15 Practical Tips for Songwriters, Composers, and Producers of ALL Genres
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
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My new book is now out! The Chord Progression Codex: shorturl.at/bouLV
Here's some common sense tips that I endorse that should help you along your path to becoming a competent and confident composer, songwriter, or producer. I don't do advice videos often but there's a lot of things I wanted to get across here that my average video doesn't have room for. Hopefully you find it helpful!
A special thank you to my lovely Patreon supporters. They are why this channel exists, still! Join them here if you like - we do live Q+As once a month and also the occasional special lesson or live composing stream.
/ signalsmusicstudio
Table of contents:
00:00 Intro
00: 37 Tip 1 - Practice Songwriting As A Skill (not a talent)
01:55 Tip 2 - Start Recording (If you haven't already!)
02:38 Tip 3- Don't Worry About Unfinished Tracks...
03:13 Tip 4 -... But Make Yourself Finish A Track!
04:05 Tip 5 - Deeply Analyze Your Favorite Music
05:03 Tip 6 - Criticize Your OWN Music
05:30 Tip 7 - Know Your Own Tastes
06:45 Tip 8 - Find Good, Trustworthy Feedback
07:25 Tip 9 - Ego and Songwriting
08:24 Tip 10 - Why You Should Learn Basic Theory
09:24 Tip 11 - Learn About Other Instruments
10:35 Tip 12 - Find Collaborators
11:25 Tip 13 - Embrace Technology
12:54 Tip 14 - Inspiration
13:38 Tip 15 - Write Music For Yourself
14:23 BONUS TIP!!!!
![Demonstrating 7 Ways that Composers Make Music Using Modes [SONGWRITING / THEORY]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sC2qXLnVU3A/mqdefault.jpg)
![Demonstrating 7 Ways that Composers Make Music Using Modes [SONGWRITING / THEORY]](/img/tr.png)
That shirt is amazing. I need one.
Beardstank designed it! I put a link to buy it from him in the video description
@@SignalsMusicStudio Yooo! Just bought one. Thank you! 🤘
Came here to make the same comment 💀🤘
Same.
Thank you, oh Demon Lord, for the gift of the Tritone (and the b2) … 🤘🏼
i see Jake Lizzio
i click
i do not ever regret
This!
Exactly!!!
Jake is awesome!
"Ultimately, what we're doing here is just making noises, organized noises" is esaily going to be one of my favorite quotes ever
I'm so glad you're posting again.
My only comment on the 'embracing technology' tip would be:
Use technology as a tool, not a crutch.
I'm a drummer, and I often sequence a drum track to act as a place holder. Then, I compose the majority of the piece. At some point, I go back and record 'my' drum tracks (playing live on my midi drums (I live in an apartment, and midi drums are pretty amazing now)). This gives me something better than a click-track to compose over, while still allowing me to add my 'real drummer' dynamics and feel later.
When you do vocals, don't just bang out some garbage tracks and 'fix them in post' with autotune, try to get the best takes you can - then fix what you have to with autotune. Also, don't be afraid to not use autotune, or go light on it. A little imperfection can feel way more authentic... :)
Your comment deserves more likes.
@@yoremusic6920 Thanks! :)
So pleased Jake is posting again, he has helped so many people in so many different ways
I started appreciating the wisdom behind Tip 2: Record yourself, about 8 years ago. It was amazing how dismissive I was of anything I played in the moment, but when I just recorded something, anything, threw some basic drums behind it and just played it back my ears heard things differently than when my fingers were involved. For example you might just hear a small 2 beat fragment that locked with the drums in a certain way and you can grab that and develop it into a 4 bar riff. Something that you might've completely overlooked when you're thinking of theory and your tone and how much your fingers are hurting or whatever.
So much top tier advice here!
Hey Ben! thanks for attending my lecture 😁
I don't play any instrument or know anything about making music, but your videos are always fancinating to watch even if I don't understand many of the things you are talking about. It's like watching well produced scientific documentaries about space ships or human body, you don't need to fully understand the topics to enjoy the narrative itself. Thanks for the great work Jake.
the best part is everything Jake teaches is very easily applicable and you can get very quick and satisfying results
"Equal temperament" ruining music. WOW! It is absolutely profound and hilarious.
Great vid as always
Wake up babe, new signals video
I'm here to agree.
