You are an excellent speaker. I get what you mean and I also understand why people are resistant to learning formulas. I stumbled on most of the "rules of pop" just by playing around and it does pay to know them so you can then decide when to follow them and how and when to break them to achieve maximum impact.
to become a songwriter you need more than just the talent. You need connections, publishers etc and if you have non its bloody hard to get your stuff out there! you could have the best song in the world but if the publishers roster is full they will just turn you down. keep trying, contact as much people as possible, maybe you know someone who knows someone. Build a list of contacts, keep harassing them for advice on your material. you will make it in the end :D
I've been to several of Jason Blume's workshop and he is the real deal! he cares about your success and he KNOWS what he's talking about. Hits are not accidental, in professional music or in professional baseball :)
Surround yourself with good music. Try to identify what it is in other people's music that you like. Steal it out of that persons music, change it a bit so it's unrecognizable, and put it into your music. Especially chord progressions. Everyone uses the same hit chord progressions. 1 4 5. 1 4 1. 1 5 1. 1 5 6 4. Beiber and Gaga have several songs that are the same exact chord progression, change for change, except they have different lyrics and vocal melodies over it.
Hey, e'erbody, if you're looking for some original acoustic stuff, check out my channel. If you're not, then don't check out my channel. Either way, have a super day.
I walk around with Steely Dan songs stuck in my head all the time. The biggest mistake in songwriting is sticking to one formula. Each song you write should have its own formula. Don't assume your audience are idiots. Every songwriter should have eclectic taste in music so that you can build your musical vocabulary. Most importantly.. write for yourself! Write something you want to hear, cause you haven't heard it before. Songwriting is the easiest and hardest thing to do.
He's got a point on the catchy melody, but if your trying to aim for that it's gonna take a long time. The most famous songs and melodies, came by chance. The writer or artist heard a certain melody in his head and wrote that done. That's at least what I do.
Hello from songwriter,pianist and vocal coach,Melissa Black! I recently put up five more of my originals on my channel - all are with me as the pianist - recorded in my home studio at the same time - THANKS!!
just try to write your own lyrics and even you couldn´t sing..like me^^...try to do something with the lyrics ^^ have a look maybe you like it...i hope so^^ youtube.com/watch?v=88oOJEB-4k8
@hallobaaaby No, people want to hum something simple that is incorporated into their not-so-simple lives. That makes their life seems simple again. The formula may "cramp" the song but if the message is powerful it will burst out like an explosion.
@bunchie1966 yeah but everyone pandered to what the public wanted including the Beatles, who admitted to it. If you don't pander to the public {your customers} they won't buy your product. It's a business, no different to any other.
@LoyalSamy21 hahah wow, i posted that comment a looooong time ago. I later made that poem into a song for my current girlfriend. I actually thank all of you who gave me the positive input because all of you inspired me to finish this lyric and give it to the girl of my dreams. So thanks everyone for the nice words
I've been writing songs for like 7 years and haven't been able to do a single good thing for the past 3 or 4 months. This video is a lifesaver, I started just playing chord changes instead of melodies. Thanks Jason Blume...whoever you are...?
Hey! I've just created a new YouTube Group called TonyToppsTalent: Musician Spotlight, which gives rising musical acts a chance to be discovered for their talent!
Add/sub me if you want me to send an invite! Also, click like on the "Tony Topps" Facebook page!
Jason, you are exactly right! We write hits, but your advice to study/research the radio hits deeply and break down the structure/formula intensely is perfect! Thanks for this post!
Jason, you are exactly right! We write hits, but your advice to study/research the radio hits deeply and break down the structure/formula intensely is perfect! Thanks for this post!
I just bang my head against my keyboard- I keep banging my head and eventually my nose gets the baseline- and my brain is spinning so fast in my head that I come out with some terrific melodies.- That's how I songwrite. - Problem is I need to buy a new keyboard every time I write a new song- Wishing you guys the best- 5 stars- You can check out some of my songs if you ever get bored.- God Bless
'dumb it down'... makes me laugh. there are so many brilliant songs with complex chords and meaningful lyrics that are not succesful. yet a simple 3 chord song with a great hook is a massive hit. a great songwriter has the ability to write a little of each
@GimmeSouL... he's (co-)written quite a few successful songs, diary by britney spears for one. also one really famous one by the backstreet boys. among others. he has a really great book called the 6 steps to songwriting
Good stuff. I have to say, though, I find Steely Dan and Gershwin do a pretty good job of sticking in my head, because they use simple melodies, too. But the complex stuff they put underneath those melodies helps keep them stimulating in the long run. Some element of surprise or novelty is important to keeping the brain stimulated and awake, and not just lulled into a contentment that could be just as well sustained by any other hit song. A good bridge or an unusual chord or melody can do that.
