13.1 Current trends in commercial songwriting
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Modern songwriting is evolving rapidly. Today's hits blend genres, use catchy hooks, and are built for streaming. Songwriters focus on short, memorable tunes with quick intros and repetitive choruses to grab listeners fast.
Collaboration is key in the industry. Writers team up at camps, use online tools, and work with producers worldwide. They also create viral-friendly content for social media and craft songs for in TV and film.
Modern Songwriting Techniques
Pop Production Techniques
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Drum Machine Legacy: Linn LM-1, as Marketed in 1982 - CDM Create Digital Music View original
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- Employ heavy use of electronic instruments and digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create polished, radio-ready sounds
- Utilize advanced audio processing techniques such as compression, equalization, and pitch correction to enhance the overall sound quality and create a cohesive mix
- Incorporate layered vocal harmonies and ad-libs to add depth and interest to the vocal arrangement
- Use drum programming and synthesized beats to create infectious, danceable rhythms that appeal to a wide audience (808 drum samples, four-on-the-floor beats)
Streaming-Friendly Structures and Hook-Driven Composition
- Craft shorter song lengths, typically under 3:30, to maximize and cater to shorter attention spans
- Prioritize catchy, memorable hooks that are introduced early in the song to quickly engage listeners ( within the first 30 seconds)
- Employ repetition strategically, such as repeating the chorus multiple times or using a post-chorus hook, to reinforce the song's main message and create earworms
- Minimize the use of long intros, instrumental breaks, and outros to maintain listener engagement and reduce skip rates on streaming platforms
Genre Blending and Experimentation
- Combine elements from different genres to create unique, fresh sounds that stand out in a crowded market (mixing pop with hip-hop, EDM, or Latin influences)
- Experiment with unconventional song structures, such as omitting the or using a non-linear narrative, to subvert listener expectations and create memorable moments
- Incorporate diverse instrumentation and production elements from various genres to appeal to a wide range of audiences and showcase artistic versatility
- Collaborate with artists from different genres to tap into new fan bases and expand creative boundaries (pop artist featuring a rapper or EDM producer)
Collaborative Songwriting
Co-Writing and Songwriting Camps
- Engage in collaborative writing sessions with other songwriters, producers, and artists to generate new ideas, leverage diverse skill sets, and create songs with broad appeal
- Attend songwriting camps organized by music publishers, record labels, or artist management to foster creativity, network with industry professionals, and write songs for specific projects or artists
- Utilize online collaboration tools and platforms to work with songwriters and producers from around the world, expanding creative possibilities and tapping into global trends (Zoom co-writing sessions, cloud-based DAWs)
- Develop strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure to thrive in environments
Topline Writing and Vocal Production
- Focus on writing compelling melodies, lyrics, and vocal hooks over pre-made instrumental tracks or beats, a process known as
- Collaborate with producers who specialize in creating instrumental tracks, allowing the topline writer to concentrate on crafting the perfect vocal melody and lyrics
- Utilize advanced techniques, such as layering, harmonization, and effects processing, to create a polished and professional vocal performance that complements the instrumental (doubled vocals, vocoder effects)
- Adapt to different genres and production styles to create toplines that resonate with various audiences and meet the needs of diverse projects (writing for pop, hip-hop, and electronic tracks)
Marketing and Licensing
Creating Viral Content and Social Media Promotion
- Craft songs with lyrical content, hooks, or production elements that have the potential to go viral on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube (dance challenges, meme-able lyrics)
- Encourage user-generated content by creating songs with simple, repeatable hooks or choreography that fans can easily recreate and share online
- Engage with fans on social media by participating in trends, challenges, and online conversations to build a strong connection with the audience and increase the likelihood of viral success
- Collaborate with influencers, content creators, and other artists to expand reach and tap into new audiences, increasing the chances of a song going viral (TikTok duets, Instagram Reels features)
Sync Licensing Opportunities and Trends
- Create songs with universal themes, emotions, and production styles that lend themselves well to sync placements in film, television, commercials, and video games (uplifting anthems, cinematic ballads)
- Stay informed about current trends in sync licensing, such as the demand for authentic, genre-specific songs in certain settings (lo-fi hip-hop for coffee shop scenes, indie folk for coming-of-age films)
- Develop relationships with music supervisors, sync agents, and licensing companies to increase opportunities for song placements and understand the specific needs of various media projects
- Ensure that songs are professionally produced, mixed, and mastered to meet the technical requirements for sync licensing and compete with other high-quality submissions (broadcast-ready mixes, stems for easy editing)
Key Terms to Review (23)
AABA: AABA is a traditional song structure commonly found in popular music, characterized by its arrangement of two verses (A), a contrasting bridge (B), followed by a return to the verse (A). This structure allows for emotional depth through its use of contrast, creating a memorable hook while providing a satisfying resolution. The AABA format can be seen in many classic songs, illustrating the balance between repetition and variety that defines effective songwriting.
