5 Easy But Powerful Songwriting Tricks!

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Thanks for watching today and a big hug to you if you share this video with someone!

[DannyZaidman]

One thing I came across in my songwriting journey that changed my approach forever is define the spirit of the song. What I mean is find a message/feeling that the song is trying to convey (heartbreak, lust, partying at 4am, etc) and use that the drive all your musical decisions. I find when I try to use music to describe a feeling everything ends up falling into place much more smoothly. Then all I have to do is ask myself "how do I bring the spirit of the song to life?". Great video as usual Andrew, I will keep these tips in my back pocket!

[camandrew]

I always find it helpful to not over think things when you’re first starting a song. Think of it as a first draft that you can always change later. But it’s easier to get some down and tweak later than trying to come up with the perfect part at the get go

[linuxdudhp]

I like how you take your time to demonstrate us everything with examples! Makes it way easier to understand! Thumbs up! Super fan. Of you

[Ryno]

It always makes me feel so smart when you bring up a "songwriting trick" that I've just instinctually used without thinking about it before.

[discofox]

I'm teaching a songwriting class tomorrow and seeing the same points im going to touch on in this video kind of eases the anxiety. Maybe I do know what I'm talking about haha

[chancesmith]

“This is low for my range” *proceeds to sound like an angel*

[fisheranderson]

Hi Andrew! I've never noticed the quieter start to the second verse, but I just listened to a bunch of other songs and that's SO COOL!!! I'll definitely be taking your class next month!!! Keep up the AMAZING work!

[trishag]

OMG NO WAY. i am a very very beginner songwriter and just today I was searching for tips for songwriting, and then you post this? 😱

[buriedstpatrick]

Starting immediately with the chorus is also a great way to hook people. If that's a bit much for your song, you can try playing around with some elements of the chorus rather than bringing it in fully. Like taking out vocals, or playing it more softly.

[Liam-bprm]

What a talent. Not only being a great singer, writer, and producer, but also a great teacher.

[crimson]

all these tips are awesome wow, usually when i see a “tips to improve your songs” it’s like, , “have you melody follow a question and answer pattern” or “have a part of the song that changes”, like suuuper obvious or vague stuff. this video, however, makes me feel like my songs are gonna be a little bit better just from watching this video and having these ideas in my head. andrew huang best songwriting teacher

[westonkenyonmusic]

I often use that technic (the third one I think). I always subtract elements during the build and rarely add more. The smaller the build, the bigger the drop. A sneaky method to making the drop sound bigger and louder is to subtly automate the master volume down so that the build gets quieter and goes full volume again for the drop.

[dreaminginnoother]

One of my favorite things I like to hear in a song is when the second verse is used as a platform for a new idea. Usually verses are not good enough to hear twice, and even beyond singing the part a little differently, I think the best songs often make the second verse so different from the first, that it's almost like you are getting 2 different bridges. I am not a fan of too much repetition generally, and capable artists can usually take a theme and run with it as opposed to reaching for a thing that works and repeating it. Play with shit, experiment. There are so many directions you can go with any given part, let your mind explore on that second verse. Make it so the bridge has to compete with how good the second verse is, then you know you are onto something.

[fakshen]

I'm not an expert but some things I've done that have helped: I got to a big moment at the end of the bridge and needed a way to get back to the verse. But it was just jarring to jump into that verse. I muted the drums for one measure of that verse then unmuted. It really worked smooth out the two parts that seemed to be in conflict with each other.

I sometimes change up my effects between verses, especially time based/rhythm based effects like delay. If you have a delay set to a musical division in verse one, change it up for verse two. You can even mute the sends rhythmically to create even more weirdness. It works and from a creative standpoint, it's CHEAP.

Want to create a bridge but don't know what to play? Take your melody and shift it earlier by half a measure. You can keep the first half as a pickup or just mute it. Now you have something that still works in the same key, is related, but now sounds really different.

This stuff doesn't always work. But they are pretty quick to audition and see if some sparks fly. If it doesn't bog you down creatively, then use it.

[nilswandreymusic]

Dude, I'm writing songs for 20+ years, but this was refreshingly reminding! Not just for beginners, but when you're going through the motions, nice stuff! Also, I like the sound of your songs! Sounds different and fresh!

[StbilityMusic]

To add a bit to Thing 3, what I like to do leading up to my drops is put an EQ and a stereo imager on the master, then gradually cut the lows and tighten the width until right when the drop hits. Works almost every time.

[lilbeeston]

Can’t wait for your class. I am in!! So excited

[seamasmanly]

One of my voice teachers suggested playing with different emotions during a song, in order to exaggerate certain qualities. Also changing from clear pronunciation to messy, changing up EQ from verse to verse etc.
Thanks!

[dreaminginnoother]

That first trick is such a simple one that gets me every time when I hear it. Just a change in one chord on a chorus can change the feel of the same melody in such a subtle but cool way. I would guess most people usually don't catch that, but I always love that. When I write, if I ever have a little trouble deciding on which chord should go next, after I make my decision, I try to keep the second choice in my pocket for one time use somewhere.

[Rivalofficial]

If the drop section of your song has a different chord progression it’s sometimes rly cool to take that different chord progression to the 2nd verse for a progressive feeling