@peonchop2 thats really amazing. i really think you have some natural talent. you can really go somewhere. tell me all about ir girlfriend. Does she fist herself wearing nothing but fur boots and a gas mask?
im a big metal fan, but of course I sometiems humm beethove or stuff liek that, beethoven is timeless, and so is mozart, allthough im not that much of a fan of his works
bad video, I dont like it at all, if you base your songwriting, on other songs that r succesfull, just because they r successfull. I have contact to the keybaorder of one of my favourite bands, he told me, that he mostly swrites chord progressions first. I always ahd the melody first, so I tried vice versa, and having chord progressiosn first is a good thing, but I will always use both methods. Chord progressions r so essential for songs, for melodies, for everything, just as the melody is
True, but he's referring to the actual chord CHANGES not the chords themselves. What he's saying is no one walks around going "G....da da da....E....da da da.....Gm" etc..
hey strawdog, what youre not realizing is that some chord changes *are* melodies that are just delivered as chords. you are confusing progressions with melody. he is generally referring to the progression chord changes..
It's all great, but I've never heard a song by Jason Blume, so I can't say whether what he says is true or not. Show me your catchy melodies, Jason, and then we'll talk, how is that?
I guarantee you've heard his songs. He's made a damn good living off of them, too. Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Jesse McCartney. Not the most prolific, but definitely well-selling. Dude knows what sells.
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hes a paki what wud he know,bet he knows how to blow up buildings n people,n not to wash,n continue smelling all day long,hes a greasy cunt hahahahaha
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Fuck the music biz... you have to sell out to make cash 98% of the time, while the most talented artists with the most substance are stuck on indie labels. Fuck that is straight bullshit to me.
This Jason Blume guy is pretty Clued up, But yeah i agree with you the Job is not to write a song for Fans as an Artist, Your purpose is to get the Middle Man Rich
how is "Come on Eileen" which will be remembered for way longer than any B Spears song...so different in it's songwriting style. Because I find the music from the 80's to be of WAY better quality than that of today's POP music.
Music now in days is garabage anyways. I miss the 90's and 80's. The early 2000's had potential but the artist fell completely off. Songs that are hits now in days would never even scratch the top 100 let alone become number 1. And I don't agree with this guy for dumbing down music. I think the lyrics are the most important thing when It comes music the chorus should be secondary. But who knows
Blume has a myspace page, and if you'll listen to his songs, you'll see that he follows his philosophy of songwriting. He writes songs with melodies that have commercial appeal, and his lyrics are nicely crafted. He also has a great voice.
He's right - music is all about melody. It's where melody takes you even if in terms of chords and structure it conflicts, which rarely is the case since you can always find musical ways to solve this. What I totally disagree is that a song with a trivial title like "I miss you" or "where are you" cannot be a hit just because there is nothing exciting about the title...
I'm trying to write some music now. Am hitting a pretty uncreative brick wall at the moment. Any thoughts from whoever's out there would be very much appreciated. Thanks
This dude is right on when it comes to song writing advice for any genre. I'm a metal player and his rules hold true for that as well. Write songs, then re-write them!!! thanks Jason.
Okay, idiots, there is a difference for writing a song for other artists, and writing a song for yourself...it's the same difference as paying someone to clean your room, or you cleaining it yourself.
Catch my rift? Good. It can't get much simpler than that, so stop giving him shit.
Probably all of you wouldn't be able to come up with a hit song hat he has come up with, so don't bother arguing.
who says you can't write music for money?I don't understand why musicians can't understand that? I'd rather sell out to the music biz than to sell out to McDonalds.Listen, we sell out everytday when we punch in at 9am...you don't wanna go in at 9, so why are YOU comprimising your beliefs, because you have a job to do.Works the same way in the music biz. Another thing to consider is that some people(including myself) actually LIKE pop music, actually LIKE hooks and i like all the artsy stuff too
Great points! I've always had that perspective, but it's peculiar people don't. Took jason Blume's seminar at the TAXI Road Rally few years back -- he's great!
I admire Jason Blume. I first heard him on music business radio and he had a lot of great advice. I'm trying pretty hard to become a published songwriter. Everyday looking for hooks and ideas.
It had a formula but what does that mean? That's like saying a movie is "formulaic" because it has a beginning middle and end. Nevertheless the staccato guitar and lyrics on jealously make it stand out on it's own.
His songs recorded by pop superstars Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Jesse McCartney as well as country stars including Collin Raye, the Oak Ridge Boys and John Berry,and international artists like the Gypsy Kings, Blume's songs are included on albums that have sold more than 50 million copies
Besides being a poor speller, you are the one imposing your standards on the rest of us. You make it sound like it's a crime to intentionally write for the masses. How naive you are.
You can write for yourself or the masses: each deserves its own audience.
Please replay the opening 30 seconds - he clearly indicates how HE writes songs, and it is true people do NOT hum chord changes; you are quoting riffs not chord changes.
@scoreperfect sometimes a particular chord progression can be a riff. Depends how you play it - rhythm, tempo, instrument used etc. Think of all those classic AC/DC songs that start off with a chord progression type riff.
They are chords but nevertheless they are riffs. I think what he was trying to say is people who play something like G to B/G to F# with just eighth notes being played straight.
