Modes and Key Signatures have a variety of different characteristics and are great for outside-the-box songwriting. Here’s a cheat sheet to remember them!
Why Producers Need to Learn to Analyze Common Pop Song Structures
As a producer, it’s essential to have a knack for songwriting structures and forms so your music doesn’t feel aimless.
The Importance of Theme and Variation in Hip-Hop Beat Making
With a minimalist music style such as hip-hop, the slightest change or variation on an established musical theme can have a deep impact. Here’s how.
Exploring Tonal Hierarchies in Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
In his ongoing attempts to seek out the answers to why we like the music we like, Hunter Farris has uncovered a melodic hierarchy via Whitney Houston.
Latest Articles
Songwriting for Producers: 3 Ways to Introduce the Hook
Looking to beef up your chorus with extra anticipation and energy? Here are three simple ways to insert momentum into your song at the hook.
Our 10 Favorite Modern Hip-Hop Bass Lines
Bass is arguably the most important element of a hip-hop beat, so we collect 10 of our all-time favorite modern hip-hop bass lines.
Lessons in DIY Experimentation for the Sake of Listening Longevity
A concise meditation on growing up listening to DIY, lo-fi artists who experimented with their sound so that I could incorporate that ethos into my songs.
Boring Merch? Here’s How You Can Up Your Merch Game (With Examples!)
A few handy tips on getting the most out of your merch table — so that no fan needs to walk away disappointed and empty-handed.
Tips for Touring in the Winter (Hint: Don’t)
Here’s some helpful advice for those musicians brave enough to venture out on the hard, frozen road in the winter time.
How to Add a Shuffle Feel to Your Beats in Ableton Live
Here’s a quick and easy lesson culled from our mentored online course, Beat Making in Ableton Live, on how to get a shuffle feel in your quantized beat.
Common Approaches to Flipping Vinyl Samples
A deep dive into the history and art of flipping and sampling vinyl records to make new hip-hop beats, for amateur producers and crate-diggers!
Ambient Music for Amicable Dining: How Sound and Music Affects Our Sense of Taste
How do music and sound affect our tastebuds when we’re eating? How do our brains interpret the sonic landscape as validation of food’s authenticity? Read on
An Introduction to 20th Century Composer Christian Wolff
Today we’re taking an introductory look at one of the 20th century’s most daring avant-garde composers and his music, Christian Wolff.
The One Thing More Important Than Success
What’s more important than finding success in music? Find out in this thoughtful OpEd written by a musician, husband, and father in 2019.
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