How To Write Better Vocal Melodies | Make Pop Music

In this video, Austin will talk about some tools, tips, and techniques he uses to quickly and effectively write vocal melodies!

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My Gear:
DAW: Cubase 11 Pro
Desk: AZ Studio Workstations
Monitors: Focal Shape 65s with Focal Sub6
Interface: UAD Apollo Twin USB
MIDI Keyboard: M-Audio Code 61
Keyboards: Roland Juno DS88 & Roland Juno 106
Guitars: Fender American Professional Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Taylor 214 CE Plus
Preamps: Heritage Audio HA81A & Audient ASP800
Microphones: Slate ML-1, Shure SM7B, JZ BH-1, JZ V67, Lauten Audio LA-320, Lauten Audio LA-220, Lauten Audio LA-120, AKG P170, Sterling ST59
Camera: Panasonic G7
Lens: Panasonic 25mm f1.7
Camera Lights: Neewer LED Light Panels

Timestamps:
Intro 0:00
Active Listening and Analysis 1:12
Determine the Key 2:55
Define the Goal of the Song 5:27
Find Your Pacing and Cadence 6:22
Try Everything (Demonstration) 9:20
Re-pitch Your Ideas 15:12
Outro 20:40

[giannimassaro]

Bro! This is amazing. I learned a ton from all these tips. The re-harmonizing/re-pitching is genius. Anyone with a DAW that has audio to midi should be doing this!

[tsukkikei]

That re-pitch method is insane, literally gold❤️😭🔥

[harrypotterbulgaria]

YES WE WANT TO SEE A VIDEO ABOUT ACTIVE LISTENING PERIODT

[REICKMusic]

the first info is so crucial. I guess alot of people shy away from active listening. But definitely active listening helps giving you a direction to the thoughts on your head.

[marbles]

This material is so fucking good dude.. crap I can’t swear can I on comments

[CapitiStudios]

Wow this is what I needed! As someone who doesn't know music theory, having this practical guide will be life changing!

[basscase]

Thanks Austin. I have never thought about "what do I want my melody to do?!" Typically I have written melodies and not ever thought about if they should be introspective, or explosive and what emotion I want to evoke with it. Also love how you said "less is more" in big melodies! Very helpful.

[MemphisFitz]

WHenever i encounter your videos i get immediately inspired! Your room, the self consciousness in your workflow and your looks really make me motivated to continue

[donthayer]

Gimme that active listening vid!!! You're the best pop tutorials on youtube

[gabefuller]

You’re so talented! Years ago I was thinking - someone needs to focus on crafting pop music in a structured way on YouTube - then you came along and did it brilliantly!

[jamesleecartel]

Austin, you are a total legend. I rarely write a comment, but you’ve helped me out so much with your videos.
One of your serum preset packs has already really helped me find some presets that have really advanced my song writing vibe.
Thanks!

[michaelbayron]

This is such a BIG help. Would highly appreciate that Active Listening!

[barryzito]

Austin is such a bad ass because he has most likely studied a TON of hit songs. I feel like that’s the only way. Nice work Austin

[AdamShepard]

this was the first result when i searched something about writing vocals, congrats austin

[danrusman]

it's definitely the best channel about making music i ever see, thank you man

[geoffstockton]

Lyrics: An' I'm'a shunna wunna deta tae
But I don't wanna say I feel that way

I'd just keep it. Let people wonder.

[LexaTerrestrialx]

the try everything section is kind of what i do too.. with the piano. I like messing around with different flows. and keep it to 3-5 notes for the verse as well.
And keep it to 3-5 notes for the verse as well.
Simple choruses are often effective too!

[katstark_]

The rep itching was awesome. I had done it a few times accidentally and had played around with it for instrumentals, but not thought of applying it methodically! Thank you.

[kayleemuyu]

Yes, i’d love a video on active listening! I really need to train my ears

[IDLEDAYS]

The tuning vocals tip is amazing! I always get stuck with the same type of vocal runs so this will definitely be a game changer for me. Keep up the fire stuff as always Austin!