Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Most patterns in dance/pop/rock are based on intro-verse-chorus-
verse2-chorus-breakdown-(outro verse or chorus)-end or some variation 
of that.

12 bar blues is the most rigid (from a progression perspective) but 
probably the most fun to play and definitely one of the most soulful 
when done well.


But...
In terms of what makes a hit, I remember reading that someone had 
come up with a sophisticated "formula" that used complicated 
statistics, analyzed all #1 hits over the past x years and projected 
whether a new song was a hit or not.

I think that type of abuse of innocent statistics is all fine and 
good if you work as a suit in a big recording company or your an ad 
excecutive looking for the next "where's the beef" commercial.

If you appreciate music, the rules are just made to be broken. Like 
in my previous post, an artist learns a trade, but he doesn't seek to 
mimic his mentor. He seeks to be himself.

4 on the floor dance, Blues progressions, ballads, disco, and a good 
deal of pop songs seem to follow definite progressions and you should 
understand what these are and why they work. Imitate and you'll 
decode. THey are commercially successful for a reason.

But also listen extensively to classical, ambient, drum-n-bass, 
improv jazz, etc... and realize what undiscovered treasures are far 
away from those rigid lines.

-T

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "sparky55red" <sparky55red@y...> wrote:
> Great thread! Along these lines, can anyone give me an idea of song 
> form for this music? What is a good structure to start with? It's a 
> lot of fun bringing different parts in and out and playing licks on 
> top, but I believe it's the subconsciously noticed "changes" or 
> structure (specific measures or sections) that make a hit really 
> work. I welcome all comments on this. I have much to 
> learn.....Thanks.
> Mark--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "critten98" 
<travis.crittenden@c...> 
> wrote:
> > My asdvice is to keep your device and add a keyboard controller 
of 
> > some kind (plan to spend about $100 to $200 for this).
> > 
> > Then, download the trial copy of sonic foundry Acid and the demo 
> of 
> > Fruity loops. 
> > 
> > Also,go to your nearest music store and ask a asalesperson for a 
> book 
> > on scales. This should map out each scale across a keyboard (as 
> well 
> > as your pads on your XX-7) and provide you with chord variations 
> for 
> > each key.
> > 
> > 
> > Once you have that, here is what I would do to BUILD an 
> understanding 
> > of anything you are interested in.
> > 
> > - First (for about a week or two) Just learn how to use the 
basics 
> of 
> > Fruity Loops. You won't be able to save, but you can still learn 
> from 
> > this tool. Try playing a song you like and try to repeat the drum 
> > parts you hear in fruity loops. This will help you know what you 
> are 
> > hearing and it will be easier to reproduce these PATTERNS on your 
> XX-
> > 7.
> > 
> > - Second, learn the basics of Sonic Foundry's (now owned by Sony) 
> > Acid software. You'll be able to save but only use a max of 8 
> tracks 
> > (probably other limitations too).
> > 
> > Download the free loops from acidplanet and from the Sony "Acid" 
> > software web site. You should now focus on combining rhythms and 
> > sounds to achieve a mix you like. Change the tempo, change the 
> key, 
> > slow the tempo down and try to make the arpeggios and melodies 
you 
> > hear come out on your XX-7.
> > 
> > Also, you can import songs you like into acid and "play along".
> > 
> > The point is instant gratification for your current level of 
> > creativity, something to keep you inspired, rewarded and keep you 
> > wanting to learn more.
> > 
> > After you ave done all that for about 4 weeks total, get your 
> chord 
> > charts and sclaess out and use your keyboard and start playing 
> your 
> > original ideas. Play some chord combinations, some single note 
> > melodies, etc...
> > 
> > You should pick an idea you like or want to reproduce and make 
> that 
> > your first accomplishment. Oh, and If you have a problem with 
> speed, 
> > slow things down or do step recording. Need to see a rhythm 
before 
> > you program it? Use fruity. Need to really hear what is going on 
> in 
> > one part of a song? put it's mp3 in acid and slow acid down until 
> you 
> > can imitate it.
> > 
> > Learning from what others have done can be done different ways, 
> but 
> > you really need to learn from others experiences (ie: music you 
> > like), one way or another.