FINDING NEW SONGS TO SING
Finding great audition material isn’t about stumbling onto the perfect song. It’s a process you build over time. The strongest books come from actors who actively search, track, and refine their choices instead of waiting for inspiration to strike.
HOW TO FIND NEW MATERIAL THAT ACTUALLY FITS YOU
As a Broadway audition coach, actors often ask me where to find new songs.
The answer isn’t a single source. It’s a system. The more intentionally you engage with material, the more options you generate for yourself.
CONSUME MATERIAL CONSISTENTLY
You can’t find what you’re not exposed to.
Watch musicals, but don’t stop there. Films, television, concerts, interviews, even commercials can lead you to unexpected material.
Music is everywhere. The more you take in, the more likely you are to recognize something that fits.
TRACK WHAT CATCHES YOUR EAR
Interest is easy to lose if you don’t capture it.
When a song makes you pause, log it. Keep a running list on your phone. Use tools like Shazam when you hear something in passing.
Not everything you log will make it into your book, but without a record, most of it disappears.
STUDY ARTISTS STRATEGICALLY
Look at performers who are building the kind of career you want.
Pay attention to what they sing in concerts, what roles they’ve played, and who they cite as influences.
This gives you a map of material that aligns with your voice type and artistic lane.
FOLLOW THE LINEAGE
If you connect with a composer or writer, trace their influences.
Explore who inspired them, and then who inspired those artists.
That chain leads you to a broader network of material that shares a similar musical language.
DIG INTO THE CATALOG
Search for lists of songs by composers and lyricists you admire.
Read the lyrics first. If the text feels playable and something you could live inside, then listen to the music.
This approach helps you filter material more efficiently and uncover songs that aren’t immediately obvious.
USE STREAMING TOOLS INTENTIONALLY
Streaming platforms can be more than passive listening.
Search by artist, genre, or era. Explore playlists. Follow recommendation paths.
The algorithm can surface useful material if you guide it with clear inputs.
GET OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE
If you’re stuck, bring in support.
A knowledgeable coach can help you navigate the catalog, identify gaps in your book, and suggest material that fits both your voice and your casting.
(By the way, I have done this for many clients and would be happy to help you.)
Curating a strong book is both creative and strategic, and it benefits from an informed outside eye.
🥜 IN A NUTSHELL
Great rep isn’t found. It’s built. Stay curious, track what you discover, and refine your choices over time until your book reflects exactly who you are.
