great for music.”
Today, networking happens on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, SoundBetter, and LinkedIn. Building relationships, whether online or in person is crucial for landing gigs, collaborations, and opportunities.
4. Diversify Income Streams
Recognizing that financial stability is important in any creative field, Paul advises songwriters to develop multiple avenues of income. “When anyone asks me ‘what’s your biggest advice,’ I always say something like spread yourself around as much as you can… Because doing just one thing can be quite challenging when times are slow. But if you’re doing songwriting here, and a production project over there, and learning to DJ or working in live sound… one of those things will always be working for you.” This approach not only helps maintain steady income but also enriches your creative journey with diverse experiences.
5. The Passion That Drives It All
At the heart of it all is the love for songwriting. For Paul, the joy of creating something from nothing is what makes it all worthwhile.
“I get to hear songs come together over and over again every day, and it’s always the most exciting thing.”
His inspiration comes from everywhere, film, literature, other songwriters, and even his students at JMC.
“I am such a consumer. I am inspired by my students at JMC too, and I just want to point out that this JMC community is also such a good line.”
“While we were recording and producing my recent single ‘September’, Paul really held space for me to explore my individual sounds and styles, helping me to find multiple ways in which I can express that through the production process” says JMC student Hollie. “From recording to re-recording and producing multiple versions of the track his aid through the journey really helped shape ‘September’ and me as an artist finding my space in the music industry.”
When asked how he knows when a song is done, Paul says, “When no stone has been left unturned, but also don’t be afraid to re-record it. The Beatles re-recorded songs over and over in slightly different styles until they got the perfect take. So it’s okay to delete it and start again.”
A Career Worth Pursuing
For those contemplating a future in songwriting, whether you’re a parent, a creative student, or an educator - the answer is a resounding yes. With the right mix of creativity, persistence, and strategy, building a career in songwriting is not only possible, it can be sustainable and deeply fulfilling. By embracing opportunities, nurturing your network, diversifying your creative ventures, and continually honing your craft, songwriters can pave their own way in a competitive industry.
And as Paul’s journey proves, sometimes all it takes is a bold step, a little persistence, and the right connections to turn passion into profession.