If you like this, check out "the manual" by the timelords (Dr. Who, hey! Dr. Who)- or - "how to have a #1 the easy way." Best book on music I ever read. This is child's pay by comparison. If you're interested in shrink-wrapping your soul for market, this book will get you there. Probably out of print though.
wow this is what is wrong with the music industry right now. this is a classic example of why science and music do not mix. this video has shown me that what im doing is wrong. trying to mix what i'm feeling and what is selling' is a gross disrespect to what music is about. I am an African who understands that music has no fomular we sing because we are happy, we sing because we are sad and we sing for no reason whatsoever and to put money in the forefront of what a musician is about is you
yeah, no kidding. "write from your heart but try to make sure it copies everyone else..." Be an innovator, not a duplicator... I think this applies to all crafts (actually, I stole that quote from an A&R guy at Atlantic - which is doubly ironic). But I believe he is right
...he sais that "he didn't want to be trapped into being a Steely Dan or Gershwin or Tchciavosky. Well, when you sum it up, any common peanuthead wouldn't want to be trapped into that either. I mean two of them have been dead for a while and Steely Dan hasn't put out a record in so long.
I understand what he's saying. However, think about something he has said, I feel that he has used a rather bad analiogy in order to stress a point. So much so that even I had to sit back and give a hearty, "duh", at what was being said...
Give Jason a break. He was asked a question and he's answering it as he sees it. Our universe is an orderly universe. Music is about space, ratios and a message. The songs that have become popular through the years provide a pallate that is pleasing to the human ear (in general), and that has some consistancy. It's not selling out to write a song that people will like and buy. It's a sell out to write rambling, non structured music that no one gives a crap about but the author.
Before MTV and marketing to 12 year olds, music was different. All GREAT music comes from the heart, not formulas Jason. Sure you are making a living, but you got no soul. You sound like a guy selling his learning annex series of lectures to people who want to work from home. If you really think that writing a song for Britney makes you a great songwriter... well... I really don't know what else to say.... she is terrible...
Music had formulas before 1981, it had a formula since the beginning of time. Basically it's like how most great stories/movies have a beginning, middle and end. Besides there were tons of music in the 50s being sold to preteens anyways...
What Jason has to say here is the best advise you will get if you want to write songs for a living. The most endurig songs ever written were basic 3 chord songs. The reason they did not try to over write thenm is because they had the melody and idea of the song first. Then they found the chords to match. Forget about impressing your musician friends. Forget about impressing your buddy. Write the song, a simple as it is, and do not sway from the idea and the melody.
Wow, these comments, and the response to a comment, are very smart and dead on! Smart, practicality, always matter! You have to always know what "context" anything is expressed! Taxi, and everyone involved in it, all of us looking at this, are trying to express our art to a grander audience! The context of "commercial success" is very different now than it was even ten years ago.
Jason is talking about what it takes to be "commercially successful" and he's dead on. If you're stuck in your own head and can't or don't want commercial success...then just stick your head back in the sand, write whatever you feel and be happy with whatever happens.
Unfortunately, he is correct. Short, sappy, mindless hooks are what sells. forget the knowledge of being a musician with emotions and focus. The tunes that sell are the ones that catch your attention while sitting in traffic and telling your kids in the back seat to quit fighting. That's the shit that sells
If you completely reversed about every sentence you uttered above you'd be closer to the truth. You're seeing the glass half empty only. Negative and critical without paying any respect to the great songs out there - sounds like you're a frustrated musician who, instead of learning from the the great songwriters, would prefer to criticize them to validate your own lack of accomplishments.
As for Colleen5476's comment - Stevie Ray played the blues. Much of what he did was just 6 notes arranged over tried and true blues progressions in well structured popular songs. I hate to shatter your image, but what he did was in fact, often very formulaic. He was a fantastic player and writer, but he didn't we-write the rules of songwriting. Besides, he was doing his own thing - not trying to make a living writing for pop artists like Jason is talking about.
Jason is the best! Of all the great guests at the Rally, he's the one that I always look forward to learning from the most. He's a great communicator and has some truly inspiring stories.
I may not be a hit songwriter yet but I disagree with your theory. Songs should not be broken down to a formula and a structure. That is why the music business is in the mess that it is. I am sure Stevie Ray Vaugh did not sit down with a formula and write his hit songs.
How naive - your favorite songs are a product of the very formulas and structure you are poo-pooing - yes, all Stevie Ray's songs follow standard formulas whether he thought so or not when writing them - and they all come to your iPod courtesy of the "messy" music business you are condeming.
Jason Blume's songs suck!
JimColyer 19 hours ago
he is realistic i love him i studied him when i first bought a britney spears album
LadyOfWordz 3 weeks ago
He is such a nice guy~he truly wants others to succeed!
MissVelvetElle 1 month ago
You are an excellent speaker. I get what you mean and I also understand why people are resistant to learning formulas. I stumbled on most of the "rules of pop" just by playing around and it does pay to know them so you can then decide when to follow them and how and when to break them to achieve maximum impact.
mr4chord 1 month ago
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'How to write a rock song: 1950s rock melody'
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jimiydoorshamelech 4 months ago
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thereneegardner 5 months ago
Were you filming this on a vibrating bed?
MonnsterMan 5 months ago
It''s something you have to work on for years, and you have to be patient and loyal to what your trying to do or say.
