#Songstructure

[learnhowtocreatemusic]

Song Structure Challenges: Crafting Memorable Hooks

Crafting a memorable hook is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of songwriting. The hook is the part of the song that grabs the listener's attention and sticks with them long after the song has ended. To create a hook that stands out, it’s essential to understand song structure and how to effectively integrate your hooks into it. This post will break down song structures, explore the art of crafting hooks, and offer strategies to overcome common challenges in song structure.

Understanding Song Structure

Before diving into hooks, let’s first get a grasp on song structure. A song’s structure provides a roadmap for how its parts fit together, helping to create a cohesive and engaging piece of music.

Common Song Structures

1. **Verse-Chorus Structure**

The verse-chorus structure is perhaps the most common format in popular music. It typically features alternating verses and choruses, with the chorus being the catchiest part of the song.

- **Verse:** Introduces new lyrics and melody, setting up the story or theme.

- **Chorus:** Repeats the central hook, reinforcing the main message and making it memorable.

2. **AABA Structure**

The AABA structure consists of two verses (A), a bridge (B), and a final verse (A). It’s often used in classic pop and jazz songs.

- **A Sections:** Present the main theme or hook.

- **B Section (Bridge):** Provides contrast and a break from the repetitive A sections.

3. **ABABCB Structure**

This format includes verses (A), choruses (B), and a bridge (C). It’s a versatile structure that allows for dynamic and engaging song development.

- **A Sections:** Introduce the song’s narrative.

- **B Sections:** Feature the hook or chorus.

- **C Section (Bridge):** Offers a fresh perspective or variation.

The Role of Each Song Section

1. **Introduction:** Sets the tone and grabs attention.

2. **Verses:** Build the story or theme of the song.

3. **Chorus:** Delivers the hook and the song’s main message.

4. **Bridge:** Adds variety and emotional depth.

5. **Outro:** Provides closure and wraps up the song.

Crafting Memorable Hooks

A hook is the essence of your song—the part that makes it stick in listeners' minds. Crafting a memorable hook involves a blend of melody, lyrics, and rhythm.

**What is a Hook?**

A hook is a catchy phrase, melody, or riff that stands out and grabs the listener’s attention. It’s usually the most memorable part of the song, often repeated multiple times to reinforce its impact.

**Characteristics of a Great Hook**

1. **Catchiness:** The hook should be easy to remember and sing along to. Catchy hooks often have a rhythmic quality that makes them stick.

2. **Emotional Impact:** Great hooks evoke emotions, whether it’s joy, sadness, or excitement. They resonate with listeners on a personal level.

3. **Simplicity:** Keep it simple. A hook that is too complex can be hard to remember. Aim for clarity and impact.

**Techniques for Writing Hooks**

1. **Melody Creation:** Experiment with different melodies until you find one that feels unique and memorable. Use repetition strategically to make the melody stick.

2. **Lyric Crafting:** Write lyrics that are relatable and resonate with your audience. Play with wordplay and imagery to create a memorable phrase.

3. **Rhythm and Groove:** Incorporate a rhythm that complements your melody and lyrics. The groove of the hook should make listeners want to move along with it.

**Breaking Down Song Structures for Hooks**

Understanding how to fit your hook into various song structures can enhance its effectiveness and ensure it stands out.

The Verse-Chorus Structure

In the verse-chorus structure, the hook usually appears in the chorus. Make sure your chorus is significantly more impactful than your verses to highlight the hook effectively.

- **Example:** In a song like “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, the chorus features a memorable hook that contrasts with the verses, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

**The AABA Structure**

For the AABA structure, the hook is typically present in the A sections. The B section (bridge) provides a contrast, which can make the hook more striking when it returns.

- **Example:** Classic songs like “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland use the AABA structure, with the hook prominently featured in the A sections.

**The ABABCB Structure**

In the ABABCB structure, the hook appears multiple times, including in the chorus and sometimes in a modified form in the bridge. This format allows for variations and development of the hook throughout the song.

- **Example:** Modern pop songs often use this structure, giving hooks multiple chances to shine and evolve.

Common Song Structure Challenges

Crafting a hook that fits seamlessly into your song structure can be challenging. Here are some common issues and how to overcome them.

**Avoiding Repetition**

While repetition is key for making a hook memorable, overdoing it can lead to monotony. Vary the delivery of the hook and integrate it in different ways to keep it fresh.

- **Tip:** Use different instrumental arrangements or vocal variations to keep the hook engaging throughout the song.

Balancing Originality and Familiarity

A hook should be original but still familiar enough to resonate with listeners. Striking the right balance can be tricky.

- **Tip:** Analyze successful hooks in your genre and experiment with variations to find a unique yet familiar sound.

**Creating Smooth Transitions**

Ensuring that the hook fits seamlessly into the structure is crucial. Abrupt changes can disrupt the flow of the song.

- **Tip:** Focus on smooth transitions between sections and use the bridge to create a natural build-up to the hook.

Tips for Enhancing Your Songwriting

1. **Experimenting with Different Structures:** Don’t be afraid to try unconventional song formats to discover new ways to integrate your hook.

2. **Analyzing Successful Songs:** Study hits in your genre to understand how they use hooks and structures effectively.

3. **Collaborating with Other Songwriters:** Working with others can provide fresh perspectives and new ideas for crafting memorable hooks.

