1. RESEARCH: Genre
Pop – Singer/Songwriter

2. Introduction
• The singer-songwriter pop genre is musicians who write,
compose and sing their own musical material.
• The genre is associated with folk acoustic
• The genre can be traced back to the 18th century where
poems where performed as songs.

3. History
Although the subgenre can be dated back
to the 18th centaury, it wasn’t until the
1940’s when music started to be recorded
by singer/songwriters.

4. Features of Singer/Songwriter
• Play the guitar or piano
• All the focus is on them
• Their voice is the main instrument

5. Themes
Singer/ Songwriters material is sometimes
associated with being angled towards
topical issues e.g. romantic, political,
confessional etc.
An example of where some of these
themes have been expressed in music is
Adele’s album 21. In 21 Adele expresses
her heartbreak after the break up of a
relationship.
The album has won several awards and
has won Grammy Awards for Album of the
Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Record of the
Year, Song of the Year in 2012.

6. Influential Artists
Johnny Cash was an American
sing/songwriter who is described
as one of the most influential
musicians of the 20th centuary.
Cash’s music crosses over many
genres, but is closely linked with
country music, which is a genre
associated with
singer/songwriters.
Cash cover of ‘Hurt’ by Nine Inch
Nails and the music video has
been voted as one of the best
music videos of all time.

7. Instruments of Singer/ Songwriter
Singer/songwriters normally provide the sole
accompaniment. The artists then usually perform with a
guitar or piano.
Stevie Wonder
Taylor Swift
Paul McCartney
Elton John

8. Modern Artists
• Adele
• Taylor Swift
• Amy Winhouse
• Ben Howard
• Ed sheeran – An English singer/songwriter who won
British Solo Male Artist at the Brits in 2012. He has said
that he was inspired by James Morrison, who is another
Brit award winning singer/songwriter.