😅😅😂
I have been in a coma for 2 years, perfect timing
I have and love The Chord Progression Codex. I have already learned so much and am only half way through. It has brought me to a whole new playing field in songwriting and improved ny understanding and skill on the piano and giutar.
don't be afraid to have some fun with organised noise, thank you brother
Jake, you are a real gem for us, thank you. ❤
That's what I love about CZcams. I've watched so many interviews about how songs came together. I realize exactly what you are saying.
Great video!
For the tip number 3, people should also understand that 3 minutes is the industry standard, but there are tons of songs that doesn't fit that time. It can be a soundtrack or a song for children, the time of it can totally vary very quickly.
Good criticism should give you the willingness to learn and be better, while bad criticism destroy your motivation. You also have to want to be criticized. If you get critics without wanting to, because you just mind your own business without specially wanting to improve right now, it becomes a unsolicited comment.
I started as a drummer when I was 13, and when I wanted to put my exercises in a software, I accidentally discovered MIDI and musical composition with Tux Guitar then Guitar Pro 5. I had a hard time understanding chords and all, but with time and with the good videos, it's always easier! My goal is to be a professional composer, maybe for video games. I'm almost 28 and I'm starting this project... even if it's really hard finding clients!
Jake’s explanations are so complete. Covers all basis for understanding. One of the best educators on here.
Dude, I'm so glad when your videos hit the feed.
Thank you Jake! I’ve been watching your videos since you did that Kokomo analysis videos and now our band is releasing 3 live performance music videos. Your advice, teachings, and insights played a huge part
Sounds like you've been on quite the journey! Glad to have been some help :)
@@SignalsMusicStudio
seriously, Jake, you’re the reason some of us are gigging, songwriting, and confidently playing music in general
i have an intuitive understanding of modes because of you and now I’m on my way to developing intuition for chord extensions and jazz reharming
Tip X: Take part in composition / production challenges, either online or organized by you and your friends locally. These force you to finish songs within a given time frame and let you try out styles/instruments/software you wouldn't maybe otherwise have tried. And they teach you to accept that sometimes you have to stop working on something and say "it's good enough" and move on to something else. And if you do this regularly, you'll be probably surprised that you finished many more tracks than you did before within a given time period.
@spotlight-kid Great point! About 18 months ago, me and two mates decided to meet every 5 to 6 weeks to unveil our own response to a songwriting challenge set by one of us - we’d take turns in setting the challenge. Only one of us had written songs before, so for the other two, this was new turf. The challenge might be to use a title, or a set chord progression, a genre, a key or time signature. So far, none of us have failed the challenge. We come together and play our songs for the others. ALL OF US are getting better at our craft.
Yes! Thank you Jake! I am a musician/songwriter and, for my day job, a graphic designer. And I am always saying that very same thing about creativity! Being creative means just sitting down and creating -- doing the work. If it sucks, so be it! At least I got it out of the way and out of my head. There is no "right time". The best way to start, is to just start! And I'm going to vouch for all your tips. My own experience has taught me the same exact things! ::Great minds think alike!::
Good to have you back. Your channel was a part of my musical journey for a long time and these advice come at the right time for me to progress.
Thank you for that great advice.
Thanks man, I really needed to hear this ❤
Love how you talk to camera/viewers in a straightforward way. not condescending or 'aloof', (like I find some others doing)! I'm a Frank Zappa fan, also love loads of other music too of course - Black Sabbath, Queen, Rush, SLF, CCR, GnR .... You make everything about writing/producing, even music theory(!) so clear to understand. Thank you! 😎
Good stuff, Jake! And very timely for me. Been stuck finishing a song for the last few weeks..so this helped.
I love your videos. They're chock-full of good ideas and insights and are well thought out and executed. I'm glad you're back from your hiatus.
So glad you're back on CZcams doing videos, Jake. You always have something useful ans interesting to say. I had to laugh at your tip #7 though. Most of my musical tastes seem to be different from the mainstream! My trouble is making myself sound different from my influences. 😄
I'm happy you're back - I'm yours for life. ( I prob only have 10 left at most - lol )
Here's to at least 20 more to that friend! 😊
Thank you and your supporters for an amazing video!
