Blog

  • How Normandie Wrote „White Flag“

    How Normandie Wrote „White Flag“ – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQyhboWfd1Y

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The text discusses the process of creating music, focusing on the band Normandie. They start with production elements like drums or synth and often come up with ideas quickly during recording sessions. Songwriting involves keys, melodies in different places, and sometimes writing music first or melody first. The band’s sound focuses on strong melody and vocals. Creating songs can be a process of trial and error, with elements like instrumentals being changed to fit the overall sound.

    Highlights

    • Band Normandie’s songwriting process
    • Focus on strong melody and vocals
    • Trial and error in creating songs

    Key Takeaways

    • Experimentation is important in the song creation process
    • The band’s focus lies in crafting strong melodies and vocals
  • Moving Back

    Moving Back – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2nOLOcaX2I

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – Kino Head discusses their song „The Virus“ and its positive reception
    – Announces the release of a new song, „Moving Back,“ coming soon
    – Discusses changes in the writing process for „Moving Back“
    – Album release is March 3rd
    – Encourages viewers to pre-order the record and stay tuned for more updates

    Highlights

    • Song „The Virus“ received positive comments
    • New song, „Moving Back,“ coming soon
    • Significant changes in writing process for „Moving Back“
    • Album release date: March 3rd
    • Pre-order the record and stay updated

    Key Takeaways

    • Kino Head’s holistic songwriting channel is being restructured with new ideas, but not yet fully structured
    • Viewers are encouraged to tune in for more updates
  • Pronouncing Friedemann Findeisen like a Bad-Ass German | April Fools 2020

    Pronouncing Friedemann Findeisen like a Bad-Ass German | April Fools 2020 – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG00UQTEfoY

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – German tutorial on how to pronounce the speaker’s name, Freedom Finn Iseman
    – Guide on pronunciation with various examples, replacements, and reversals of the name
    – Mention of a song from System of a Down that sounds similar to the speaker’s name

    Highlights

    • 🇩🇪 German Tutorial
    • 🔊 Pronunciation Guide for Freedom Finn Iseman
    • 🎶 Similar song from System of a Down

    Key Takeaways

    • Different ways to say the speaker’s name, including replacements and reversals
  • You are overthinking chords 1/3 | The Songwriting Corner

    You are overthinking chords 1/3 | The Songwriting Corner – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuzysu8SXmY

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The text is about finding the right notes for a melody by starting with the bass note and building a scale from there. It emphasizes that every scale has seven notes, but the number of notes in a melody can vary depending on individual creativity. The process involves listening to one’s ears and trying out different notes until the desired sound is achieved. The text also mentions how easy it is to find the right notes if one knows music theory or can recognize common scales like major scale.

    Highlights

    • 🎵 Key Takeaway: The process involves identifying notes from the melody and selecting a bass note that „sounds right.“ Filling in the chord is optional but can add complexity to your music. Practice helps in identifying notes quickly.
    • 🎵 Three positions for chords to remember 🎶: 1. The 1-3-5, 2. The 1-4-6, and 3. The 1-3-6.

    Key Takeaways

    • 🎵 Essential Points: Establishing the foundation of a song requires understanding the roles of bass, melody, and their relationship. Choose a bass note by listening to your melody and finding a matching note on an instrument or by singing it yourself. Filling in the chord is optional; sometimes, just bass and vocals are enough.
    • 🎵 Essential Points: The process involves identifying notes from the melody and selecting a bass note that „sounds right.“ Filling in the chord is optional but can add complexity to your music. Practice helps in identifying notes quickly.
  • You are overthinking chords 2/3 | The Songwriting Corner

    You are overthinking chords 2/3 | The Songwriting Corner – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xmh5LN3VUA

    Summary

    ### Summary

    The transcript discusses the importance of choosing the right key and finding the best chord configuration when creating a song. It also emphasizes listening and adjusting until the music sounds right and suggests using syncopation to make the chord progression rhythmically interesting.

    Highlights

    • Importance of figuring out the key
    • Choosing the right chord configuration
    • Listening and adjusting for perfect sound
    • Using syncopation to make the music more interesting

    Key Takeaways

    • Stick to white keys for beginners when figuring out the key.
    • Choose one of three chord configurations (root position, first inversion, or second inversion).
    • Listen and adjust until it sounds right.
    • Use syncopation to make the chord progression rhythmically interesting.
  • Melodic Chords in Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop | Top 100 Songs of all time

    Melodic Chords in Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop | Top 100 Songs of all time – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at86ueXzPBo

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The video discusses „Blitzkrieg Bop“ by The Ramones, a high-energy song with a catchy melody and simple chord progression. It features an iconic riff and a fast rhythm that evokes excitement, energy, and a sense of whatever (indifference). The drumming contributes significantly to the groove and emotions in the song, while the guitar and bass play essentially the same thing throughout.

