This article is a holder for a series of videos focused on the composing part of the music-making process. If the music itself is flawed, it will not matter how amazing the mix is, the track will feel unfulfilling. If however, the music itself functions well, everything else gets easier. Following this process (which is … Continue reading Effective Music – make music-making effective
Category: Music Tutorials
Jake Cropley – Song Catcher
Jake Cropley is a client and friend. I am his Mix Engineer & Record Producer, which often translates to Manager, and odd jobs guy. This is The Way. Jake came off the road after a year with The Wiggles, playing guitar/bass and doing road crew tasks. Jake got a mention at the ARIA Music Awards … Continue reading Jake Cropley – Song Catcher
Songwriting Basics in Very Practical Terms
Videos I made for Higher Hz covering the basics of Songwriting, Composing, and Mixing. There are a lot of other videos on the Higher Hz YouTube as well, mostly product reviews, but with a lot of training embedded. Songwriting: Basics of Harmony - music theory https://youtu.be/01Tm2sGeIbI Article: What are chord progressions? Music theory simplified (higherhz.com) … Continue reading Songwriting Basics in Very Practical Terms
Who Do I Serve?
Most people offering services try to be everything to everybody all the time. I do not. I know that there are people who I can serve really well. I also know there are people with whom I am not a good fit. If it impresses/offends you that I used the word "whom" that is probably … Continue reading Who Do I Serve?
Asking for a Mentor
I have been approached several times in the last few months by musicians asking me to be a Mentor for their music & career. I should be flattered. I am not because in every case the approach has been insulting. Before anyone says "why don't you write a positive How To articleinstead of being all … Continue reading Asking for a Mentor
Best Albums – you probably don’t know
Every few months there is some sort of list of Best Albums. We have become obsessed with the idea of The Best as being this thing that if we get it, we are set. Here I am going to present some albums that will never likely be on any of these lists despite being very … Continue reading Best Albums – you probably don’t know
Why if you are trying to Mix It Yourself, you are probably doing it wrong
The definition of a broken mix is: A mix that does not help people to get into the Scene & Story of your Song Day after day I see people deciding to mix their own songs & albums. Commonly the reasons given are around price and the "importance" of the project. I understand, I do. … Continue reading Why if you are trying to Mix It Yourself, you are probably doing it wrong
Criticism is your Friend – the role of criticism in teaching
The Overture from Pigdom Come I gave some well-structured and well-intended professional advice recently in a place where people claim they are reaching for success in their music. The person had done some decent work but they had also done two things that while kinda ok today, would damage their chances of success down the … Continue reading Criticism is your Friend – the role of criticism in teaching
Marketing Indie Music – how to avoid failing before you even start
This question is pretty typical in group after group: I want to share my music with the world, and believe it to be capable of breaking many barriers...But I lack the ability to find the right avenues in which to get it out there... The answers I give are commonly something like: What are you … Continue reading Marketing Indie Music – how to avoid failing before you even start
Basic Ideas in Making It in Music
People send me messages, asking for the secret to success in music. I give answers based around the four pillars below. "Does anyone wanna collaborate on a song as well as I’m looking for a producer or record label that’s looking for new artists" "I'm trying to be a rapper....any advice?" There are answers but … Continue reading Basic Ideas in Making It in Music