Conclusion

Crafting a memorable hook is a blend of creativity, technique, and understanding song structure. By experimenting with different formats, honing your melody and lyrics, and addressing common challenges, you can create hooks that captivate and resonate with your audience. Remember, the most memorable hooks are those that reflect your unique style and connect with listeners on an emotional level. Keep experimenting and refining your craft, and you’ll be well on your way to writing songs that stand out.

FAQs

1. **What makes a hook memorable?**

- A memorable hook is catchy, emotionally impactful, and simple. It should be easy to remember and evoke a strong reaction from listeners.

2. **How can I avoid clichés in my hooks?**

- Aim

for originality by experimenting with unique melodies and lyrics. Analyze popular hooks to identify and avoid common clichés.

3. **Should I always follow a traditional song structure?**

- While traditional structures are effective, experimenting with unconventional formats can lead to innovative and memorable hooks.

4. **How do I know if my hook is effective?**

- Test your hook with different listeners and get feedback. If it sticks in their minds and evokes a strong emotional response, it’s likely effective.

5. **Can hooks be different for different music genres?**

- Yes, hooks can vary by genre. Tailor your hook to fit the style and expectations of your genre while still aiming for originality and impact.

[talk2emtron]

Collaborating with my nephew on structuring a song with a new twist! #musicproducer

Collaborating with my nephew on structuring a song with a new twist! 🔥🎶 #musicproducer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgXKleoeFdM Talk2EmTron ask his nephew to structure a song with a different style, wanting to learn and stay current with new sounds. Anxiously waiting to see if the nephew could make the song fire with his own twist. Let's see what he did. 🔥 Tiktok:talk2emtron IG:talk2emtron Facebook Group: Learn From Experience #music #Collab #music #songstructure #learning #newmusic #youthsound #melody #beat #collaboration #familytalent #vizard via Talk2EmTron https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXnQWXoKPW8VBRWQTqv7_jg April 28, 2024 at 02:35AM

[knalovenge]

Song structure pt 1 of 2 To hear the different styles and structures you can go to Spotify or wherever you stream music and pull up KNA-LO VENGE my latest single is DAGESTANI SHAKEDOWN. #songstructure #music #knalovenge

[metalmessage]

HERETOIR Dancing with nature spirits … 

Action: HERETOIR Title: Nightsphere Base: Augsburg • Germany Style: Atmospheric Post Black Metal Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Metal, Post Rock, Shoegaze FFO: Alcest, Lantlôs, Amesoeurs Type: Full-length Format: CD + Vinyl Label: Northern Silence Release: Oct. 06, 2023 https://www.facebook.com/heretoir/ PR: https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_HERETOIR_en.php

Bulletpoints: 🔘 Third album of the poetic German tragedians 🔘 Enchanting songs, full of depth and beauty 🔘 Definitely one of the best acts of the genre https://youtu.be/4mHhCYCksZI [ Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II • Official Lyric Video ] The band states: „‚Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II‘ – a song with a very diverse songstructure that leaves room for aggressive blast beat passages summoning dark Black Metal atmospheres, as well as fragile Post Rock parts with emotional clean vocals. The lyrics tell an epic tale of war between the natural world and the manmade realm of machines. The grand finale of ‚Glacierheart‘ is dominated by fierce screams and rhythmic doublebass passages illustrating the clash of the spirits of the wild and industrialized mankind.“ https://youtu.be/A3jnmSpolX0 [ Twilight Of The Machines • Official Music Video ]

The band states: „In a world in which the conflict between industrialized mankind and untouched nature is producing increasingly noticeable consequences, we wanted to process the theme in a piece of music. Inspired by the civilization-critical writings of John Zerzan and Stanley Diamond, we created a song that addresses the clash between the world of machines and the wilderness in a melancholic but also powerful way. The music video illustrates this confrontation in an impressive and stirring way, as the protagonist tries to escape his dreary working world and also to find refuge in the spirits of the woods.“

Only 5 months after their 2023 mini-album „Wastelands“, HERETOIR releasing their new intense full-length „Nightsphere“!

The new record is a concept album dealing with the struggle between the forces of nature and a world of machines. Humanity is in the midst of this confrontation, and the dichotomy between living as an animal among animals and existing as a cog in the wheel of progress determines the course of the story the five songs tell.

„Nightsphere“ is a dark album that weaves atmospheric Black Metal parts with melodic clean passages, swirling blast beats with calm Post Rock and ambient sounds, and the intensity of desperate screams with the poignant emotionality of melancholic clean vocals into a musical journey through an archaic world. TRACKS:

Sanctum – Nightsphere Part I 10:45

Twilight Of The Machines 08:34

Pneuma 06:57

Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II 11:57

The Death Of Man 04:07 total: 42:21

It is also the first album that was entirely written by the full band, featuring contributions of every single member. „Nightsphere“ features ambient sounds of the long-time befriended project Hidehidehide as well as guest-appearances of two giants of the (Post) Black Metal genre – Tim Yatras of Austere who fuels the song „Twilight Of The Machines“ with his anguish and Nikita Kamprad of Der Weg einer Freiheit who delivers intense and powerful vocals on „Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II“.

„Nightsphere“’s natural and organic but powerful sound was crafted by David Deutsch and Justin Felder at 1408 Productions in Hannover, who were responsible for the mix of the record. Furthermore Nikita Kamprad of Der Weg einer Freiheit took care of the mastering of the album.

