Jack of all trades, master of none… Many of us have heard this phrase, but what does it really mean? Is it meant to be mean, or realistic? In our field of audio and music, with so many unique jobs to be done, it’s easy to take on tons of work and spread ourselves too...
Major scales are boring. Really, they are so overused and don’t always sound great. So what’s our alternative? Minor Scales Are Your Friend Today, we are going to break down one simple idea: writing melodies on minor chords. While it seems obvious, if you are in a major key, use the corresponding major scale. A...
Chords are super complex. How are you supposed to know what notes are in them? Over the past couple of blogs, we have been looking into the construction of scales and the idea of intervals. Using a similar concept to constructing scales, we will tackle chords and uncover how simple they really are. Scales Versus...
Working on a team can be rewarding… It can also be difficult, unorganized, and even uncomfortable at times. This is especially true when you are working with other creative people who all have valid ideas that can clash. This could come in the form of producing a track with an artist or, in my usual...
Sometimes, a certain song on the radio really grabs your attention. There is something about how it feels or a particular part that uniquely stands out. Generally, these sounds are bold choices that are less common techniques but, when used correctly, have big payoffs. Today we will discuss some of these techniques and hopefully, you...
You have heard the terms major and minor, and you know some scales. Not too bad, just use major or minor depending on your chord. Easy as that, right? WRONG! What if I told you there is more than one major or minor scale? What if I told you you could play in E minor...
Did you hear that new remix by Dua Lipa, Elton John, and PNAU? Why does it sound the way it does? Who wrote that catchy bassline? What’s the chord progression? Is there harmony in the vocal line? The best way to learn to make music is to answer your own questions. To simplify that, copy...
“Come on guys, it’s not music theory” the rocket scientist says… Music theory is the collection of a wide range of tools to understand music. Many people like myself attend university to develop these strengths. Topics like understanding scale and chord constructions are complex and frankly intimidating. Many producers today shy away from music theory...
Writing a new song is tough! Just thinking about all the elements that go into it is a lot. What happens when you only have a small piece of it in your head like a melody or a beat? Today, we will cover elements to start writing a song and the costs and benefits of...
Where do you even begin?! Seriously, how do you decide what to start with and what are the steps for songwriting? This question is definitely open-ended, but today I’ll break down common techniques I use for approaching a new song. Common Techniques It’s obvious you write a melody, then harmony, and then everything else. Also,...