Very useful reminders. Understanding the software and technology is my biggest hurdle.
learn what you need to solve a problem you care about
don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to learn an entire DAW if you don’t care about producing, but do learn how to record if that’s all you need to do
learn how to EQ if that’s all you want
learn about the number of inputs of different interfaces if you care about the hardware you use for your instruments
learn only what you need to
pick and choose to learn specific things, and the snowball of curiosity and mastery will continue to grow
So happy to be seeing videos from you again Jake! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge! =)
I recently analyzed 125 songs one day at a time. It taught me SO MUCH. I broke down lyrics, the structure of the song, counted out the measures, listened to the changes in each instrument. It was worth the effort. It's definitely something I will continue to practice.
I took his advice on tip number 10 and purchased his Music Chord Progression Codex. It’s quite excellent so far. Like his CZcams posts, it’s very practical and down to earth. It’s really helping me understand WHY things work and why others don’t. I highly recommend it.
Thanks Dave!!! Thrilled you're enjoying the book :)
So nice to see you posting again Jake!
Thanks Jake. I am so glad to see you are making CZcams videos again. It's always an inspiration to me.
Jake, You always have the best ideas and a very good teacher. I am glad I joined your Patreon!!!
Great advice. Listening intently to the indivdual parts in other people's music can be enlightening but mostly it's hard to see the trees for the forest (to reverse the metaphor). It occurred to me that stem separation software is mainly used to make use of or alter parts of a song but to just hear and analyse is pretty invaluable. It beats slowing down the tape recorder for those of old enough to remember such a thing. As a PSA - Music tech tuition channel did a shoot out of stem separation software and very highly ranked was the freeware DemuxGUI. Nothing is cheating if it speeds up the creative flow and I really believe it's all about process and that has to be enjoyable above any expectations of outcome.
Crazy good ad every time. Love your channel!!
Completely agree. Consuming inspired me so much!!!
I started learning about music writing recently and I'm so glad i found your channel... Thank you for doing this and thanks for your return to CZcams 🙏
Thank you for the vids!! Love this channel
One thing that really works for me to finish a song is to focus on finishing at least one small section. You might have the general idea of something recorded and all, but once you listen to a fully arranged section, that thing is going to show you the potential of the rest of the song. It will be a nice appetizer and will trick your brain into thinking "Oh this sound awesome! I want more of this!". At least that works wonders for me haha
I find your channel insanely helpful, thank you, really
Very well said! Essential advice.
Solid advice! Things I would add based on my own experience:
- Seek music theory that relates specifically to songwriting/ composing vs performance.
- Enter writing or remixing contests as a way to practice your skills. Having existing material to work from provides a different focus. But do not expect to ever win! It’s just a practice tool.
- Don’t get distracted by technology. A lotta producers obsess over sound design and production quality. THESE ARE DISTRACTIONS.
Glad to see you back!
Thanks Jake, always the best tips and advice!
Great Inspiration and positivity.Thanks
What en excellent video. This channel is very good. Thanks very much!!
I love your content, Jake. Thanks for all you do.
Love that you mention Audacity. Yes, I use it all the time for my own recording/editing! In fact, I just started a project tonight with a field recording track (percussion) sized to a 60 beats per minute click track (which I later removed). Saved the project and will revisit later for the next layer.
Oh, and here's a tip about Audacity: If you live outside the US and use a different language keyboard, it may cause glitches. Change your keyboard setting to "ENG". It's a life saver.
love your videos dude. thank you for these tips.
Thank you so much - love all your videos and always learn something new!
Great content as always
I needed this. Thanks, Jake!
Bravo. I just love your videos. I always learn so much. Make Music. Produce. Record. This is really key. The great artist Chuck Close-who worked really hard and painted daily-said, "When I look at a finished painting, I can't tell which parts I painted on my good days and which parts I painted on my bad days. I paint every day."
Really helpful and interesting, thank you .
Excellent, as usual.
Always Learning from your videos... Thanks Man.
love your videos bro!
Fantastic tips Jake, thanks 😀
You're back!!
#13 - you get it.
I'm glad to hear this stance from you.
Don't shy away from technology - make it enhance your own skills. That's what it's always done. Fear is making people wring their hands and scream against it, like every significant change before it.
It's not different this time.