Prepare to dive into a highly atmospheric night-realm and emotional maelstrom with „Nightsphere“. All while new songs for a future release are already written and recorded. HERETOIR are more determined than ever to enter the stages of the world with full force!

The band says about „Nightsphere“: „This album is very special to us as this is our first album that was entirely written as a full band, featuring contributions of every single member of the band. The songs are dedicated to the spirits of the wilderness. ‚Nightsphere‘ is an atmospheric maelstrom that will engulf you.“

LINE-UP David ‚Eklatanz‘ Conrad • Vocals, Guitar Maximilian Forst • Guitar Kevin Storm • Guitar, Backing Vocals Matthias ‚Nathanael‘ Settele • Bass, Backing Vocals Nils Groth • Drums, Backing Vocals

FLASHBACK: Combining the emotional and atmospheric elements of Black Metal with progressive rhythm-laden modern Metal structures and the beauty of Post Rock and Shoegaze, HERETOIR is a nostalgic, melancholic and soothing soundtrack in a mad world. Founded (in Augsburg/Germany) by David C. in 2006, HERETOIR conceptually and lyrically deals with existence, self-reflection, fears and dreams – life in all its facets.

It is a musical universe set for the discovery of one’s deepest thoughts and the soul that rests in each of us. After a first demo and EP („Existenz“ (2008) & „.Existenz.“ (2009)), multiple compilation contributions and a split release with the band Thränenkind („Wiedersehen – unsere Hoffnung“, 2010) HERETOIR released their eponymous debut album „Heretoir“ on February 25th, 2011 through Northern Silence Productions.

Melodizing the topic of loss, „Heretoir“ was very well received by fans and press around the world, not least because of the powerful and atmospheric cover artwork of exceptional French artists Fursy Teyssier (Les Discrets) and Metastazis (artworks for Alcest, Anathema, Enthroned, As I Lay Dying, Gorgoroth and many more).

With the release of the debut album Matthias S. (bass), Max F. (guitar) and Emanuel D. (drums) joined the line-up and HERETOIR evolved into a full band. It didn’t take long for the group to share stages with acts like Agalloch, Alcest, Eluveitie, Graveworm, Sólstafir or Secrets Of The Moon.

In parallel with the progression of the live shows, the EP re-recording/compilation „Substanz“ was released on August 24th, 2012. After several European tours with Agrypnie, Der Weg einer Freiheit and Dornenreich and one tour through England with Dawn Ray’d, as well as performances at the Summerbreeze Open Air, the Ragnarök Festival, and support shows for renowned post-rockers God Is An Astronaut and melancholic masters Katatonia, HERETOIR was able to build up a reputation in the atmospheric Metal scene. In 2016 Emanuel D. left the band and Nils G. became the new drummer. The current line-up was completed by Kevin Storm, who joined the band in 2020.

Following more than 5 years of intense touring, the much-anticipated second album „The Circle“ was released in March 2017. „The Circle“ deals with the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Weaving crushing heaviness and atmospheric melodies, the album portrays an emotional journey – a life dedicated to self reflection and freedom.

Besides another very special cover art by Fursy Teyssier the album furthermore features guest vocals by Alcest mastermind Stéphane ‚Neige‘ Paut and mastering by the renowned sound engineer Lasse Lammert. „The Circle“ received incredible worldwide feedback by press and fans alike.

HERETOIR embarked on an extensive European tour in Spring 2017 together with the US Black Metal band Ghost Bath, visiting more than 15 countries in 5 weeks. More festival appearances and a tour with Finnish Melodic Death Metal masters Kalmah followed and in 2018 the band toured China for two weeks.

During the last years/pandemic the band worked hard and focussed on writing new material. 2023 marks an important year for HERETOIR: On 10 th February 2023 the remastered version of the debut album „Heretoir“ with bonus tracks was released. Only 3 months later the band released their new mini-album „Wastelands“ on May 19th, 2023 – their first new material in 6 years – with great worldwide reception.

HERETOIR are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email

DISCOGRAPHY 2009 • .Existenz. • EP 2011 • Heretoir • Full-length 2014 • Just For A Moment • Single 2017 • The Circle • Full-length 2019 • Golden Dust (Acoustic Version) • Single 2023 • Wastelands • EP 2023 • Nightsphere • Full-length

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

10 / 10 ➤ „… an emotional masterpiece of Black Metal art, which is much more than just music … interplay between hopeful on the one hand and the realization and despair on the other … high pleasure … production and mastering ensure a perfect sound of the whole, which comes across neither too rough nor too smooth, but earthy and natural … this is exactly how atmospheric Post Black Metal Anno ’23 must sound.“ (Metal Only)

10 / 10 ➤ „… shatter traditional classifications, and regardless of genre will make you think ‚this is just a great band‘. Every now and then, there’ll be a band who come along and remind you how and why you fell in love with music … for Post Metal fans or those looking for something a little different; add this album to your regular shuffle and playlists upon release day. You won’t regret it.“ (Ever Metal)

97 / 100 ➤ „… one of the best Post Black Metal releases of 2023 … five masterful tracks … filled with dreamy and bleak soundscapes … will please any fan of the genre and the band … mid-tempo brilliance they are known for … blistering onslaughts mixed in between atmospheric passages … the weeping lead guitars are to die for … immerse the listener from start to finish … a seamless experience filled with different moods and engaging soundscapes …“ (Infernal Masquerade)

