Level Up Your Melodies: 3 Tips That Will Change Everything

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2023
  • 3 crucial strategies for levelling up your melodies, and making sure your lyrics and melodies connect and amplify each other.
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    keppiecoutts
    keppiecoutts
    ABOUT KEPPIE
    Hi I'm Keppie! I'm a professional songwriter, and songwriting teacher. I've been teaching song and lyric writing for over 10 years now for some of the best contemporary music colleges in the world- Berklee Online, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Open Academy, as well as for the Australian College of the Arts. At other times, I've taught for the Australian Institute of Music, as well as the LA School of Songwriting.
    My goal is to help people write better songs! My experience in the classroom, with thousands of students at this point (many going on to find careers and success in music), is that your songwriting, like all things, can get better with meaningful, deliberate practice. My intention is to share the skills, knowledge, information, and ideas that I've gathered with anyone who wants to improve their songwriting.
    Keppie's music is here:
    www.keppiecouttsmusic.com/music
    #songwriting #howtowriteasong #melody #songwritingtips #howtowritesongs

КОМЕНТАРІ • 129

  • @JimmyDeLocke
    @JimmyDeLocke Рік тому +127

    I hate to sound like a fan, but this channel gives more concrete useful songwriting advice then any other one I've seen

    • @gabrielrf1
      @gabrielrf1 Рік тому +9

      Kinda backhanded lol why not just say the second part of this without the first part…?

    • @JimmyDeLocke
      @JimmyDeLocke Рік тому +8

      @@gabrielrf1 well, yeah. I just didn't want anybody to think I was a shill. I am a huge fan of this channel

    • @silverhandle
      @silverhandle Рік тому +7

      @@JimmyDeLockewho the F cares if people think funny, inaccurate things. Their loss ❤️

    • @musicalADD_theband
      @musicalADD_theband 11 місяців тому +2

      Whatever, you’re probably just a fanboy. 🤪 I totally agree though! 😝

    • @liamoconlocha3264
      @liamoconlocha3264 11 місяців тому

      Ye sound like a full-blooded fsnboy

  • @maestro2033
    @maestro2033 8 місяців тому +4

    Anita Bakers melodies are at times melancholy then at other time they soar like an eagle. And here I am today dedicating my life to song. Melody needs to be it own series please 🙏🏼

  • @azhar9533
    @azhar9533 4 місяці тому +10

    It’s so sudden but watching this for a while and writing notes hits me with the fact that this video is free.
    Made me wanna cry.
    Thank you so much for all your guys videos.

  • @melissakateproductions8193
    @melissakateproductions8193 Рік тому +22

    I've written two albums, but they are intuitive and built with the help of musician-musicians. Your mini-lectures are the information I've been looking for: craft, for when intuition or "inspiration" isn't there. I needed tools, and you've provided them. Nothing I don't KNOW, but nothing I've looked at as concrete technique. Your advice provides a structured playground in which the imagination can freely play.

  • @polmorgan3533
    @polmorgan3533 Рік тому +4

    I love the way Chaka Khan twists the words in 'Aint Nobody' the melody is the thing you hear on top with the words twisting in the shadows.

  • @evanOseven
    @evanOseven Рік тому +26

    Just to add to the pile on of positive reviews for this channel, I really appreciate the balance of technical advice and artistic effect of making different choices. Really informative videos, with great practical application! Love it!

  • @AgustinJimenez-pl1bt
    @AgustinJimenez-pl1bt Місяць тому

    besides how much I learn here. I just love when you smile

  • @kosmo_komputer
    @kosmo_komputer Місяць тому

    The coolest exception to the stressed vs non stressed syllables concept that I recently found was "when the rain wa*SHES* you clean you'll know" in Fleetwood Mac's Dreams. It's crazy how that actually works better than if they stressed the first syllable of "washes", crazy how it even works at all and expresses the emotion that powerfully.

  • @andrewtea
    @andrewtea 10 місяців тому +4

    Thanks, Tip No. 2 was particularly helpful for me. I always find so many variations and cool little bits of melody for the same chords that I have problems to fit it all together into one song.

  • @corrina9171
    @corrina9171 Рік тому +10

    Absolutely brilliant! Thank you for summing up and giving me the information I have been searching for and dreaming about for over 30 years. You are an amazing teacher and I can't wait for the next class!

