Blog

  • How Coldplay Writes A Melody | The Artists Series S1E6

    How Coldplay Writes A Melody | The Artists Series S1E6 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPFaOw3qJd4

    Summary

    ### Summary
    Coldplay’s success in the music industry can be attributed to their ability to transform and evolve. Starting as a post-Brit pop band, they have since incorporated alternative rock, art rock, and eventually pop music. Their themes also shifted from introspective emotional struggles to an outward focus, reflecting frontman Chris Martin’s personal growth. Coldplay is connected with organizations like Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Teenage Cancer Trust, donating 10% of their earnings to charity.

    Highlights

    • Coldplay evolved from a post-Brit pop band to incorporate alternative rock, art rock, and eventually pop music.
    • Themes in their music have shifted from introspective emotional struggles to an outward focus.
    • 10% of Coldplay’s earnings go towards charity, and the band is connected with organizations like Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Teenage Cancer Trust.

    Key Takeaways

    • Coldplay’s broad appeal can be attributed to the balance of happy and sad elements in their music.
    • The major third interval in their melodies creates a warm, happy effect that contrasts with descending lines‘ darker tone.
  • What is HAPPENING to Holistic Songwriting!? (+GIVEAWAY)

    What is HAPPENING to Holistic Songwriting!? (+GIVEAWAY) – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqqx-52AL4Y

    Summary

    Summary: In this conversation, P talks about his Artist Series, plans for his YouTube channel, and an upcoming YouTube show called „The Fleet“. The Artist Series will include five more episodes before its season finale, and viewers can vote on which artist they want to see next. A new YouTube show, „The Fleet“, is set to start soon.

    Highlights:
    – 5 more episodes in the Artist Series, with a surprise at the finale
    – Viewers can vote for their favorite artist to be featured
    – New YouTube show: The Fleet starting next Tuesday

    Key Takeaways:
    – The speaker plans to address questions about holistic songwriting through a YouTube show.
    – They will give away 20 courses for free to those who truly cannot afford them.
    – The speaker promises more videos and giveaways in the future.

  • Building Momentum, Image, the Big Sound & Cohesion | The Friedemann Findeisen Show 01

    Building Momentum, Image, the Big Sound & Cohesion | The Friedemann Findeisen Show 01 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZP3NUzLyfw

    Summary

    ### Summary
    In this discussion, the speaker shares their experiences at music conservatories in Germany and the Netherlands. The key points to expect from studying music in a conservatory include making friends with fellow musicians, meeting industry professionals, and learning from experience. It’s important to choose a path that suits your style and interests, and focus on personal growth and improvement in musical skills.

    Highlights

    • Attending conservatories provides opportunities for networking and collaborations
    • Studying music helps improve musical skills but may not teach industry secrets or pop formulas
    • A business mindset is essential when studying music

    Key Takeaways

    • Choose a path based on interests and style
    • Focus on personal growth and improvement in musical skills
  • Finishing Songs, Music or Lyrics first, Authenticity | The Friedemann Findeisen Show Ep. 2

    Finishing Songs, Music or Lyrics first, Authenticity | The Friedemann Findeisen Show Ep. 2 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgiHiwzva94

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – Discussion on songwriting process, deadlines, and overcoming writer’s block
    – Importance of surrounding oneself with positive information and self-improvement
    – Tips for collaborating with other writers and finding the right writing partners
    – Emphasis on focusing on music over lyrics and exploring interesting themes

    Highlights

    • Tight deadlines help speed up songwriting process 🕒
    • Importance of collaboration, authenticity, and personal style in songwriting 🎵
    • Focusing on the music rather than just the lyrics 🎶

    Key Takeaways

    • Surround yourself with positive information for self-improvement 📚
    • Collaborate with others to enhance creativity 🤝
    • Find the right writing partners and enjoy the process 🌈
  • Original Sound, Copyright, Paths to Success | The Friedemann Findeisen Show Ep. 03

    Original Sound, Copyright, Paths to Success | The Friedemann Findeisen Show Ep. 03 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkc9lLJgwAA

    Summary

    ### Summary
    In this episode, the host discusses the release of their next artist series and answers a question from Kevin about songwriting and selling music while maintaining copyright as a songwriter. The key points include the automatic copyright protection once music is released under an artist’s name, the importance of focusing on writing great music rather than fearing competition or stealing, and using online platforms to gain attention. Additionally, the episode covers working smart instead of hard, making better business decisions with the „Three P’s“, and the importance of music theory in songwriting. The text also discusses finding your unique style in music by experimenting with different styles and elements while maintaining originality.