95 / 100 ➤ „HERETOIR reminded me how fascinated I was by their previous album. ‚Nightsphere‘, with its similar, contradictory and opposed elements, offers a certainly different, but just as striking and contemplative approach.“ (Acta Infernalis)

95 / 100 ➤ „… with bravura … 42-minute emotional journey … you land in your own refuge … musical craftsmanship! One could also simply call ‚Nightsphere‘ the Post Black Metal record par excellence … the Germans of HERETOIR are at the top of this relevant subgenre. Must-buy, year-end list material!“ (Zware Metalen)

4,5 / 5 ➤ „… an emotional up and down between fantastic post-rock melody arcs, black metal outbursts, cathartic clear vocals and thoughtful acoustic passages … thoroughly great album … offers almost everything you expect from HERETOIR or Post Black Metal in general in just three quarters of an hour … radiates a captivating atmosphere at all times …“ (Stormbringer)

14 / 15 ➤ „… all the components of the sound are woven together into a homogeneous overall picture through a sombre underlying mood … another flawless masterpiece …“ (Legacy Magazin)

4 / 5 ➤ „… entirely touching and involving … spiritual but gloomy ascension … the sonic horizon of Nightsphere is constantly raised and remains strong … this is the echo of human’s cry who stares at darkness, nostalgia and ruinations.“ (Heavy Music HQ)

90 / 100 ➤ „… full of angry feelings and melancholic atmospheres.“ (X-Reviews)

8 / 10 ➤ „… revel between beautiful melodies, carried drama and wild Black Metal frenzy … convinces musically all along the line … clear buy recommendation for all HERETOIR fans!“ (Powermetal DE)

8 / 10 ➤ „… a good mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts … great … if you are a fan of atmospheric Post Black Metal, you should check out this album!“ (Occult Black Metal Zine)

8 / 10 ➤ „… the songs can captivate despite an average length of just under ten minutes and are entertaining … HERETOIR sound more self-confident and firm in their own sound and break away somewhat from their Post Metal role models … stylistically ‚Nightsphere‘ is somewhat less experimental compared to its predecessors …“ (Metal DE)

8 / 10 ➤ „… an impressive work by HERETOIR that meets and even exceeds expectations … an album that musically captures the conflict between nature and technology in an impressive and stirring way and at the same time touches the soul of the listener …“ (AM:plified Mag)

8 / 10 ➤ „… compositional cleverness … an exciting journey through the desperate sound realm of Black Metal … with almost mesmerizing repetition Heretoir draws the listener under its spell … ‚Nightsphere‘ can be seen as a Gesamtkunstwerk, which convinces with a richness of ideas and musical variety … pleases already at the first listen and has enough details which guarantee a lasting listening experience …“ (Markus‘ Heavy Music Blog)

77 / 100 ➤ „‚Nightsphere‘ is inclusive of all past aspects and traits … varietal, focused and particularly active for post-black metal today …“ (Grizzly Butts)

7,5 / 10 ➤ „… great cinema. A gripping, complex, atmospherically dense sound with various moods and high recognition value. Really great and also just as well implemented.“ (Dark Festivals)

7,5 / 10 ➤ „… melancholic and dreamy … take the listener on an astral journey and enchant with countless melodies, acoustic pads and piano sounds … very well done … what I like best is the diverse guitar work, which comes into its own very well, especially over headphones …“ (Crossfire Metal)

3,5 / 5 ➤ „… isn’t common among Post Black albums … broody and melancholic, obviously by choice … it’s excellent atmosphere music … an album that is absolutely worth a listen.“ (Metal Epidemic)

7,3 / 10 ➤ „… a well-made Blackgaze/Atmo-Black album with a moving and consistent core tone in addition to well-written songs …“ (Metal Storm)

➤ „The star here is David ‚Eklatanz‘ Conrad’s vocals and the explosion of many levels of despair and anguish … shows all the skills to convey emotion … to be compared to a broken jaw and an eye opener …“ (Metal Addicts)

➤ „… a gloomy album that combines the atmospheric Black Metal parts with clean melodic passages, lots of blast beats and quieter, almost Rock sounds … full of intensity through the desperate screams and more melancholic with clean vocals to emphasize the emotions … strongly composed … has its own unique sound …“ (Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „… all grandiose, as already with ‚Wastelands‘ … all tracks work and literally stick in the auditory canal … HERETOIR manage to captivate the listener from beginning to end … you hardly know how to deal with the oppressive mood that the album makes you feel …“ (Vampster)

➤ „… majestic and cavernous … there is something insidious about it … something between a funerary dirge and an ambient, dream-like backing … reflective … a solid, fantastic album whose concept is brought to life by the music HERETOIR has created … come for the music, stay for the story – I promise that it will devastate you.“ (Nine Circles)

➤ „… a masterpiece not to be missed under any circumstances … meticulous in every detail … carefully crafted … magnificent … truly immeasurable … moves to tears … offers everything it needs in the Post-Black realm …“ (Noisewriter) etc.

[ Artwork: Painting by Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach ] [ Pic: Toni B. Gunner Photography ]

[songwritingtipsandtricks]

Experimenting with unconventional song structures can help us create unique and memorable songs.

