Singer‑Songwriter/Composer Needed to Set Original Lyrics to Music (Country/Americana Ballad)

Project Overview I’ve written complete lyrics for a country/Americana ballad and need a songwriter, composer, or topline melody writer to set them to music. The lyrics are finished—no rewrites needed. I’m looking for someone with strong melodic instincts and genre familiarity to create the melody, chord structure, and a basic sense of arrangement. About the Song Title: Back Near Otsego A reflective, narrative ballad about two people who loved each other as teenagers, drifted apart, lived full lives separately, and reconnect later in life. Structure: Verse / Chorus / Bridge Tone: Conversational, plainspoken, emotionally warm. Style & Reference Points Mid‑tempo heartland rock + mature country balladry. Think: Tom Petty (reflective mid‑tempo songs like Wildflowers, Angel Dream) Vince Gill (warm, emotional ballads) Chris Stapleton (slower, aching vocal delivery) Bob Seger (Against the Wind, Like a Rock) Target feel: Petty‑style melodic simplicity + Vince Gill/Stapleton emotional warmth. What I Need From You Original melody set to my lyrics Basic chord chart or lead sheet Full demo recording with vocals (not instrumental only) Your thoughts on tempo, key, and instrumentation Vocal Requirements You may use: A human vocalist with a warm, weathered, emotionally direct tone or A generic AI‑generated vocal (Suno/Udio/ElevenLabs), not a voice clone of any named artist Please state which option you provide. Ideal Candidate Experience in country, Americana, or heartland rock Comfortable working from completed lyrics Able to provide a vocal demo Portfolio of similar original work To Apply Please include: 2–3 samples of your original music in a similar style Your process and timeline Your flat fee or hourly rate (I’ll share the full lyric sheet with shortlisted applicants.) Budget, Timeline & Rights Budget: $150–$600 flat fee (guitar/piano + vocal demo is fine) Timeline: 1–3 weeks Rights: Work‑for‑hire, full buyout. You must confirm the melody is original and that all rights transfer to me upon final payment.