    Highlights

    • Melodic Chords: Iconic riff, three instruments playing the same melody
    • Interesting Tidbits: Singer’s „Hey Ho, Let’s Go“ chant origin, initially played at 177 BPM
    • Three Core Emotions: Excitement, Energy, Indifference (Whatever)
    • Drums and Rhythm: Double kick on the three, backbeat on 2 & 4, fast feeling
    • Research Sources: Wikipedia

    Key Takeaways

    • The song has a vibe of indifference and a constant drum groove with natural variations.
    • Guitar and bass play essentially the same thing, with guitar playing power chords and bass playing root notes.
    • Rhythms are mostly the same for both instruments.
    • Main riff has two lines: A line (dad a good to go dad I got it) and B line (dad a good dad I did it).
    • Song structure is ABAB.
    • Chords are very straightforward, using a major chord in the A section and the same chord in the B section.
    • Power chords add energy to the song.
    • Syncopation in the second bar of the B line adds power.
    • Two pickup phrases before the chorus give rhythmic dominant function, adding energy.

    Important Points

    • Guitar voicings could have been better chosen for a more connected feel.
    • The guitarist plays the riff differently in the live version, giving it an energetic vibe.
    • Playing power chords with downstrokes only gives each note more impact and fits the energetic emotion.
    • Chord progression in the chorus is straightforward but has disconnected voice leading.
    • Undervalued technique of toneless shouting in modern music could be used more often.
  • You are overthinking chords! Pt 3/3: Voice Leading | The Songwriting Corner

    You are overthinking chords! Pt 3/3: Voice Leading | The Songwriting Corner – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SMqhuPboOA

    Summary

    ### Summary

    The transcript focuses on the importance of understanding basic concepts of chords and voice leading in simplifying and streamlining songwriting, especially for commercial or pop music. It highlights tools like Captain Chords and emphasizes not overthinking chords. The speaker also discusses the role of voice leading in creating a smooth sound and its significance in piano, choirs, and pads.

    Highlights

    • Simplifying songwriting through understanding chords and voice leading
    • Captain Chords as a helpful plug-in for creating chord progressions and voice leading
    • Voice leading ensures each note within a chord has a logical progression for ease of performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chords are simple; don’t overthink them.
    2. Understanding voice leading is crucial in music creation.
    3. Proper voice leading creates a smooth, connected, and pleasing sound in compositions.
  • Ali Zuckowski on how he wrote for Udo Lindenberg | Interview with a Songwriter

    Ali Zuckowski on how he wrote for Udo Lindenberg | Interview with a Songwriter – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

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

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The speaker discusses the importance of patience, perseverance, and adaptability in songwriting and the music industry. They share their experiences collaborating with various artists and working on different projects to keep their work fresh and interesting. Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights into how one might approach their career differently.

    Highlights

    • Patience and adaptability are crucial in songwriting and producing
    • Collaborating with various artists keeps the work fresh
    • Reflecting on past experiences provides insight for future growth

    Key Takeaways

    • Stay open to unexpected outcomes in the music industry
    • Learn from past experiences, but don’t let ego get in the way of growth
  • Achieving PERFECT FLOW in Songwriting

    Achieving PERFECT FLOW in Songwriting – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

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

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – Songwriting Flow: State of deep focus essential for creating songs
    – Three Key Aspects: Health, Surroundings, and Writing Easy and Fast
    – Importance of breaks and meditation for mental clarity
    – Design surroundings to help create songwriting flow
    – Minimize distractions and manage emails effectively
    – Create a creative environment with inspirational elements
    – Trust your gut in the creative process
    – Quickly create drafts before refining work
    – Enjoy the process and take breaks when needed

    Highlights

    • 🥗⚽💤 Maintain health for optimal songwriting flow
    • 🌟 Design surroundings to enhance creativity
    • 📨 Minimize distractions and manage emails effectively
    • 🎨 Trust the process and enjoy the creative journey
    • ⏳ Take breaks when working on hard cognitive tasks

    Key Takeaways

    • Prioritize self-care and create a conducive environment for songwriting flow
    • Minimize distractions to increase productivity as a songwriter
    • Enjoy the process and maintain passion in your projects for better listener experience
  • Rhythmic Bits | The Songwriting Decks

    Rhythmic Bits | The Songwriting Decks – Holistic Songwriting

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Asg6a4TPb38

    Summary

    ### Summary
    This transcript is about an exercise known as Rhythmic Bits, which assists in creating engaging rhythms for melodies or rhythm sections. The exercise involves the use of rhythm cards that contain different rhythm patterns. Participants can challenge themselves by combining two cards to create a more intricate pattern. This exercise is particularly suitable for those interested in rock music as it helps in generating elaborate guitar patterns.

    Highlights

    • 🎵 Exercise: Rhythmic Bits
    • 🕰️ Purpose: Create interesting rhythms for melodies or rhythm sections
    • 📜 Materials: Rhythm cards with different patterns
    • 🔑 Challenge: Combine two cards for a more difficult exercise

    Key Takeaways

    • 🎸 The Rhythmic Bits exercise is ideal for those interested in rock music
    • 🎵 It helps in creating elaborate guitar patterns