[songwriting-ready]

Lyric Writing Tips - How to write a song title - 5 ideas you can start with to finish your songs.

It all starts with a song. A great song should have a compelling title. When writing a title ask yourself these three questions.

- Is it catchy?

- Is it memorable?

- Does it support the lyrics of the song?

Let the title set the stage for the song. If you have a title in mind, you can pull from the songwriting stories and themes in my previous blogs. When you have an idea for a song, make sure you write it down. One of the best things you can do is have an app on your phone that you can store a quick recording. Let’s run down a few you can use.

- Apple notepad on your iphone

- Songspace

- Music Memos

- Day One

- Evernote

- Google Drive

All of these apps are great and they all have unique features. Make sure you always have something to log your lyrics, ideas, and titles when they pop. Collecting these little nuggets will pay off over time when you sit down to write. You’ll never run out of ideas this way. When you get stuck, you will always have your song crafting toolbox to work with.

The title of your song should hook the listener. Titles are often repetitive and placed carefully within the song. They can illustrate a person’s name, a place, an event. When you have an idea that you think is a good title, try to build your song from there. Let’s look at 5 types of titles you can run with.

How to find song titles. 5 Songwriting tips you can use for your ideas journal.

1. Steal One - one of my favorite books is Steal like an artist by Austin Kleon. Artist’s are thieves, we just borrow from one other. How many cool song titles are there in popular music. How many ways can you rewrite a title that has already been successful. Grab a billboard chart and start rewriting the top 10 in your favorite genre. See what you come up with.

2. Names - Amanda, Light up my life! Me and Bobby McGee, Kaw Liga. How many cool tunes have you heard of with a name? Try being inspired by someone you have love for. This can be relatives or lovers. What about someone who passed away? Can you tell a story using the name of that person. What about someone you want to be like? Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson. I know a guy who wrote a song about pitching a song to Willie.

3. Your Calendar - What about songs with months, days of the week, or dates? What about Sunday Morning Coming Down by Kris Kristofferson. I always loved Long December by Counting Crows. Days, Months, and Dates can bring up ideas about the seasons, the weather, holidays, and events that happen during the year. Try to think in pictures and jot down some ideas you have about your favorite times on the calendar.

4. Destinations - New York, Japan, California? How many different places have turned up in song titles? Set your story in another place that you have been or dream about. See if you can capture a title from a place. Look at pictures on instagram to spark some ideas for titles.

5. Colors - Purple Rain, The Yellow Rose of Texas, Blue Eyes Crying in The Rain? Colors paint great titles. Try to find some titles with colors and rewrite them with your own experiences. Do you have any ideas for a title yet?

Okay! There’s 5 places you can grab a song title. I’ll put a downloadable pdf file in the post so you can follow along. Make sure for follow me on Instagram at songwriting_ready and check out the podcast if you want to listen along. Happy Writing!

[audiohut]

More thoughts on song writing

Have you ever struggled to find the point behind a song is a the lyrics jump back and forth? Or pondered the story line and how it might bring you full circle from verse and bridge to chorus. This is something i encounter not often, but often enough to have developed an understanding on in the studio during recording sessions. These awkward moments are usually where i would take these few values and let the artist consider them in their flow.

Common Themes:

This is a method where you would correlate your real life experiences into your song via metaphor or analogy to create a more universal and relatable sound in your music and for your listener. Doing so can also develop an emotional investment from the listener to the music which provides more potential for conversion of cold audience to warm/fan. Some good examples of resonant topics are:

Love

Death

The Afterlife

Growing Experiences

 2. The Development of Stories:

There are many avenues in which a story can begin. Personal experience, Ideology, Fact-Fiction and almost any outlet which displays media whether it be current or dated as after-all, they have or will have depicted a story which can or has struck someones emotional notes. I do not want the term emotional to be a pillar in this as it has become one. Your story does not have to convey lyrically a very emotive presence. These stories can come from everyday interactions you have with other people, experiences from your friends or anything that at the end of the day, can maintain Common Themes throughout. The next topic i find relevant to many of the recording artists i hear and work with that is not the most over looked as we all know it is important, but it is not the most focused on. This is:

 3. Creating Diverse Rhyming Schemes:

Creating the scheme is as simple as mapping out the rhyming words you have from each phrase or every other phrase. The first rhyme being labeled A, second rhyme is B, the third C and so on. Here is an example of the scheme:

A. Many’s the time ive been mistaken

B. And many times confused

A. I’ve often felt forsaken

B. And certainly misused

Notice A has a scheme that is intertwined between B to broaden the attention span of your listener. This is a very common pattern that is heard in many genres of music as it holds a powerful effect on the listener and like i said, gives them something more to listen to. Imagine if the song had the same rhyme scheme at the end of every line. Not to exciting right?

 4. Studying Song Structure

I have done this in the past with previous song where i would examine the structure of a song from start to end (WHILE NOTING IT) to implement it into my own music. The interesting thing is lyrically your structure provides more detail than the music does naturally. So be concise and reflect back on your common themes to move the listener from point A to B and to C and so on.

-Verses should tell the story. They hold a majority of your lyrical context which can:

Set your characters

Pulls the listener in with emphasized details or scenic exploits.

