How Muse (Doesn’t?) Write A Chord Progression | Artists Series S2E3 – Holistic Songwriting

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlLmtj-1CGo

Summary

### Summary

In this transcript, Rio Finesse Ballistics discusses Muse’s unique songwriting approach and the key aspects of their music that differentiate them from Radiohead. The band is known for evoking emotions such as cleverness, sophistication, wonder, excitement, and tension in their music, using classical influences and focusing on conspiracies, politics, rebellion, and war in their themes. A discussed piece of music showcases the use of arpeggios, unusual triads, proper classical voice leading, and augmented chords to create a sophisticated sound. The transcript also highlights Muse’s approach to harmony in their songs and songwriting techniques used by Matt Bellamy, such as functional harmony and the use of diminished chords.

Highlights

• 🎵 Muse’s harmonies are often more in key compared to Radiohead
• 🎵 Muse’s music has influences from classical composers like Bach or Rachmaninoff
• 🎵 Muse’s themes tend to focus on conspiracies, politics, rebellion, and war
• 🎵 The discussed piece of music showcases arpeggios, unusual triads, and proper classical voice leading

Key Takeaways

• 🎶 Matt Bellamy often omits secondary parts in his first verses to focus on the main riff
• 🎶 Functional harmony and diminished chords are common techniques used by Bellamy in his music
• 🎶 Muse’s interest in conspiracy theories influences their sophisticated sound