I love this channel
I've made my first song using a daw
. It took me 5 months and it was grueling but I did it
Telling people to watch out for a song and not wanting to let people down motivates me to finish
okay you have motivated me to try to make my first song! thanks you !
you are gonna crush it! and if not.. well try again who cares :)
godspeed, soldier!
You've helped me out so much with music theory that I can't even thank you enough.
Thanks man, I find many of your points very relevant to my composing situation and very useful
Thank y'all Patreons ❤❤
man i'm glad you're back!
Through you content, I have been able to recycle my theory knowledge and start finishing some new songs in the last 2 years. Thank you very much, Jake
Super awesome tips.
This is incredible advice Jake ! Thank you ! you have taught me so much about how to make my own music.
I like how you occasionally have a change in the viewing when you make comments, or answer hypothetical questions. Your videos are practically an art form, and informative, in of themselves. Thanx.
Great tips, thank you. 💛🌞
Thank you for the tips!
Always the best teacher thank you
This is amazing !! Very helpful for me at this moment as a budding artist🤩
Great video as always Jake ❤😊
Thank you for all that inspiring and wise priceless advices 🤘
I love that last tip!
I've learned most of the theory through your channel. Thanks for the work.
3:07 definitely my bests song came out this process: writing a riff/phrase/full compass, archiving it for like 1 year because I thought it was shitty, then redescovering it and thinking "wow this riff's nuts" and turning it into a full song by creating minor variations and doing basic arrangement. We need this time to look at our ideas with less negative criticism
"If you've got amazing vocal skills, I don't want you to just sing low notes sustained."
Unless you're an amazing bass vocalist. These are few and far in between, especially in rock and metal, so if you are an amazing bass vocalist, definitely lean into that. There aren't enough amazing bass vocalists out there, who actually own that range. Most of them tend to stick to the upper end of their range, and sound like okay-ish tenors as a result.
Though I am far from being a beginner, I enjoy watching your videos. Great job, keep them coming!
this was awesome! ty
I love this guy so much ❤❤
Thank you 👍
You are a great teacher. Those are very valuable tips
I really needed that #3 tip
Thanks for all the quality information you provide. Much appreciated from DR
Alot of these are so true and I'm glad I already follow some
A way to incorporate a few of your suggestions at once is to form a songwriting club. I once belonged to one where at each meeting we split up into small groups of 2 or three and were given 2 hours to co-write a song. Then the groups got together and performed their songs in front of everyone and invited critiques. Of course the songs were not polished but often the writers got back together later to finish them. A few good songs came from that club but also a lot of new friends were made.
You are back!
Great video as usual 🙌🏾
I'm extremely rare. Two decent quality songs were done that way 'Stick It In' and 'Famous & Smarter (Than You)'. It's not like i have a choice really. Most people want to write songs together or at least produce it together, but when you have no likeminded close to you, you're forced to do it all by yourself or give up which ofc isn't an option.
Related to a couple of your tips about analyzing and critizing I would add that by finding flaws in your favourite pieces also takes away alot of pressure. If even the best are imperfect, than we can accept our own imperfection. And also, don't just critizise your own music. Analyze it! Find out what worked and why it worked so you can do it again.
The way songwriting is portrayed in media or society is seen as totally effortless and taking zero skill, solely "talent". You don't see the same portrayal of lots of other art forms like novels or movies - maybe some for painting etc. I grew up in a very 'unmusical' home and had to learn everything myself from scratch but it was rewarding.
precisely!
Great video. Learn (a little) music theory resonated. Been playing for years, always knew what to play, always knew how to play it (more or less), but never knew why i played it. Until i gotta little music theory!! Now I'm composing, recording and uploading. Love it!!
Amazing video
Jake! Your content always helps me accomplish my goals! Some of the best info on CZcams! Thanks! 🦄🧜♀️🌭🍺
I would expand on tip #14 (Go Get Inspired) by adding that it's okay to lift or borrow musical ideas from other composers. Fire up a Spotify playlist of a genre you like, but that is full of songs you don't really know, then start trying to play along with them and see where it takes you. Do this for a few songs, or even just portions of them, then turn it off and let your hands and ears filter, extract and expand on what they have just been experiencing.
Thank you very much Jake! Thank you for helping music composing to continue existing, these days we need it most!
I have you modes poster and I love it, you can't imagine how much has helped me inspiring for music theory education!🎵🎵🌈