Hey there!
Got a new video for you today. This video contains a tip for how to keep your listener’s attention through the entire song, and lead them through the musical journey.
The tip? Change things up.
Watch the video to learn more.
What do you think? Do you have ways that you like to change things up and add interest? Leave a comment below!
Indie Artist Lounge 
Great example here Alex. I couldn’t put my finger on how your 2nd verse immediately sounded bigger as soon as it started (was the vocal volume up a bit possibly? or was it that louder guitar that added the energy? – probably a combination of elements) and then it carried on building up nicely from there – very clever arrangement ideas. I read this analysis of a Taylor Swift song here which talks about a similar topic: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov14/articles/mixreview-1114.htm
“where Swift and her producers are happy to leave the first verse’s texture essentially static for around 25 seconds (0:06-0:30), in the second verse you get some arrangement change every six to seven seconds”
Interesting to read how considered the producers were making changes every 6-7 seconds.
Thanks for the tip Alex.
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Hi Mark,
Yeah it’s somewhat subtle, but subtlety can be pretty powerful.
The first thing to notice is the drums. In V1 I’m doing pretty much just kick drum and a bit of snare drum. In V2 I’m doing a full beat on high hat, kick, and snare.
Also, there’s more energy in the vocal. I’m singing a little more strongly. Also, partway through V2, the vocal melody changes a bit and gets higher. Plus, an extra acoustic guitar picking part comes it which adds some extra flavor.
Those are the big things, really. But even just that little bit makes a big difference. Makes it feel like the song is progressing and building, rather than just “going back” to whatever it did in V1.
Hope that helps!
Alex
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