Abab: Abab is a rhyme scheme commonly used in poetry and songwriting where the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other. This pattern creates a pleasing auditory experience and can add a lyrical quality to the work. It is particularly effective in structured forms, allowing songwriters to convey emotions or narratives with rhythm and flow.
Auto-tune: Auto-tune is a digital audio processing technology that corrects pitch in vocal and instrumental performances. It has become a staple in modern music production, allowing artists to achieve a polished sound, often resulting in a distinctive vocal style that blurs the line between live and studio performances.
Bedroom pop: Bedroom pop is a genre of music characterized by its lo-fi production, personal lyrics, and the often home-based recording process. It represents a shift in how artists can create and distribute music independently, utilizing technology to produce tracks in their own living spaces rather than traditional studio environments. This genre embodies a sense of intimacy and authenticity that resonates with listeners, connecting deeply with personal experiences and emotions.
Bridge: A bridge is a contrasting section in a song that serves as a transition between different parts, often introducing new melodies or themes. This element helps to provide variety and maintain listener interest while connecting the verses and choruses together seamlessly.
Chorus: A chorus is a repeated section of a song that typically contains the main message or hook, often featuring catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. It serves to unify the song, providing contrast to the verses and enhancing the overall emotional impact through repetition.
Collaborative songwriting: Collaborative songwriting is a creative process where two or more songwriters come together to co-write a song, pooling their ideas, talents, and perspectives to create a cohesive piece. This teamwork can lead to a richer, more diverse sound and often results in songs that have greater commercial appeal due to the blending of different styles and influences. Collaborative songwriting has become increasingly popular in the music industry, reflecting current trends towards teamwork and shared creativity.
Digital audio workstation (DAW): A digital audio workstation (DAW) is a software platform used for recording, editing, and producing audio files. It provides users with a variety of tools for manipulating sound, such as mixing, applying effects, and arranging tracks, making it essential for modern music production. DAWs have become the standard in the music industry due to their versatility and user-friendly interfaces, enabling artists and producers to create high-quality demos and polished final products.
Hook writing: Hook writing refers to the process of creating catchy and memorable musical phrases that grab the listener's attention right from the start of a song. These hooks can be lyrical, melodic, or rhythmic elements that stand out and create a strong emotional connection, often making a song more appealing and memorable. A well-crafted hook is essential in crafting songs that resonate with audiences and can drive commercial success.
Max Martin: Max Martin is a Swedish songwriter and producer renowned for his influential role in shaping the sound of contemporary pop music. With a career spanning over two decades, he has crafted countless chart-topping hits for various artists, establishing himself as a key figure in the industry. His unique approach to songwriting often involves creating catchy hooks and memorable melodies, making his work highly sought after in the commercial music landscape.