MultiJesse15 5 months ago
to become a songwriter you need more than just the talent. You need connections, publishers etc and if you have non its bloody hard to get your stuff out there! you could have the best song in the world but if the publishers roster is full they will just turn you down. keep trying, contact as much people as possible, maybe you know someone who knows someone. Build a list of contacts, keep harassing them for advice on your material. you will make it in the end :D
mist8k 5 months ago
I've been to several of Jason Blume's workshop and he is the real deal! he cares about your success and he KNOWS what he's talking about. Hits are not accidental, in professional music or in professional baseball :)
jrryder7 6 months ago
@mist8k Good luck. I find it's better to aim for something more around 60 though ;)
SnowyTehOwl 6 months ago
Surround yourself with good music. Try to identify what it is in other people's music that you like. Steal it out of that persons music, change it a bit so it's unrecognizable, and put it into your music. Especially chord progressions. Everyone uses the same hit chord progressions. 1 4 5. 1 4 1. 1 5 1. 1 5 6 4. Beiber and Gaga have several songs that are the same exact chord progression, change for change, except they have different lyrics and vocal melodies over it.
Reed Beeley
TheReedBeeley 7 months ago
Comment removed
mist8k 8 months ago
This guy wrote for Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys. If you want to make music like that follow his courses and you write a HIT!
Wake up dude it's not about writing hits.
Catchy melodies that stuck in the brain? Sheees please!
There's already too much of that kind of annoying pop out there!
heemanhey 8 months ago
who is this guy..i found his website...whats he done?
happygleason 9 months ago
At first I thought he was trying to sell me something, then the interview got awesome.
Thanks for just letting him talk. The guy is a genius in his line of work and that was a really great interview!
EarsSoSmall 10 months ago
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Hey, e'erbody, if you're looking for some original acoustic stuff, check out my channel. If you're not, then don't check out my channel. Either way, have a super day.
nathanlippert 10 months ago
I walk around with Steely Dan songs stuck in my head all the time. The biggest mistake in songwriting is sticking to one formula. Each song you write should have its own formula. Don't assume your audience are idiots. Every songwriter should have eclectic taste in music so that you can build your musical vocabulary. Most importantly.. write for yourself! Write something you want to hear, cause you haven't heard it before. Songwriting is the easiest and hardest thing to do.
tyleryesta1 10 months ago
He's got a point on the catchy melody, but if your trying to aim for that it's gonna take a long time. The most famous songs and melodies, came by chance. The writer or artist heard a certain melody in his head and wrote that done. That's at least what I do.
SingDriver101 11 months ago
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nice tips. check out my channel for a few of my own acoustic songs.
nathanlippert 11 months ago
good video, very useful. I´ve produced a few tracks, come check my channel
theneverendingalbum 1 year ago
Excellent interview
eric144144 1 year ago
Nice advice.
Featureman 1 year ago
Hello from songwriter,pianist and vocal coach,Melissa Black! I recently put up five more of my originals on my channel - all are with me as the pianist - recorded in my home studio at the same time - THANKS!!
missyjb00 1 year ago
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just try to write your own lyrics and even you couldn´t sing..like me^^...try to do something with the lyrics ^^ have a look maybe you like it...i hope so^^ youtube.com/watch?v=88oOJEB-4k8
skiesinception 1 year ago
to hear one of my original songs that I wrote several years ago---then go to
MY CAT SONG "TOMBOY" or to listen to a little of my blues style playing then go to
MICHAEL MOSLEY'S BLUES PICKING
micmoable 1 year ago
He's a BRILLIANT songwriter AND teacher-how-to-be-a-songwriter
wildmanchris200 1 year ago
This is so repulsive: the desire to write songs that are like popular commercial music (aka--crap) and will "burn" in the brains of people.
This is why the world is made out of mostly parrots and clones and hardly anything new and original: because people imitate "what's been successful".
hallobaaaby 1 year ago 3
@hallobaaaby No, people want to hum something simple that is incorporated into their not-so-simple lives. That makes their life seems simple again. The formula may "cramp" the song but if the message is powerful it will burst out like an explosion.
wildmanchris200 1 year ago
@hallobaaaby getting that money is why.
yoslammer 1 year ago
@yoslammer haha, i'd guess that's the real intent behind it :D
hallobaaaby 1 year ago
@hallobaaaby Totally agree.
bunchie1966 11 months ago
Formula bullshit box
kratex1 1 year ago
sounds like he's pandering to the lowest common denominator. I don't think he has to worry about being Tchaikovsky or Gershwin.
bunchie1966 1 year ago
@bunchie1966 yeah but everyone pandered to what the public wanted including the Beatles, who admitted to it. If you don't pander to the public {your customers} they won't buy your product. It's a business, no different to any other.
Rainingagain1 11 months ago
True 100%
Vanjal 1 year ago
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Great Video! Checkout the new song "Spilling Our Blood For War" on Youtube.
katproductionsinc 1 year ago
this guy is intense
kanopiucas 1 year ago
@LoyalSamy21 hahah wow, i posted that comment a looooong time ago. I later made that poem into a song for my current girlfriend. I actually thank all of you who gave me the positive input because all of you inspired me to finish this lyric and give it to the girl of my dreams. So thanks everyone for the nice words
peonchop2 1 year ago
very good
7649460 1 year ago
I've been writing songs for like 7 years and haven't been able to do a single good thing for the past 3 or 4 months. This video is a lifesaver, I started just playing chord changes instead of melodies. Thanks Jason Blume...whoever you are...?
dalewebster1993 1 year ago
Hey! I've just created a new YouTube Group called TonyToppsTalent: Musician Spotlight, which gives rising musical acts a chance to be discovered for their talent!
