There are countless tips, tricks, and advice columns on the Internet. Yet there is something magical about holding a print magazine in your hand, gleaning lessons from some of the world’s greatest songwriters.

Your regional chain bookseller likely has several racks of magazines, and usually they have American Songwriter Magazine, Performing Songwriter magazine, and sometimes both!

But which to choose? Which one do you take home with you for timeless instruction? And which one do you read while sipping your latte in the book cafe, only to return it to the magazine shelf before leaving?

Blogging Muses takes a look at these two leading songwriting magazines.

Performing Songwriter Magazine

The magazine was founded in 1993 by Lydia Hutchinson in Nashville, Tennesee. It was a small magazine operation running out of her garage. Soon, big name songwriters were subscribing to the magazine and a sense of community was forming - with Performing Songwriter magazine as it’s centerpiece.

The magazine is remarkably focused on what it’s title implies - Performing Songwriter.

In addition to the obligatory artist interviews and album reviews, the special features are really good. Their product reviews run the gamut of recording software, songwriting products, and suggestions of equipment for use by the traveling songwriter.

Their reviews of songwriting products are not usually just rehashes of the product press release. They actually use them in their songwriting process before the review is written. In a word, their reviews are useful.

To date, Performing Songwriter remains an independant publication and remains a staple for most successful songwriters.

American Songwriter Magazine

Started in 1984 (and also independant), American Songwriter is a mainstay in the songwriting space. A recent change in ownership has meant big things for the magazine, which is now enjoying wider distribution.

While they do often feature reviews of live performance products (a’la Performing Songwriter Magazine), their magazine is tightly focused on the songwriting process. A secondary (but almost as important) focus for American Songwriter Magazine, is legal and copyright issues. They consistently have extensive articles on the business side of music.

Additional Observations

Look and Feel:
While both magazines have first-rate content, for some reason I prefer the feel and vibe of Performing Songwriter Magazine. I’m not a print guy so I can’t talk paper quality and graphic design, but for some reason it resonates with me in a way American Songwriter does not.

Subscription Cost:
Performing Songwriter - 36.60 for 12 months (8 issues).
American Songwriter - 36.60 for 12 months (6 issues).

So … Which Magazine Is For You?

It’s really only a question you can answer. Both magazines are praised by successful industry veterans. If you prefer great songwriting articles coupled with plenty of legal and business advice - then maybe American Songwriter. If you prefer the performing aspect, then go with Performing Songwriter.

Again, that’s not to say that each magazine doesn’t cover everything. But for many musicians it may simply lie in what his/her current focus is.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either one.

Subscribe to Performing Songwriter Magazine. (via Amazon.com)
Subscribe to American Songwriter Magazine. (via Amazon.com)