Songwriting is a wonderful and cathartic experience. A songwriter gets to craft something completely original that includes both lyrics and music - what an amazing thing to do! Like any other craft, writing good songs takes practice and hard work for anyone who wants to excel. For many aspiring writers the idea of writing a song is intimidating and creates a sense of fear because it can seem like a huge endeavor. Here's a step-by-step process to write a great song in less than one hour.
1. Create a chord progression.
Take three chords and create a simple rhythm. For the sake of simplicity we are going to take three chords in the key of C. We'll use the I, IV and V chords - which are C, F and G. The I, IV and V chords are the foundation of most contemporary pop songs, so we'll start there. Play the chord progression on your instrument over and over until you have a smooth and consistent rhythm track to play while you create a melody.
2. Create a melody.
First of all - let's define the word melody: a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence. This is the tune you hum after you hear a very catchy song. The easiest way to create a melody is to record the chord progression you've created on a small tape player and then play it back while you create your melody. You can create your melody by improvising with your voice - or you can also actually play a couple of notes out of a scale on your piano or guitar while you're playing back the chords on the tape player. Experiment until you feel confident that you like what you're playing. Sing or play the melody over the recording until you're comfortable and you can repeat the same thing over and over without making mistakes.
3. Lyrics
For lyrics it's best if you have written some random thoughts, poems or ideas on paper prior to settling on final lyrics. If you bring no previously written ideas free association is the best way to come up with new lyric ideas. Take 5 minutes and simply write everything that comes to your mind. Play back the chord progression you recorded and sing your melody and see if anything fits with what you've written. Don't over-think this step, as you can always go back and edit the lyrics at a later time. The key is to come up with a finished song - editing will come later.
4. Arranging & Editing Your New Song
After you've created the chord progression, melody and lyrics - the next step is arranging the song. There an infinite number of ways to arrange a song, but here is a common way to begin:
Intro
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Instrumental solo or bridge
Chorus x 2
Keep in mind that your melody for the verse should be different for the verse and chorus. A verse is often wordier and tells a story. A chorus typically is simple melody and shorter phrase that is repeated over and over so that it catches the listeners ear. The music behind the chorus and verse can be exactly the same as long as the melody is different.
Record your song on a simple tape recorder and you've just finished writing your first song! If you work hard and keep honing your craft perhaps you'll be up for a Grammy someday - keep writing and keep the faith!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Start Your Own Band Fast - in less than 4 weeks
Starting a band can be an intimidating project on the surface. It seems like something that might take years of hard work to do. But all you really need is a little bit of skill and a healthy dose of motivation and you can do it! Here are is a step-by-step process on how to start your own band FAST!
For the sake of keeping this piece short and to the point - let's assume you either play an instrument or sing. So you're looking for band members to surround yourself with, rehearsal space and gigs.
STEP 1 - Finding band members.
The most seamless way to find band members is to simply post ads on craigslist, or any other local industry magazines (in Los Angeles there is http://www.musicconnection.com/ and http://www.recycler.com/) These are all free publications. Post ads at least several times per week and find like minded musicians! If you can't find 4 or 5 people for your band - start with two. A duo or trio can be a great way to get off the ground in the beginning.
STEP 2 - Auditions
Let's say for now you don't have a rehearsal space or your own music studio to 'crank up the volume'. Go ahead and start auditioning unplugged in your home or apartment. This means playing super low volume together so that you can get a sense for what people do live. You'll want to select one of your original songs for them to audition or a cover song or two. Pick the best musicians for your style and sound!
STEP 3 - Song Selection
Choose 3-5 songs to rehearse with your new band. Try to choose songs that are already written and recorded or cover songs - so that you can hand out copies for the other band members to work on at home. Remember - rehearsal is not meant to learn these songs . . . It's meant to work through the songs as a group - that you've already learned at home individually!