Add/sub me if you want me to send an invite! Also, click like on the "Tony Topps" Facebook page!
TonyTopps 1 year ago
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Jason, you are exactly right! We write hits, but your advice to study/research the radio hits deeply and break down the structure/formula intensely is perfect! Thanks for this post!
skywriteprodux.tumblr.com
SkywriteProdux 1 year ago
Jason, you are exactly right! We write hits, but your advice to study/research the radio hits deeply and break down the structure/formula intensely is perfect! Thanks for this post!
skywriteprodux.tumblr.com
SkywriteProdux 1 year ago
Very good, enjoyed that!
scruffydoggy 1 year ago
very useful! thanks!
Sheidraam 1 year ago
Looks like he had a little to much cocaine..guy is jawing like crazy!!
TheStrugglingArtis 1 year ago
check out my song
livethelifeyoulike 1 year ago
Comment removed
Songwrite3000 1 year ago
I just bang my head against my keyboard- I keep banging my head and eventually my nose gets the baseline- and my brain is spinning so fast in my head that I come out with some terrific melodies.- That's how I songwrite. - Problem is I need to buy a new keyboard every time I write a new song- Wishing you guys the best- 5 stars- You can check out some of my songs if you ever get bored.- God Bless
frankieloveband 1 year ago 2
I feel the same! Well said!
1979ADRYAN 1 year ago
Smart man.
maxpower789z 1 year ago
Songwriters watch my vid!!!
inspirasong 1 year ago
check out my channel for more vids on chord progressions and melodies.
thebeatschool 2 years ago
I need a hit, any co writers out there interested in writing with me?
guitarlancer 2 years ago
'dumb it down'... makes me laugh. there are so many brilliant songs with complex chords and meaningful lyrics that are not succesful. yet a simple 3 chord song with a great hook is a massive hit. a great songwriter has the ability to write a little of each
007frogprincess 2 years ago
Great tips.
slidenote 2 years ago
stupid question but; which songs did he write?seriously, i really like to know. google didn't help me at all
GimmeSouL 2 years ago
@GimmeSouL... he's (co-)written quite a few successful songs, diary by britney spears for one. also one really famous one by the backstreet boys. among others. he has a really great book called the 6 steps to songwriting
007frogprincess 2 years ago
Thanks for the tips - what do you think of my songs?
AndysOriginalSongs 2 years ago
Good stuff. I have to say, though, I find Steely Dan and Gershwin do a pretty good job of sticking in my head, because they use simple melodies, too. But the complex stuff they put underneath those melodies helps keep them stimulating in the long run. Some element of surprise or novelty is important to keeping the brain stimulated and awake, and not just lulled into a contentment that could be just as well sustained by any other hit song. A good bridge or an unusual chord or melody can do that.
TarpaperShackSongs 2 years ago
my hero 2 !!!! if u don't knw jason blume u should
clmballard 2 years ago
now if you dont mind
ill spend my time
right next to the fireside
by the light of the shelter in your eyes
do u guys or girls think this is any good?
peonchop2 2 years ago 22
@peonchop2 thats really amazing. i really think you have some natural talent. you can really go somewhere. tell me all about ir girlfriend. Does she fist herself wearing nothing but fur boots and a gas mask?
Episey 1 year ago
who the fuck is Jason Blume?
MrFuckMetal 2 years ago
Who the Hell is Wolf - Balloon Boy on CNN Interview with Wolf Blitzer lol.
Whiteboard7 2 years ago
lol
peonchop2 2 years ago
im a big metal fan, but of course I sometiems humm beethove or stuff liek that, beethoven is timeless, and so is mozart, allthough im not that much of a fan of his works
WuschelofDespair 2 years ago
@WuschelofDespair dont forget Bach :)
rogueshdw 2 years ago
bad video, I dont like it at all, if you base your songwriting, on other songs that r succesfull, just because they r successfull. I have contact to the keybaorder of one of my favourite bands, he told me, that he mostly swrites chord progressions first. I always ahd the melody first, so I tried vice versa, and having chord progressiosn first is a good thing, but I will always use both methods. Chord progressions r so essential for songs, for melodies, for everything, just as the melody is
WuschelofDespair 2 years ago
wtf? 1:05
syn2142 2 years ago
Haha, this guy knows his shit
I feel a little intimidated when he's talking tho xD
vanillarapist 2 years ago
Excellent songwriting tips from Jason Blume, and an excellent interview from Michael Laskow..... this is just filled with great information. :)
I'm gonna put this one of my favorites list.
Chits
onewomanandsomesongs 2 years ago
your my hero
pennypants9 2 years ago
i think he's so damn right
and i don't agree with strawdog. i'd never remember that song candy just because of the chords. only because of melody
ieva1001 2 years ago
pretty dang good advice for pop writing
kelseyleannemusic 2 years ago
He's got man boobs in some angles
cazbah66 2 years ago
True, but he's referring to the actual chord CHANGES not the chords themselves. What he's saying is no one walks around going "G....da da da....E....da da da.....Gm" etc..