You can absolutely adapt your own information to your verse, but remember to move from left to right on a story line chronologically telling the story to your listener.

-Choruses should be infectious and really bring out the that fishing hook to grab the listener. You want this part to be the most emotional, to hold the higher notes and melodies on both your singing and instrumentals and be spoken conclusively with power. Lyrical concepts could flow in the same direction as the verse sections, but should be a cap on top inspiring the mood of the entire song in its most emotional phase and repeat two to three times.

-Bridges are a more creative territory that happen around the 3/4 mark around your song where you can implement different melodies, offer a unique progression change in chords and in general, renew the interest of the listener to your song. One of the easiest ways to create a bridge that still holds interest is to tear apart your chorus and build it from the bottom up every two, four or eight bars. This will develop suspense and keep the listener in a nostalgic state between remembering what they just heard and what they are about to hear. Applying a fresh chord progression within your key or lyrical pattern in the same tempo is another way to renew the interest in what might be a solo or chorus.

-Coda is a fancy word for outro. Its where the song releases the listener back to where they came from. These can be crafted by simply removing elements of your instrumental every two, four or eight bars as stated previously for a bridge but should entail phrases and lyrical elements from prior song sections that may repeat, echo out or swell in and out to imply that this in fact is, the end.

 5. Tell a story:

I know i have probably hit this one on the head enough. But when it comes down to it, a good story teller will provide you with context and emotion without telling you where and what this context and emotion came from. Creating a lyric that metaphorically resonates with someones life experience can greatly affect the way the song is taken in and even more so if the lyrics are proposed in a chronological manner giving the listener more of a time line to relate to these topics on.

So this is my second set of tips here that i did some searching on as well as provided some of my own experience with! I hope these help you out and work well within your next writing session. Thanks for reading!

-Andrew Giordanengo

-Audiohut

[bleu-muse]

Songwriting Step 3 :  How to write a song - Melody & Lyrics

If you want to write a song, you probably have little pieces of melodies or beats or lyrics pop up your mind. But what’s next? How to finish a song out of these little fragments? This was also the problem that I faced when I started to write my very first song. If you can play musical instruments and know about music theories, songwriting should be easier for you. But what if you know nothing about music at all and just want to create something that sounds good to ears? There are actually many songwriters in nowadays music industry who had had no prior musical backgrounds before they wrote their earworms. Music background is no longer a prerequisite for songwriting with the advancement of DAWs as well as the emergence of overwhelming music learning platforms.

First things first, be fearless and always try to note down any musical ideas that come up to you, regardless of melodies, lyrics, chords, basslines, beats, emotions or even just the themes that you wanna talk about. Then, fill in the remaining parts of your song. Majority of the songwriters first starts with melodies or lyrics. Some write the melody first, then the lyrics; while some do it in the other way round. For me, I do both; depending on the inspirations that I have at the moment. Some lines of Till We Meet Again first appeared as lyrics on my head, as they are the messages that I want to convey; then I mapped the words with notes series that I feel happy about. Meanwhile, some melodies in the song were written intendedly as they have been looping on my head for a very long time, then I continued writing my thoughts in lyrical form to fit with these notes. 

After I came up with one or a few lines that I am happy with, I started to look into the structures of the songs that I like (mostly pop and EDM). It is not a must to follow other songs’ structures but it is good to use them as templates or references if you have no idea what you should write next and wish to build a strong structure that gets into listeners’ eyes more easily. 

In case you are interested in different song structures, here attaches a screenshot which shows you about different song arranging approaches. 

Stay tuned to my updates, I am gonna talk about chord and bassline composing in the coming posts. 

Reference link: http://tealcheese.com/2016/05/13/6-song-structures-in-popular-music-including-seminar-with-ralph-murphy/

[turnerjmusic]

#photography #pic #shotby @theycallmefrench #location #silverspring #maryland When i look at this #pic it just #encapsulates my #earlyyears in the #studio. Me and @sleek410 would always go to the #studio to #record anything possible. Then i would try to just go to other #rappers #studiosessions to #learn #techniques and look for ways that i could #improve. I would sit and listen to #studioengineers break down #songs and #songstructure. I always knew that once i knew #music from a #rapper standpoint and a #producer standpoint that i could use that to make some of the #best #music. I just had to wait........... and #write ............. and #learn (at Silver Spring, Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtUnPdjBkNy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11m16qzkwho2b

[learnhowtocreatemusic]

How to Expand Small Musical Ideas into Full Tracks: Tips for Building Complete Songs

Sometimes, you stumble upon a great musical idea—a catchy loop, an inspiring chord progression, or an irresistible melody—but you find yourself stuck, unsure how to go about building complete songs. Don’t worry! This is a common challenge for many musicians and producers. Expanding small ideas into fully developed tracks involves a combination of creativity, structure, and technique.

In this guide, we’ll explore key tips for turning those initial fragments into complete, well-rounded tracks.

1. **Start With a Clear Structure in Mind**

Every great song follows a structure, and understanding basic song formats will give you a roadmap for expanding your ideas. One of the most common structures is:

- **Intro**: Sets the tone of the track and leads into the main sections.

- **Verse**: Delivers the narrative and progresses the story.

- **Chorus**: The central, repeated section that carries the main hook or message.

- **Bridge**: A contrasting section that adds variety and often leads into the final chorus.