  • @Jesse615
    @Jesse615 Рік тому +3

    I've been songwriting for a long time, and still learned some new tricks here! A font of inspiration that I just keep going back to is (big surprise!) John and Sir Paul. I'd read somewhere (Alan Pollack maybe) that John tended to write harmonies first and then build the melody from the chords. I do this often too. I call it the "Michelangelo David Method" -- a reference to how Michelangelo could see the finished David from the shapes in the raw marble. In the same way, I can often hear the melody in the chords before formally writing it. Paul tended to go in the opposite way, and mostly writes the melody first and builds the harmony around it -- and he is an absolute master when it comes to melody. A third option is to start with a drum and a rhythm. It's a fun exercise choosing the opposite of your preferred method. Speaking of, your advice on rhythm is so important. I'm not a drummer, but can't tell you how many times since I've realized how important it is that I'll find myself counting "one-e-and-a-two-e" (because the good stuff rarely lands on the downbeat!) to a melody or chord changes in inspiring songs. Focusing on rhythm and how the words scan has upped my game a lot!

  • @ahmki52298
    @ahmki52298 Рік тому +1

    Always keeping an eye out for more from you it's so amazing, I find myself constantly rewatching your videos

  • @traceyhuebner
    @traceyhuebner Рік тому +2

    I’m so glad I found your channel! Love these videos!

  • @jasminesladden4676
    @jasminesladden4676 Рік тому +1

    So great Kep! Another incredible video!

  • @lebe220
    @lebe220 Рік тому +2

    These videos show all the tricks I learnt the hard way.

  • @ulfsvensson9710
    @ulfsvensson9710 Рік тому +1

    Great tips, as usual!!

  • @garyswift135
    @garyswift135 Рік тому +1

    Great topic, Keppie. Your examples are compelling and easy to understand. Well done!

  • @mikebozik
    @mikebozik Рік тому +7

    Thanks for the masterclass! I will be passing this along to a lot of friends!!!😊

  • @jeffmiller7653
    @jeffmiller7653 10 місяців тому +2

    I love this channel! You’re a great teacher!

  • @jeremyholcombe3202
    @jeremyholcombe3202 Рік тому

    Great stuff. Thanks, again!

  • @MelFinehout
    @MelFinehout 10 місяців тому +1

    Literally got me to write the melody I was looking for. TY!!

  • @bangpow00
    @bangpow00 Рік тому +2

    Wow, great video. There's a lot to chew on and it definitely deserves a re-watch or two. Thank you!

  • @TimE_5150
    @TimE_5150 Рік тому

    Another tremendously useful video! Thank you.

  • @haydenstantiall6480
    @haydenstantiall6480 Рік тому

    Awesome videos. Such high quality.

  • @user-nk5sg7ob5q
    @user-nk5sg7ob5q Рік тому

    I just want to thank you for all of your videos they help a lot❤

  • @shepcatsaba
    @shepcatsaba Рік тому

    Great Lesson and presentation! Thank you so much

  • @wolfgangcordsen3430
    @wolfgangcordsen3430 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Brilliant ❤

  • @robertrussell9336
    @robertrussell9336 Рік тому +3

    So helpful and so natural, thank you so much, sincerely.

  • @GordonPavilion
    @GordonPavilion 11 місяців тому +5

    Great ideas, delivered clearly and succinctly.
    Very encouraging.

  • @colindayo
    @colindayo Рік тому

    Just seen the first 30 secs and already I know I’m going to love this! Bravo to you guys from the UK ❤❤❤

  • @RichLyles
    @RichLyles 8 місяців тому

    Yep, it works! Keep doing it! Thank you!

  • @LCMessinger
    @LCMessinger Рік тому

    Great video, thank you!

  • @oilinmyface787
    @oilinmyface787 Рік тому +1

    Men, I love your videos, this one especially - incredibly helpful !

  • @silverhandle
    @silverhandle Рік тому +1

    This is Gold 🎉

  • @chuckrrose
    @chuckrrose Рік тому +2

    Well organized teaching!

  • @miscellaniousnothing
    @miscellaniousnothing 6 місяців тому

    this channel is really full of gems, so well articulated as well.

  • @Fake_Jesus
    @Fake_Jesus Рік тому

    Always GREAT content.

  • @paulnamisi6793
    @paulnamisi6793 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for lecturing

  • @leMeowMusic
    @leMeowMusic 2 місяці тому

    New to your channel and I absolutely love your content. Thank you!

  • @tombuur
    @tombuur Рік тому +3

    Although there was nothing new to me, I still enjoyed listening. You are a great teacher.

    • @geraldfriend256
      @geraldfriend256 Рік тому +1

      I like hearing the way she frames things. Good refreshers and I picked up a lot of new things too.