Nattuz 2 years ago
i dont like this plastic-ass pop music of today any more than the next guy, but jesus, those songwriters must make a shitload of money
bigboss9182 2 years ago 16
hey strawdog, what youre not realizing is that some chord changes *are* melodies that are just delivered as chords. you are confusing progressions with melody. he is generally referring to the progression chord changes..
kingofnyct 2 years ago
This man makes a good living off songwriting. You are a faceless internet opinion. Advantage: Mr. Blume.
MisterRedfox09 2 years ago
what credits does he have?
Ayo456 2 years ago
It's all great, but I've never heard a song by Jason Blume, so I can't say whether what he says is true or not. Show me your catchy melodies, Jason, and then we'll talk, how is that?
dwightcasey 2 years ago
I guarantee you've heard his songs. He's made a damn good living off of them, too. Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Jesse McCartney. Not the most prolific, but definitely well-selling. Dude knows what sells.
MisterRedfox09 2 years ago
Another Taxi driver here.
Gongchime 2 years ago
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hes a paki what wud he know,bet he knows how to blow up buildings n people,n not to wash,n continue smelling all day long,hes a greasy cunt hahahahaha
norfolkenchants1 2 years ago
this man is an idiot.
alexthomasdude 2 years ago
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Fuck the music biz... you have to sell out to make cash 98% of the time, while the most talented artists with the most substance are stuck on indie labels. Fuck that is straight bullshit to me.
xXFrEeKyDeEzYXx 2 years ago
This Jason Blume guy is pretty Clued up, But yeah i agree with you the Job is not to write a song for Fans as an Artist, Your purpose is to get the Middle Man Rich
HipHopRapManiac 2 years ago
how is "Come on Eileen" which will be remembered for way longer than any B Spears song...so different in it's songwriting style. Because I find the music from the 80's to be of WAY better quality than that of today's POP music.
jeffreycollins 2 years ago 3
this is why i hate the music industry.
Terrybob123 2 years ago 2
people don't hum chord changes on the street because you need more than one voice to hum a chord.
angledcoathanger 2 years ago
Hmm this guy inspired me a little haha.
Im guessing that was the point... So good job!
Churros007 2 years ago
Music now in days is garabage anyways. I miss the 90's and 80's. The early 2000's had potential but the artist fell completely off. Songs that are hits now in days would never even scratch the top 100 let alone become number 1. And I don't agree with this guy for dumbing down music. I think the lyrics are the most important thing when It comes music the chorus should be secondary. But who knows
Wordlaw12 2 years ago
i think you're just not looking in the right places for new music. A lot of today's mainstream music doesn't represent the independent talent today
marokokisetter 2 years ago 2
formula is best!!!! Its natural
Gmoreno89 3 years ago
Blume has a myspace page, and if you'll listen to his songs, you'll see that he follows his philosophy of songwriting. He writes songs with melodies that have commercial appeal, and his lyrics are nicely crafted. He also has a great voice.
12thDecember 3 years ago
number one fighting aint a good lesson
girljpunk 3 years ago
What's wrong with out society isn't pop music.
That's really offensive considering some people might actually like writing pop lyrics.
I kinda do..
I mean what kind of lyrics do you write?
CarlieeJonas11 3 years ago
Hey that's great advice! I read his book years ago, there was loads of great stuff in there.
I have some songwriting tutorial videos on my channel if anyone is interested? Drop me a comment if you like em!
UltimateSongwriting 3 years ago
He's right - music is all about melody. It's where melody takes you even if in terms of chords and structure it conflicts, which rarely is the case since you can always find musical ways to solve this. What I totally disagree is that a song with a trivial title like "I miss you" or "where are you" cannot be a hit just because there is nothing exciting about the title...
miroxp 3 years ago
Blink-182's "I Miss You" was pretty good though.
jilloplo 3 years ago
Only Mark's part!!!... TOOOOOOoOoom DELLOOOoOoOnge...
Gmoreno89 3 years ago
did he write that?
SyanaLovesYou 2 years ago
Nice video, thanks alot
devilwillcryle 3 years ago
Timeless advice! 10 stars!
chriscommissomusic 3 years ago
I'm trying to write some music now. Am hitting a pretty uncreative brick wall at the moment. Any thoughts from whoever's out there would be very much appreciated. Thanks
STIXAHOY 3 years ago
"Don't bore us...get to the chorus!"
-George Martin
Beatles Producer/Manager
brlbean 3 years ago 4
Personally ..i just want a chance to sing my songs..i write for mee..just need a record deal..i go with the flow with a theme!!
PotentialGrows 3 years ago
This dude is right on when it comes to song writing advice for any genre. I'm a metal player and his rules hold true for that as well. Write songs, then re-write them!!! thanks Jason.
brownhog72 3 years ago 2
great advice
Robthirtytwo 3 years ago
I think he means a titl or maybe a first line that came from your soul
deftonesfan192 3 years ago
I think you make some excellent points....theres songwriting for the art of it, then again theres songwriting for "hits" or profit.
midnite22155 3 years ago 3
This would be so much better with a tripod.
thedailyenglishshow 3 years ago
Okay, idiots, there is a difference for writing a song for other artists, and writing a song for yourself...it's the same difference as paying someone to clean your room, or you cleaining it yourself.