- **Outro**: A closing section to wrap up the song.

By mapping out where your musical ideas can fit within this structure, you can give your track a sense of flow and development. For example, if you have a catchy loop, it might become your chorus. Then, you can build verses that contrast with it or develop an intro that leads into the hook.

2. **Develop Dynamic Changes**

One key to expanding an idea into a full song is variation. A loop might sound great for a few bars, but listeners will want to hear more variety over time. Use dynamic changes to keep the track engaging. Here are some ways to do this:

- **Layering Instruments**: Start with a few core elements and slowly introduce additional instruments or textures to build tension and excitement.

- **Varying Energy Levels**: Think about energy levels in your song. You could start with a more laid-back intro, build up energy in the verse, and reach full intensity in the chorus.

- **Using Automation**: Automate volume, panning, and effects (like reverb or delay) to create movement and variation throughout the track.

By introducing subtle changes, you’ll transform a repetitive idea into a dynamic, evolving track.

3. **Add Contrasting Sections**

If you have a great chorus or melody, complement it with contrasting sections. For instance:

- **Verses**: If your chorus is upbeat and energetic, your verses can be more stripped-back and lyrical to create contrast.

- **Bridge**: A bridge can provide a fresh break from the repetitive cycle of verse and chorus. It can introduce a new key, tempo, or mood.

Contrasting sections make the high points of your song more impactful, providing listeners with moments of tension and release.

4. **Expand Melodic and Harmonic Ideas**

A single chord progression or melody can serve as the foundation of your track, but you can expand it by varying the harmonies and melodies. Try the following techniques:

- **Modulation**: Change the key of your progression in different sections for a dramatic shift.

- **Melodic Variation**: Take the main melody and tweak it slightly in different parts of the song. You could change the rhythm, timing, or pitch of a melody to create variation while keeping the core idea intact.

- **Inversions and Voicing**: Use different inversions of the same chord or play with how you voice your chords across different instruments to keep your harmony interesting.

By exploring these ideas, you can keep the core melody or progression intact while still giving the listener something fresh in each section.

5. **Use Lyrics to Develop the Narrative**

If you’re working on a song with lyrics, use your lyrical content to expand your track. Think of your lyrics as a story or conversation. Each verse can build on the last, revealing more depth and perspective.

- **Verses as Story Progression**: Use the verses to provide context, background, and emotional build-up to the chorus.

- **Chorus as the Main Message**: The chorus should drive home the main point of your song, with concise and memorable phrases.

- **Bridge as a Turning Point**: The bridge often serves as a change in perspective or emotion, adding variety and depth to the narrative.

A well-crafted lyrical narrative helps hold your song together, making each section feel necessary and connected.

6. **Experiment With Instrumentation and Effects**

To avoid a track feeling too repetitive, experiment with different sounds, instruments, and effects. Here are some ways to add depth and color to your song:

- **Switch Up Instrumentation**: Introduce new instruments in different sections, such as adding a piano to the bridge or layering strings for the outro.

- **Use Sound Effects**: Subtle sound effects like background noise, reversed sounds, or textures can give your track extra flavor without overwhelming the core idea.

- **Vary the Arrangement**: Don’t be afraid to drop elements in and out of the mix. For example, you can remove the drums in the bridge or strip back the instrumentation in the verse to make the chorus feel more impactful when everything comes back in.

Experimenting with these options will add layers to your song, giving it a polished and professional feel.

7. **Jam and Improvise**

Sometimes the best way to expand on a musical idea is to step away from overthinking and just jam. If you have a loop or riff, play along with it and improvise. Try different rhythmic patterns, melodies, or harmonies. Record everything—you might discover a new section or idea that you wouldn’t have thought of in a more structured setting.

8. **Build a Narrative Arc in the Music**

Just like a story has a beginning, middle, and end, your music should have an arc that guides the listener through an experience. This arc doesn’t have to be limited to lyrics. Think about how your musical elements—dynamics, instrumentation, and melodies—can evolve throughout the song to create a sense of progression.

- **Introduction**: Set the mood of the track and introduce key elements.

- **Build-Up**: Gradually increase intensity as the song develops.

- **Climax**: Reach a peak moment, often in the chorus or bridge.

- **Resolution**: Slowly resolve the song, either by fading out or bringing the energy down.

Following an arc ensures that your song feels like a cohesive journey rather than a repetitive loop.

9. **Trust the Process**

Building a full song from a small idea can take time. Don’t rush the process—sometimes stepping away from your track and returning to it later can give you fresh perspective. Trust that with time and patience, your small idea will evolve into something complete and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Expanding small musical ideas into full tracks requires a balance of structure and creativity. By embracing contrast, developing your melodies, using dynamic changes, and experimenting with instrumentation, you can turn a simple loop or riff into a fully fleshed-out song. Remember to trust your process and allow space for inspiration to guide you. With these tips, you’ll be able to take your ideas further and produce complete, compelling tracks that resonate with listeners.

Start building your next great song today!

