How Bruno Mars Wrote 24K Magic | The Artists Series S1E7 – Holistic Songwriting

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mjyYp2izCc

Summary

### Summary

Bruno Mars is an artist who has mastered the art of combining old-fashioned approaches to songwriting with a modern sound. This has allowed him to create music that is both authentic and commercial. In his album 24 Karat Magic, Bruno incorporates sounds from the ’70s through the ’90s while still utilizing contemporary production techniques. By understanding these techniques, you can apply them to your own songwriting.

Highlights

• Bruno Mars‘ 24 Karat Magic features colorful chords, changing progressions, and interesting harmonic structures that are uncommon in modern pop music.
• The relationship between melodies and chords is emphasized, with Bruno Mars using intervals instead of focusing solely on pitch relative to key.
• Energy distribution or „lyricless storytelling“ is a crucial factor in making older styles of music sound contemporary.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the role of sounds, melodies, and chords in creating the right atmosphere for a specific era.
• Apply these techniques to your own songwriting to create music that is both authentic and commercial.