Catch my rift? Good. It can't get much simpler than that, so stop giving him shit.
Probably all of you wouldn't be able to come up with a hit song hat he has come up with, so don't bother arguing.
LUNAlRE 4 years ago 3
Music for money is no music at all.
SaileAway 4 years ago
very good advice.thanks jason
denim98 4 years ago
it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
remoman 4 years ago
who says you can't write music for money?I don't understand why musicians can't understand that? I'd rather sell out to the music biz than to sell out to McDonalds.Listen, we sell out everytday when we punch in at 9am...you don't wanna go in at 9, so why are YOU comprimising your beliefs, because you have a job to do.Works the same way in the music biz. Another thing to consider is that some people(including myself) actually LIKE pop music, actually LIKE hooks and i like all the artsy stuff too
fmbighair 4 years ago 4
Great points! I've always had that perspective, but it's peculiar people don't. Took jason Blume's seminar at the TAXI Road Rally few years back -- he's great!
2kosher 4 years ago
I admire Jason Blume. I first heard him on music business radio and he had a lot of great advice. I'm trying pretty hard to become a published songwriter. Everyday looking for hooks and ideas.
songcovers 4 years ago
I'm assuming you were absent the week in high school they went over how to punctuate a sentence to express a complete coherent thought?
scoreperfect 4 years ago
Huh???
scoreperfect 4 years ago
I can't imagine a song being more formulaic than The Police's "Every Breath You Take"
Verse, chorus, bridge, out
scoreperfect 4 years ago
It had a formula but what does that mean? That's like saying a movie is "formulaic" because it has a beginning middle and end. Nevertheless the staccato guitar and lyrics on jealously make it stand out on it's own.
NewWavekeyboard 3 years ago
All the best songs come from the industry you call "crap"
scoreperfect 4 years ago
His songs recorded by pop superstars Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Jesse McCartney as well as country stars including Collin Raye, the Oak Ridge Boys and John Berry,and international artists like the Gypsy Kings, Blume's songs are included on albums that have sold more than 50 million copies
scoreperfect 4 years ago
Besides being a poor speller, you are the one imposing your standards on the rest of us. You make it sound like it's a crime to intentionally write for the masses. How naive you are.
You can write for yourself or the masses: each deserves its own audience.
scoreperfect 4 years ago
There are ... different reasons to write a song, IMO.
1) For yourself (just because you feel like it)
2) To express yourself
3) For a specific person (love song to your girlfriend/boyfriend) or group (theme song for something, maybe)
4) For the world
5) For the money
MatioMario 4 years ago 3
this guy is the kind of guy that is behind hits like bleeding in love and umbrella. he knows what he is talking about
jimmy7conway 4 years ago 2
Nobody hums chords changes?
Er, Smoke on the Water, Sunshine of your love, Smells like Teen Spirit?
These intro riffs are the songs!
TheVictorians 4 years ago
Please replay the opening 30 seconds - he clearly indicates how HE writes songs, and it is true people do NOT hum chord changes; you are quoting riffs not chord changes.
scoreperfect 4 years ago
Thats so true. Riffs not chord changes.
songcovers 4 years ago
@scoreperfect sometimes a particular chord progression can be a riff. Depends how you play it - rhythm, tempo, instrument used etc. Think of all those classic AC/DC songs that start off with a chord progression type riff.
ricomajestic 1 year ago
They are chords but nevertheless they are riffs. I think what he was trying to say is people who play something like G to B/G to F# with just eighth notes being played straight.
NewWavekeyboard 3 years ago
I was at a Blume Seminar and Jason is big into having a catchy riff as an intro.
All the guru dudes say Melody grabs the listeners attention and lyric keeps them there.
These are all generalisations anyway. Plus the songs that jason writes are a different genre to the ones posted here.
I love Sunshine of your love. Rockin!
endaderoad 3 years ago
t this point in time & music there is nothing
has not been done or coppied to some extent.
and what comes around goes around or somthing like that.Write from your heart and steal smartly when needed.
BigManZooda 4 years ago
If you like this, check out "the manual" by the timelords (Dr. Who, hey! Dr. Who)- or - "how to have a #1 the easy way." Best book on music I ever read. This is child's pay by comparison. If you're interested in shrink-wrapping your soul for market, this book will get you there. Probably out of print though.
friesdan 4 years ago
why is it then that I like to listen to just steely dan , gershwin and bach and not blume? he writes forgettable songs!