  • @MickeyGSinger
    @MickeyGSinger 9 місяців тому

    Wow amazing and love your laidback attitude whilst delivering all this wisdom. You got me at the start when referencing attitude of “chords will get you to melody on its own” which i noticed isn’t enough and so which got me to this video

  • @russellrivera1
    @russellrivera1 11 місяців тому

    You are an amazing teacher. Thank You

  • @supremedreamstation
    @supremedreamstation 9 місяців тому

    THIS CHANNEL IS PRICELESS!!!

  • @cleverdusty
    @cleverdusty 2 місяці тому

    i'm triple subbed to this channel. all the knowledge is on point.

  • @AdaezeVibes
    @AdaezeVibes 11 місяців тому

    This is really good! Thanks!

  • @JodyWhite-cm2fq
    @JodyWhite-cm2fq 4 місяці тому

    I’m learning a lot from them. Thay explain things really well.

  • @allisonboley6225
    @allisonboley6225 Рік тому +6

    Thanks for these tips! It really helps me to know I don’t have to worry so much about where to start and that it’s more about repeating and varying that initial melody.
    And I love the melody of “The Longer I Run” by Peter Bradley Adams.

    • @Jesse615
      @Jesse615 Рік тому +1

      A fun exercise is to take a melody and harmony you really like and vary it to make something new. It's not cheating, believe it or not. Bach did this all the time!

  • @aaronkozak7144
    @aaronkozak7144 Рік тому

    You’re a beautiful human and I really enjoy learning from you. Thank you.

  • @timball8429
    @timball8429 Рік тому

    This is great, Keppie! 🎉

  • @douglasholdenjr.45
    @douglasholdenjr.45 Рік тому +12

    Love your lessons....love your channel!!!!❤❤🎉🎉

  • @snowredsnow666
    @snowredsnow666 11 місяців тому

    Subscribed this is great!! Tysm :)

  • @bumblebee3942
    @bumblebee3942 7 місяців тому

    I was struggling to come up with my own melodies. This video has made it so much simpler. Now I finally have a foundation to know how to make a catchy melody. Thank you!!

  • @DrumTeacherManila
    @DrumTeacherManila Рік тому

    Great lesson!

  • @SCElliottDG
    @SCElliottDG 11 місяців тому +1

    I’d love to see a video of you actually writing a song. Beginning to end! Love how you teach!

  • @stratocaster539
    @stratocaster539 Рік тому

    Great advice, great voice.🎉😊

  • @chadfayrobinson7537
    @chadfayrobinson7537 4 місяці тому

    Hello I have come back to your channel many times for the very effective content and most recently used in a song I finished a year ago called (Everything With You) I invite you to listen not only because I'm very proud of this song but I believe I used every TIP from your Channel !!!

  • @LiliCee-T-rex
    @LiliCee-T-rex 8 місяців тому

    I love this section ❤️

  • @meemoo9064
    @meemoo9064 3 місяці тому

    so helpful❤

  • @thanksmomstudio
    @thanksmomstudio 8 місяців тому

    I appreciate you!

  • @juannlohan3943
    @juannlohan3943 5 місяців тому

    So true, Keppie! We throw a few chords down and figure "oh, the melody will take care of itself" Maybe, but it'll be BORE-ING!

  • @skiesfallsdown
    @skiesfallsdown Рік тому

    i hate to sound like other comments but I do love your videos, thanks for the insights, cheers!

  • @abelmasekoameng5033
    @abelmasekoameng5033 11 місяців тому

    You aee a very good teacher❤

  • @liquidsolids9415
    @liquidsolids9415 Рік тому

    Fantastic video, as usual! To expand on the strong-vs.-weak syllable discussion, think about words with more than one syllable. When you hear a song where the melody emphasizes the word's syllable that isn't emphasized in normal speech, it sounds really awkward and forced. So take the time to make sure your melodic emphasis aligns with the natural emphasis of multi-syllable words as well. Thanks!

  • @MortenDurr
    @MortenDurr 9 місяців тому

    Thanks!

  • @micromando4669
    @micromando4669 Рік тому +4

    I‘m new to this channel (today) and I’m already in love with you guys 😊
    Such profound knowledge and on point, with superb and articulate visuals/animations e.g. “picking the perfect chords” or “writing great bridges” wich were my first views on this channel ❤
    Thx so much, you are awesome teachers 🙏

    • @corrina9171
      @corrina9171 Рік тому +1

      Me too! Just found her and am loving the info!

    • @douglasholdenjr.45
      @douglasholdenjr.45 Рік тому +1

      @@corrina9171 I discovered the channel last week...phenomenal content!!! Cheers from Florida!!!

  • @atrothe
    @atrothe 11 місяців тому

    You are infectively sunny and smart.