    Highlights

    • 🎤 Next artist series release: Expected to be released in the coming weeks.
    • ✍️ Kevin’s question: Kevin asks for information on songwriting and selling music while maintaining copyright as a songwriter.
    • 🎸 Automatic Copyright: Once music is released under your name, it automatically has copyright protection.
    • 🌐 Utilize online platforms to gain attention.
    • 🚀 The main goal should be finding an audience, growing the fan base comes first before monetary gains or record deals.
    • 💡 Work smart instead of hard, focusing on mental approach over physical effort.
    • 💰 The Three P’s: When making business decisions, ensure at least two of the following are met: Payment, Publicity, and Pleasure/Satisfaction.
    • 🎶 Music Theory: It isn’t necessary for songwriting. Focus on other aspects such as arrangement and making your music sound modern.
    • 🌐 Knowing how to play all 12 major and minor chords on your chosen instrument is essential.
    • ♩ Two important time signatures to know are 4/4 (one-two-three-four) and 6/8 (one-two-three-four-five-six).
    • 🎵 Find your unique style by experimenting with different styles and elements while maintaining originality.
    • 🎧 Listen to artists who do their own thing and don’t sound like anyone else for inspiration.

    Key Takeaways

    • 📚🎶⏰🚀 Write Songs: Essential Tips
  • Sending Your Stuff To Labels, Better Timing | The Friedemann Findeisen Show Ep. 04

    Sending Your Stuff To Labels, Better Timing | The Friedemann Findeisen Show Ep. 04 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O–lv_kABFE

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The transcript discusses the struggles of songwriting and emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance in overcoming difficulties. It also mentions an anecdote from a convention where everyone felt like a „fake,“ which is a common feeling among creators. The speaker encourages listeners to approach songwriting as a serious craft and thanks them for their support.

    Highlights

    • Songwriting can be challenging even for professional artists
    • Hard work and perseverance are key elements of success in any creative field
    • Feeling like a „fake“ is common among creators, including those with formal education
    • The speaker encourages listeners to approach songwriting as a serious craft

    Key Takeaways

    • Embrace the struggles and challenges in songwriting
    • Use hard work and perseverance to overcome obstacles
    • Thank viewers for their support and encouragement
  • How Bruno Mars Wrote 24K Magic | The Artists Series S1E7

    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.
  • How Adele Markets Herself | The Artists Series S1E8

    How Adele Markets Herself | The Artists Series S1E8 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpwmsvJf2ss

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – Discusses how Adele’s image manifests in her music videos and album artwork.
    – Highlights connections between Adele’s music videos and her perceived „old soul underdog“ image.
    – The classic, old-fashioned feel of her albums is reflected in the black and white or sepia tones of the album artworks.
    – Adele often uses real instruments in her music, giving it an old-fashioned powerhouse sound.

    Highlights

    • Adele is portrayed as an „old soul underdog“ through her album titles and classic styling.
    • Her image emphasizes unity and relatability in her work.
    • The use of unusual lighting and shadows in „Chasing Pavements“ adds depth to the music video.
    • Adele explores various melodic constructs and harmonies in her music.

    Key Takeaways

    • Adele’s music videos often focus on her emotions and struggles rather than connecting with others.
    • The music video for „Hello“ symbolizes a shift from focusing solely on herself to recognizing others.
    • „Hello“ is a polished pop song with intricate production details.
    • The key takeaway is that we should strive for improvement while not discouraging ourselves, and the speed of implementation is crucial to success.
  • The 30 Day Rhythm Challenge!

    The 30 Day Rhythm Challenge! – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syp9ihuXe1Y

    Summary

    ### Summary

    Hello everyone! After a two-month hiatus, the Artist Series will resume. For those who can’t afford Skype coaching, follow on Facebook or Twitter for a chance to win a free session. The speaker has been working on five projects: a 30-day rhythm challenge based on the successful 30-day lyrics challenge, collaboration with YouTuber twelve tones for a podcast series on music theory, and more.

    Highlights

    • Return of the Artist Series after a hiatus
    • Opportunity to win a free Skype coaching session
    • Five ongoing projects: 30-day rhythm challenge, collaboration with YouTuber twelve tones for a podcast series on music theory

    Key Takeaways

    • The speaker is excited to resume content creation and engage with their audience again
  • Different Kinds Of Music Theory feat. 12tone | The Holistic Songwriting Podcast 6

    Different Kinds Of Music Theory feat. 12tone | The Holistic Songwriting Podcast 6 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy00H4Oepnw

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The text discusses various aspects of music theory, including tonal harmony, the importance of understanding the relationships between different parts of music, and the use of dissonance or out-of-key chords in film scores. The speaker also shares their personal relationship with music theory, finding it similar to solving a riddle or Sudoku puzzle. Emphasis is placed on the importance of surprise and evolution in art, as well as the balance between theory and emotion in music.

    Highlights

    • Music theory encompasses various approaches to understanding and creating music
    • The speaker shares their personal love-hate relationship with music theory
    • Songwriting should focus on the song itself as a means of communication
    • The importance of surprise and challenging oneself in art
    • The use of dissonance or out-of-key chords in film scores
    • Classical music theory may be less useful for modern popular music
    • Vertical vs. Horizontal Harmony: Focusing on single chords at a time in pop music
    • MIDI allows for easier experimentation with music composition
    • Emphasizing the balance between theory and emotion in music

    Key Takeaways

    • Understanding musical structures helps create more engaging content
    • Different musical cultures have unique systems and assumptions about harmony and rhythm
    • Experimenting with MIDI can lead to interesting arrangements
    • Analyzing other composers‘ techniques can be inspiring
    • The balance between theory and emotion is crucial in music