[talk2emtron]

Collaborating with my nephew on structuring a song with a new twist! 🔥🎶 #musicproducer

Talk2EmTron ask his nephew to structure a song with a different style, wanting to learn and stay current with new sounds. Anxiously waiting to see if the nephew could make the song fire with his own twist. Let’s see what he did. 🔥 Tiktok:talk2emtron IG:talk2emtron Facebook Group: Learn From Experience #music #Collab #music #songstructure #learning #newmusic #youthsound #melody #beat…

[cocareefrecords]

Available Now @cocareefrecords Album: Ode To Gallantry Artist: Lunatic /@lunatic757 Distributed by: Cocareef Records 2020 / @cocareefrecords 👇 Limited Edition Physical Vinyls /CDs (50 w/25 OBI Versions) LINX IN MY BIO 🔥 Available Now for PRE-ORDER 📢 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel 📺 " Cocareef Records " for exclusive drops! .. .. #7thAngelProductionz #bandcampmusic #undergroundartists #independentsdoitbest #EP #distribution #boombap #undergroundhiphop #cocareef #rap #hiphop #cocareefrecords #limitededition #gxfr #artist #producer #recordlabel #hiphopculture #emcee #gorealler #silverbackseasons #newshit #newalbum #lunatic #loomisandmyers #lyrics #songstructure #virginia #portsmouth #odetogallantry https://www.instagram.com/p/CU8uqK1lofu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[nnjzz]

GAUTE GRANLI + ALTERSGRUPPE + THEY LIVED /

MERCREDI 20 OCT 2021

à 20:20 porte(s) 20:52 début premier live

GAUTE GRANLI / nor ALTERSGRUPPE / ca/ il/ fr...  THEY LIVED / fr

aux NAUTES 1 Qual des Célestins 75004 M° Sully-Morland ( 7 ) / St-Paul ( 1 )

P.A.F. 6€ https://www.facebook.com/events/227606139402232

======================= GAUTE GRANLI / nor

Pour sa reprise, Le N_J se réjouit de pouvoir re-programmer ce très original artiste, découvert il y a environ deux ans.

Sa musique serait une sorte de quasi pop, savamment (dé)structurée, parée de béances et de hachures, sertie d'à-coups et de faux-fuyants, composée via un dispositif comprenant une guitare ( électrique ), un sampler ( ou : "quelque chose dans ce genre " ) et pédales d'effets. Il donne de la voix aussi, parfois.

Le label anversois ULTRA ECZEMA (  que l'on " ne-présente-plus " et qui vient de fêter un quasi-siècle d'existence ) vient de publier son nouvel album. Et voici ce que  le boss illuminé du label, Dennis Tyfus himself, a à en dire : The Norweigan wunderking of demented psychedelic song(de)struction is back with a fantastic collection of new songs. Gaute Granli is a one-man band, taking a complete stranger with thirsty ears by the nose, to leave him/her/them behind, confused and hungry for more recognisable hope. There's a constant form of recognition running through these 8 stretched songs, these strange flirts with folk music you think you already know, vocals that don't sound like they consist of words one knows and pop parts that are destroyed with a loop peddler. Although everything magically works, and made into a songstructure of sorts, a melancholic- almost religious air of desperation sits uncomfortably on top of all these songs like a frog that already got licked on its back twice in one morning.

La Google traduction vous ravira.

https://ultraeczema.bandcamp.com/album/blusens-fasong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPuZwVyb0OE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVhUzPzlCYg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0CMxnitKkA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGm1zMFVYPE

ALTERSGRUPPE / ca/ il / fr...

Nuovo combo, parisien et cosmopolite, composé de quelques visages familiers de la " scène "... une belle ribambelle de oufs donc au line-up fluctuant ( ou pas ), tout comme leur musique, composite, tantôt rugueuse tantôt flasque, une espèce de psych-urban-folk mutant et ébréché.

Ils sont quatre ou cinq ... ou ...

Leur ( premier? )  concert à la Film Gallery de Re:voir en juin ressemblait à ceci :

https://thefilmgallery.bandcamp.com/album/tfg-printemps-2021-altersgruppe

THEY LIVED / fr

Duo mixte cisgenre(s).

Avec des " petits synthés ".

Voix ( ou pas ). K7s.

" SCRUBLAND, CROPLAND LA MUSIQUE EST INUTILE. LE DRONE MENAÇANT CONSTANT DANS MA TÊTE. QUE SAVEZ-VOUS SUR LE BRUIT ROSE ? "

https://afterhoursedenprostitute.bandcamp.com/album/they-lived-dead-palace-aep-t-013

https://mid-daymassageparlor.bandcamp.com/album/they-lived-galliera-fall-mmp-006

Fly(s) : Jo L’Indien

[jesperkarlsson5]

Songstructure

[curiouslyenchanting]

MELODY, HARMONY AND PHRASING

MELODY, HARMONY AND PHRASING

What is a good melody? Opinions and tastes vary, but a melody with popular appeal is usually

 Sing-able.

 Easy to remember.

 Based on a pleasing chord pattern.

 A combination of creatively arranged notes on top of a captivating rhythm.

 A blend of intervals that mix innovation with a sense of the familiar.

Successful popular melodies can be different, but not too different. Neil Sedaka, composer of…

[lordofemotion]

#happyhalloween and shout-out to @homeboysandman for being a consistent motivation to me musically. Creative dude right there to learn from. #throwbackthursday #newmusic #newalbum #homeboysandman #hiphopwizard #og #creativelyrics #songstructure #flow #humanprogression #humanawarenesscommunity (at Live AND Enjoy Movement) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TSmCanfj9/?igshid=1cekjoj4bn7rp