A Mic for All Sessions
While dynamic mics and the under-appreciated ribbon mic have their place in any studio, here’s a case for why a good affordable condenser may be the one microphone you should own above all others. Read more...
How to Stretch Yourself Melodically
When I critique songs in my BMI Songwriting Workshops, I often hear melodies with a range (the interval between its lowest and the highest notes) limited to one octave or less. When I ask the writers to share their intentions for these songs, they sometimes respond, “My goal is to have… Read more...
From Stage to Studio
Ideas for enhancing a live recording back in the studio, from tending to vocal or instrument errors to fattening drums and more Read more...
Soundalike Suggestions
How to make your own songs sound like a particular genre or artist, using specific techniques and tools during the production process Read more...
A Day in the Life of a Demo
Having run a professional recording studio as an engineer and producer for close to thirty years, the process of taking a songwriter’s rough recording to a finished master is second nature to me. However, I’m well aware that for songwriters getting ready to demo one of their songs for the first… Read more...
What Makes a Song Iconic?
“Great means incredibly well crafted, easily memorable, with a universally relatable sentiment and a sense of authenticity—“from the heart” as they say. Iconic means touching a cultural nerve, standing the test of time and instantly recognizable by many people - that holds true even if it’s not widely considered great… Read more...
Top Tips for Session Etiquette in a Recording Studio
Or how to avoid time-consuming problems when working with multiple people in your studio, whether it’s for your own music or someone else’s Read more...
How to Write to a Music Track: The Art of Toplining
For genres like pop, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM/dance music, in most instances, the backing track is created before the words and vocal melody. The track consists of essentially all the music that will accompany the vocal and typically includes drums and percussion, keyboards, and bass. Live guitars or computer generated guitar… Read more...
Check Out May’s MusicWorld With Must-Read Tips
In this issue: Jason Blume Weighs in on “What Makes the Perfect Demo?” Brian Tyler’s Music Has All Wondering “Are We Dreaming?” Pop Legend Carole Bayer Sager Opens Up About, Life, Love & Collaboration A Conversation With Songwriting Legend Mike Stoller Read more...
What Makes the Perfect Demo?
“How good do demos need to be?” is one of the questions I am asked most often in my workshops. To effectively answer this question, you need to identify the purpose of your demo recording. For example, is it intended to be pitched in the hopes of finding a home with… Read more...