Here is a songwriting technique that will assist you in conveying your message and ensuring that your listeners are engaged from beginning to end, whether you want to write songs to submit to music publishers, TV shows, and commercials, or record them yourself as an artist. Of course, there are many more ways to write songs, but this is one method that many seasoned songwriters swear by.
1. Title First
Including a title at the beginning of writing your music will aid in maintaining concentration. Make a one to six word phrase that captures the essence of what you want to communicate. Alternatively try finding a catchy phrase that makes you think of a particular circumstance or feeling. Consider including an image or an action phrase in your title to make it more engaging and compelling.
2. Song Structure
[Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus] a common song form that underpins many of today's biggest hits.
Between the verse and the chorus of many popular songs, a segment known as the "pre-chorus" or "lift" is added to create suspense. Each of the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus feature a distinguishable melody that the listener can hear coming. You can deviate from this and try a different song structure if desired.
3. The Answer To Your Question
Since the chorus is the most crucial section of your song, we'll concentrate on it first. Choose the query you want your chorus to address. Your response should be expressed in a single, succinct sentence.
To make your responses more vivid, look for imagery and verbs that take action. What sentiments, ideas, or statements does the vocalist have? How would you characterize the feelings the singer is experiencing?
4. Melody
Choose one or two of the phrases you created in the previous step to use. Say them aloud. Say them again, this time emphatically. Make the lines more emotionally intense. When you say the sentences with a lot of emotion, pay attention to the natural rhythm and melody of your speech. Here is the beginning of your chorus melody. Fiddle with it till you're at ease.
5. Verse 1 Pay attention to the query you choose in Step 4. Include a hook in your opening sentence, such as a fascinating statement, a provocative inquiry, or a description of the circumstance. Consider rephrasing the first phrase in your second line or including further details. Keep the song going for a while; your listeners need time to comprehend what is happening.
Make sure you provide enough context in verse one for the audience to grasp the chorus when you come to it.
6. Verse meets Chorus
Create a break between the verse and chorus after you have them so that they flow organically. To easily transition into your chorus, you might need to adjust the verse melody (increase or reduce it) or change the final line.
Because choruses tend to be more emotive than verses and because our voices tend to soar when we're feeling emotional, chorus melodies are typically in a higher note range than verses.
7. Verse 2 & Bridge
Choose another of your questions to answer in your second verse. Your second chorus will have the same melody and lyric as your first chorus, so you are now almost finished with your song. You just need to add a bridge. You can however make slight/minor changes to the chorus with storytelling in mind.
The bridge section adds a peak emotional moment to your song, a realization, or an “aha!” moment. Try two or three lyric lines that give the listener the best insight you can into the situation or emotion the singer is feeling. The melody should be different from both verse and chorus. Try using a chord you haven’t used before or changing the phrase lengths or motion of the melody. A bridge isn’t a requirement but it can add a lot of strength to your song.
8. Demo
Happy with what you've created? Record a demo to hear your idea come to life. Now you can decide on what things to change in either the lyrics or music. Rhythm or flow. Emotion and all of that. Once you've created the version that you wish to record, it's time to record the real thing!
Be sure to send us your demo or finished product for a chance to get featured on our website!
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