STEP 4 - Rehearsal
Too often musicians get caught up in the mindset that they must rent out Madison Square Garden to rehearse for a show when it can be done on a much smaller scale. Start out by rehearsing at home at a very low volume. Have the drummer use brushes and turn off the snare drum, or use alternate drum equipment with mesh heads to that you're not loud. If you're still too loud or can't control your drummer, book a 90 minute rehearsal once per week at a local rehearsal studio and have everyone pitch in to cover the cost. Going rate should be $15-$25 per hour at most local studios - depending on where you live. Other alternatives for rehearsal include: your drummers garage, your base players attic, your guitarists church, your uncles basement: get creative and see what opportunities are right in front of you!
STEP 5 - The Gig
Check with your local clubs to book a show. Tell them you'll bring all of your friends and give an accurate count of how many people you can bring. Here's one thing to know about clubs; they are primarily concerned with how many people you can bring through the door! The great thing about this is if you are able to really promote the show to your friends and family you can create your own following which can help you get great gigs! The other thing to check out are "open mic" shows. These are shows where a series of musicians play 1-3 songs as a way of getting themself out there. You usually do not have to book this show as they will often have a sign up sheet at the gig and you just show up and play. If you perform well and BRING PEOPLE the club will book you for a regular gig oftentimes. In case you haven't been reading - the key is to bring people out to see your band. This ensures that you will get more opportunities to perform. Good luck and keep rockin'!
For the sake of keeping this piece short and to the point - let's assume you either play an instrument or sing. So you're looking for band members to surround yourself with, rehearsal space and gigs.
STEP 1 - Finding band members.
The most seamless way to find band members is to simply post ads on craigslist, or any other local industry magazines (in Los Angeles there is http://www.musicconnection.com/ and http://www.recycler.com/) These are all free publications. Post ads at least several times per week and find like minded musicians! If you can't find 4 or 5 people for your band - start with two. A duo or trio can be a great way to get off the ground in the beginning.
STEP 2 - Auditions
Let's say for now you don't have a rehearsal space or your own music studio to 'crank up the volume'. Go ahead and start auditioning unplugged in your home or apartment. This means playing super low volume together so that you can get a sense for what people do live. You'll want to select one of your original songs for them to audition or a cover song or two. Pick the best musicians for your style and sound!
STEP 3 - Song Selection
Choose 3-5 songs to rehearse with your new band. Try to choose songs that are already written and recorded or cover songs - so that you can hand out copies for the other band members to work on at home. Remember - rehearsal is not meant to learn these songs . . . It's meant to work through the songs as a group - that you've already learned at home individually!
STEP 4 - Rehearsal
Too often musicians get caught up in the mindset that they must rent out Madison Square Garden to rehearse for a show when it can be done on a much smaller scale. Start out by rehearsing at home at a very low volume. Have the drummer use brushes and turn off the snare drum, or use alternate drum equipment with mesh heads to that you're not loud. If you're still too loud or can't control your drummer, book a 90 minute rehearsal once per week at a local rehearsal studio and have everyone pitch in to cover the cost. Going rate should be $15-$25 per hour at most local studios - depending on where you live. Other alternatives for rehearsal include: your drummers garage, your base players attic, your guitarists church, your uncles basement: get creative and see what opportunities are right in front of you!
STEP 5 - The Gig
Check with your local clubs to book a show. Tell them you'll bring all of your friends and give an accurate count of how many people you can bring. Here's one thing to know about clubs; they are primarily concerned with how many people you can bring through the door! The great thing about this is if you are able to really promote the show to your friends and family you can create your own following which can help you get great gigs! The other thing to check out are "open mic" shows. These are shows where a series of musicians play 1-3 songs as a way of getting themself out there. You usually do not have to book this show as they will often have a sign up sheet at the gig and you just show up and play. If you perform well and BRING PEOPLE the club will book you for a regular gig oftentimes. In case you haven't been reading - the key is to bring people out to see your band. This ensures that you will get more opportunities to perform. Good luck and keep rockin'!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)