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...
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...
“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...
I’m aware that some songwriters neither sing nor play an instrument, however, the vast majority do at least a little of both. And while I would never recommend doing something that would be discouraging or possibly put you or your songs in a bad light, I think that there are some… Read more...
A small tube amp, the right room, a good signal chain – these are just some of the ingredients for getting inspired guitar tracks without a whole lot of fuss (or funds). Yes, having a really fine instrument will certainly boost your chances of getting really luscious results, but if there… Read more...
Back in the days when songwriting success was a distant dream, each time I met with a music publisher, I was a nervous wreck leading up to that meeting. I hoped the publisher would instantly recognize that my songs were destined to be GRAMMY-winning hits, and I would be offered a… Read more...
BMI is proud to support Song Arts Academy’s 2022 Spring Semester Songwriting Workshop Intensive starting May 9 on Zoom. In this four-week program, songwriters will acquire a new vocabulary for listening to music. Additionally, they’ll learn how to effectively convey genuine emotions in song-form and utilize that skill for maximum effect.… Read more...
Marketing and advertising studies show that we are better able to remember ads we are exposed to multiple times. When we see or hear something once, we are likely to forget it. But with repeated exposure it is more apt to stick in our brains. This also applies to melodies. In… Read more...
No matter how long you’ve been at it, understanding the recording process is really a lifelong journey, thanks to the seemingly endless list of techniques you can employ during any given session. Here we review some of these random strategies, from working with click tracks to getting a fuller sound out… Read more...
BMI is proud to support Song Arts Academy’s new Songwriting Workshop Intensive starting April 4 on Zoom. This four-week program begins SAA’s eighth-year training hitmakers and GRAMMY-winners. The strategies you’ll acquire, as taught by SAA’s founder, Billy Seidman, author of the acclaimed book, The Elements of Song Craft, is… Read more...
