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Jul 21, 2008
How Do I Write a song?
I want to start writing songs....but really, how do I start. I hear songs in my head but how do I translate this onto paper?
This question asked of me today, would be one of the more common questions that I'm asked. When writing a song, where do you begin?
There is no simple answer as each person's inspiration is unique to them. To create something, one must first have an idea. This idea might be some lyrics. A line or two perhaps, or it might be some melody or both.
If words are what you hear, then write them down, even if there is only a line or two. They can always be added to or refined later. If you have a melody, try and record it onto whatever you have available, before you forget the notes or the timing. Things can quickly be lost, particularly if you are distracted, busy or tired. If you play an instrument try and work out the notes as well.
One only requires a single note melody to have a tune and some words to have a song. Arrangements and harmonies can always be added later. If you're not good at words and melodies, team up with someone with complementary skills. Elton John could always write tunes but was hopeless with words. He needed someone else to write the words. The same applies with many other writers. Much of what is written is a collaboration of ideas, look at Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Lennon and McCartney, Rogers and Hammerstein etc.
Don't confuse writing a song with arranging. Arranging is a skill which usually requires a reasonable amount of training and knowledge of instruments. Patience is also required. Some songs may reveal themselves quickly, others may take months or years to write. Be flexible with your ideas and be open to modifying and improving what you have written. Sometimes a basic idea can be refined into something better.
If you think you're got something worth pursuing, a call to your favourite Recording Studio might help. Advice from a professional can save time and put you on the right track. Arrangers and session musician can be obtained and a demo produced relatively cheaply.
You can now ask questions of me on the Ask Doctor Paul page.
Hope this helps,
Dr Paul
Angel Studios
Jul 14, 2008
FIX It In THE MIX !!
Hi,
I often hear this comment when new bands come to record an album. "Don't worry about that. We can fix it in the mix"! This is one of those really bad ideas that people sometimes get.
more ...Jul 07, 2008
Beyond Redemption is closer than you think!
Hi,
With it being more than a year since the release of my feature length sci fi epic, Redemption 101, I am pleased to announce that progress is being made with the writing of the next part of the adventure. This time around I am looking at producing it as a short series for DVD or TV.
more ...Jun 30, 2008
How to make it as a professional musician
Hi,
Here we go again!
What does it take to become a professional musician?
more ...Jun 18, 2008
Now is a good time to learn to play an instrument or sing.
Hi,
Have you noticed lately the similarities to the good ol 60's? When girls wore mini skirts, the threat of nuclear holocaust and America and Australia were at war with someone. This was a time when a lot of great classic tracks were written. Good old protest songs and the charged up lyrics of great writers like Bob Dylan, John Lennon etc. If you weren't around then, just listen to the endless loops played on TV late at night from Time Life trying to sell compilations of it.
more ...Jun 08, 2008
How Much Should You Pay To Record an Album??
Hi,
I'm often asked how much will it cost to record an album, song, music video clip etc. It is an area which is clouded in confusion for most people recording for the first time.
more ...May 24, 2008
How to pick the right Studio for your next recording
How to Pick the Best Studio !!
Want to record an album or make some creative statement and don't know where to go? This problem affects us all at some point in our careers. The answer is simple, record where you feel comfortable and creative. If you can't relax, it just won't happen. Don't worry about all the hype put out by various studios claiming to be the best etc. If they were, they wouldn't need to tell you.
more ...May 01, 2008
May Update for Angel Studios
Just finished a very busy month in the studio. Produced a Rockabilly album for "Old 45s" and tracked a new album for the Indie melodic rock "The Transmitters". Numerous smaller projects coming up including a choir etc. etc.
more ...Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Angel Studios Update for April 2008
Hi again,
The months pass quickly when you’re busy. Totally obsessed with Studio Two, every one loves the sound of the room and comments on it. Customers are happy and sending nice emails. Having trouble keeping up though, headaches abound and slow me down. Hayfever time of year according to my sinuses and everyone seems to be catching colds and flus already.
more ...Friday, February 22, 2008
Sound advice on Recording
Hi,
I have been asked why I have gone to all the trouble and expense of building a second studio (which opens next week), when I already have a well equipped one now.
more ...Sunday, January 27, 2008
Angel Studios Update 27 January, 2008
Hi again,
Enjoying a nice day here in Brisbane. Busy week recording at Studio One and outfitting Studio Two.
Lots of new gear turning up this week ... new quad-core computer, Lynx Aurora AD-DA converters etc, etc. Now rushing to finish wiring as we're booked to do several albums starting in early February. The Blues Doctors, The Transmitters, a compilation album, A Gospel Album and several others are lining up for the new studio.
more ...Monday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Day 2007 Bah Humbug!
Another Christmas is here and what is under the tree...more bird droppings. Motley looks guilty and flies to her birdbath. I'm here alone having a peaceful morning, thinking about making a coffee......Correction now holding coffee and stale breadroll from yesterday. Motley wants her share of the roll...Is there no peace!
more ...