31041955 4 years ago
not really
defnok 4 years ago
sorry i was drunk
my bad
defnok 4 years ago
wow this is what is wrong with the music industry right now. this is a classic example of why science and music do not mix. this video has shown me that what im doing is wrong. trying to mix what i'm feeling and what is selling' is a gross disrespect to what music is about. I am an African who understands that music has no fomular we sing because we are happy, we sing because we are sad and we sing for no reason whatsoever and to put money in the forefront of what a musician is about is you
defnok 4 years ago
yeah, no kidding. "write from your heart but try to make sure it copies everyone else..." Be an innovator, not a duplicator... I think this applies to all crafts (actually, I stole that quote from an A&R guy at Atlantic - which is doubly ironic). But I believe he is right
lobinho56 4 years ago
Oh, I believe Steely Dan has NEVER had a #1 record.
romanowskistudios 4 years ago
...he sais that "he didn't want to be trapped into being a Steely Dan or Gershwin or Tchciavosky. Well, when you sum it up, any common peanuthead wouldn't want to be trapped into that either. I mean two of them have been dead for a while and Steely Dan hasn't put out a record in so long.
romanowskistudios 4 years ago
I understand what he's saying. However, think about something he has said, I feel that he has used a rather bad analiogy in order to stress a point. So much so that even I had to sit back and give a hearty, "duh", at what was being said...
romanowskistudios 4 years ago
Give Jason a break. He was asked a question and he's answering it as he sees it. Our universe is an orderly universe. Music is about space, ratios and a message. The songs that have become popular through the years provide a pallate that is pleasing to the human ear (in general), and that has some consistancy. It's not selling out to write a song that people will like and buy. It's a sell out to write rambling, non structured music that no one gives a crap about but the author.
dagnellini 4 years ago 2
Before MTV and marketing to 12 year olds, music was different. All GREAT music comes from the heart, not formulas Jason. Sure you are making a living, but you got no soul. You sound like a guy selling his learning annex series of lectures to people who want to work from home. If you really think that writing a song for Britney makes you a great songwriter... well... I really don't know what else to say.... she is terrible...
tfkness 4 years ago
Music had formulas before 1981, it had a formula since the beginning of time. Basically it's like how most great stories/movies have a beginning, middle and end. Besides there were tons of music in the 50s being sold to preteens anyways...
NewWavekeyboard 3 years ago
What Jason has to say here is the best advise you will get if you want to write songs for a living. The most endurig songs ever written were basic 3 chord songs. The reason they did not try to over write thenm is because they had the melody and idea of the song first. Then they found the chords to match. Forget about impressing your musician friends. Forget about impressing your buddy. Write the song, a simple as it is, and do not sway from the idea and the melody.
Batmaster 4 years ago
Wow, these comments, and the response to a comment, are very smart and dead on! Smart, practicality, always matter! You have to always know what "context" anything is expressed! Taxi, and everyone involved in it, all of us looking at this, are trying to express our art to a grander audience! The context of "commercial success" is very different now than it was even ten years ago.
xxrub 4 years ago
Anyone here ever get mad because you've got some shitty song stuck in your head? Just because its stuck in your head doesnt mean that its great.
midnightfluff 4 years ago
Jason is talking about what it takes to be "commercially successful" and he's dead on. If you're stuck in your own head and can't or don't want commercial success...then just stick your head back in the sand, write whatever you feel and be happy with whatever happens.
hawgly 4 years ago
Unfortunately, he is correct. Short, sappy, mindless hooks are what sells. forget the knowledge of being a musician with emotions and focus. The tunes that sell are the ones that catch your attention while sitting in traffic and telling your kids in the back seat to quit fighting. That's the shit that sells
Flightsoffusion 4 years ago
If you completely reversed about every sentence you uttered above you'd be closer to the truth. You're seeing the glass half empty only. Negative and critical without paying any respect to the great songs out there - sounds like you're a frustrated musician who, instead of learning from the the great songwriters, would prefer to criticize them to validate your own lack of accomplishments.
scoreperfect 4 years ago
Hi Jason,
I met you at NewSong in West Virginia - - Loved your workshop and love this video and it was so great to meet you.
LisaBiales 4 years ago
Great info! Very helpful to me. Listen to my song, I have a video called questions set to my music. Check it out and comment. Thanks
matthewryals 4 years ago
As for Colleen5476's comment - Stevie Ray played the blues. Much of what he did was just 6 notes arranged over tried and true blues progressions in well structured popular songs. I hate to shatter your image, but what he did was in fact, often very formulaic. He was a fantastic player and writer, but he didn't we-write the rules of songwriting. Besides, he was doing his own thing - not trying to make a living writing for pop artists like Jason is talking about.
Scottjames79 4 years ago 3
Jason is the best! Of all the great guests at the Rally, he's the one that I always look forward to learning from the most. He's a great communicator and has some truly inspiring stories.
Scottjames79 4 years ago 3
I may not be a hit songwriter yet but I disagree with your theory. Songs should not be broken down to a formula and a structure. That is why the music business is in the mess that it is. I am sure Stevie Ray Vaugh did not sit down with a formula and write his hit songs.
colleen5476 4 years ago
How naive - your favorite songs are a product of the very formulas and structure you are poo-pooing - yes, all Stevie Ray's songs follow standard formulas whether he thought so or not when writing them - and they all come to your iPod courtesy of the "messy" music business you are condeming.
scoreperfect 4 years ago
Excellent job!
Vatsek 4 years ago
thanks for the tip =)
LucieTATY 4 years ago
totally agree...
skibby 4 years ago