Mechanical Royalties: Mechanical royalties are payments made to songwriters and music publishers for the reproduction of their songs in physical formats, like CDs or vinyl, as well as digital formats such as downloads and streaming. These royalties are essential for songwriters and publishers to earn income from their compositions whenever their music is reproduced and distributed. Understanding mechanical royalties helps clarify the financial framework of music publishing, the evolving trends in songwriting, and the necessary income streams for building a sustainable career in songwriting.
Music placement: Music placement refers to the strategic use of songs within various media, such as films, television shows, commercials, and video games, to enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences for the audience. This practice has become increasingly significant as the demand for original music continues to rise in contemporary media landscapes, influencing how songwriters and artists approach their work.
Personal storytelling: Personal storytelling is the practice of sharing one's own experiences, thoughts, and emotions through narrative. This technique is often used in songwriting to create a deep connection with listeners, making the song relatable and authentic. It draws on individual experiences, allowing artists to express vulnerability, and resonate with a wider audience by tapping into shared human emotions.
Pharrell Williams: Pharrell Williams is an influential American singer, songwriter, producer, and fashion designer known for his eclectic style and genre-blending music. He has made a significant impact on commercial songwriting, especially in the realms of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, shaping current trends with his innovative sound and collaborations with various artists.
Social media promotion: Social media promotion refers to the use of social media platforms to market and promote content, products, or brands to a specific audience. It leverages the reach and engagement of social media to connect with listeners and fans, encouraging interaction and building a community around an artist or song. This strategy is vital in the current landscape where digital presence can significantly influence commercial success in songwriting.
Streaming royalties: Streaming royalties are payments made to artists, songwriters, and rights holders when their music is played on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. These royalties are crucial in the current music industry landscape, as they represent a significant portion of an artist's income, reflecting the shift from physical album sales to digital streaming.
Streaming-friendly structures: Streaming-friendly structures refer to the specific formats and arrangements in songs that make them more appealing and accessible to listeners on streaming platforms. These structures often emphasize catchy hooks, shorter song lengths, and engaging choruses that encourage repeated listening, which is crucial in an era where streaming dominates music consumption.
Sync licensing: Sync licensing refers to the permission granted to use a piece of music in sync with visual media, such as film, television shows, commercials, or online content. This practice not only helps to enhance the emotional impact of visuals but also serves as a vital revenue stream for songwriters and artists. The process involves negotiating rights and often results in a fee paid to the original creators for the use of their work.
Topline writing: Topline writing refers to the process of creating the main melody and lyrics of a song, which serves as the foundation upon which other elements, like chords and instrumentation, are built. This practice is crucial in commercial songwriting, as it focuses on crafting catchy hooks and memorable phrases that resonate with listeners. Topline writing emphasizes strong melodic lines and lyrical content that can captivate an audience and fit within the current musical trends.
Trap music: Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States during the early 1990s, characterized by its aggressive beats, heavy use of hi-hats, and lyrical content often focusing on street life and drug culture. The genre has evolved over the years, influencing mainstream pop and electronic music, while also becoming a significant trend in commercial songwriting.
Verse-chorus structure: Verse-chorus structure is a common framework used in songwriting, characterized by alternating sections of verses and a repeating chorus. This format helps to create a sense of familiarity and memorability, making songs engaging for listeners. The verses usually tell a story or develop an idea, while the chorus encapsulates the main theme or hook, providing emotional impact and catchiness.
Viral content: Viral content refers to any piece of media that spreads rapidly through sharing across social media platforms, often leading to widespread visibility and engagement. This phenomenon is crucial in today's digital landscape, where capturing audience attention can significantly impact the success of songs and artists. Viral content can include music videos, challenges, memes, and other forms of entertainment that resonate with audiences and encourage them to share.
Vocal production: Vocal production refers to the process of creating sound using the voice, which involves the coordination of various anatomical structures such as the lungs, vocal folds, and resonating cavities. This process is essential in singing and speaking, as it affects tone, pitch, and overall sound quality. Effective vocal production is crucial for artists in commercial songwriting, as it impacts their ability to convey emotion and connect with audiences.