  • @ArtbyJoeH
    @ArtbyJoeH 10 місяців тому +3

    There are always exceptions. ‘Born in the USA’ by Bruce Springsteen is pretty much a 3 note motif repeated through the verses and choruses !

  • @aaronabberz
    @aaronabberz 10 місяців тому

    love burnaboy melodies

  • @SteveRockstein2
    @SteveRockstein2 Рік тому +1

    As (mostly) lyrics first kind-of-guy, this is a most welcome lesson. Thanks.

    • @Jesse615
      @Jesse615 Рік тому

      It's funny how this works, isn't it? The harmony usually comes to me very quickly, to the point that the melody and lyrics can't keep up! But, I think, Jimmy Webb is more of a "lyrics first" person. And that guy is no slouch!

    • @SteveRockstein2
      @SteveRockstein2 Рік тому

      @@Jesse615 As is a certain Mr. Zimmerman.

  • @edwinbrown9951
    @edwinbrown9951 2 місяці тому

    Fantastic

  • @gasparucciox9706
    @gasparucciox9706 10 місяців тому

    cool vid!!!

  • @SoraiaLMotta
    @SoraiaLMotta 5 місяців тому +5

    Awesome tips.
    1) Use tonic words or sylab on the beat for more beliveble and " natural sounding".
    2)
    AA'BA principle.
    3) tissitura
    The range of note of each session
    Session A from c3 to a3
    Session B c4 to f4
    Session C a4 to g5
    Brings motion from abc.
    4) intervals
    Pre chorus
    Max interval major 3rd
    Chorus
    Max interval > 3rd, like a 6 or 7th
    Ex
    i knew you were trouble by taylor swift
    Need you now by lady A
    5) contrast ascending and desending session.
    Ex bury a friend by billie eilish.

  • @rid4786
    @rid4786 6 місяців тому

    This channel is amazing. Thank you so much :)
    A quick question.. not really clear about the 3rd tools of the contrast section
    How do you apply a descending session in a rising one?
    You mean creating a layer of melody that goes down if your main line goes up?
    Thank you :)

  • @johnsprung3999
    @johnsprung3999 Рік тому +1

    A song I very much love for its melody is Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine". And it illustrates that the bridge needs to be different, but not too different. The first five notes are almost the same, except that the E changes to E flat, which makes it minor. I'd say that the bridge needs to look like a different section of the same jigsaw puzzle.
    -- J.S.

    • @htws
      @htws  Рік тому

      "different section of the same jigsaw puzzle" - beautiful way to put it!

    • @Jesse615
      @Jesse615 Рік тому

      Great choice! Porter was such a master -- the E to Eb is a great example. Paul does something similar in the pre-chorus verses in Penny Lane.

  • @zor5559
    @zor5559 Рік тому

    Some melodies that stand out in memory: Unchained Melody, Rachmaninoff's "Full Moon and Empty Arms", Stardust, Lamentos (Pixinguinha).

  • @Douggg1000
    @Douggg1000 Рік тому

    I have no musical ability (at present). But I really like your videos.

  • @dubsax1668
    @dubsax1668 5 місяців тому

    Question: what else can I do to continue on my melody writing journey?

  • @SteveReaves
    @SteveReaves 11 місяців тому +2

    The lyrical content over a drum pattern especially helps when writing Rock songs. It also helps when deciding whether or not a phrase needs to be reworded to keep rhythmic integrity.

  • @bogotta
    @bogotta Рік тому

    Domino by Jessie J. She jumps a whole octave on "Rock my world". wow

  • @silverhandle
    @silverhandle Рік тому +3

    I’d like to point out - you don’t necessarily need lyrics, when you speak the lyrics over a beat. You can just use sounds, instead of lyrics, to work out an interesting cadence!

  • @Tubetart
    @Tubetart Рік тому

    Is there a best time of year to pitch a song to an artist? Nov/Dec don’t bother etc. An artist I want to pitch to has recorded new material in Jan and is now touring, so should I wait until Sept/Oct to pitch? Thanks v much in advance 👊

  • @eduardoprieto5267
    @eduardoprieto5267 Рік тому +1

    "I'm so stupid, stupid am I' because I preferred the wrong I took a bow Melody. God bless all.

  • @michaellisinski2822
    @michaellisinski2822 9 місяців тому

    The first tip can also be reversed in the right context! If you want to heighten the abrasiveness of a song that's in a harsher style, you can deliberately twist the emphasis around to underscore the sense that something isn't right. Manic Street Preachers' album The Holy Bible has some stunning examples of this.

  • @smileyfdave
    @smileyfdave Рік тому +1

    Number 1 is a key one. See Manic Street Preachers for how not to do it.
    As for the rest, there are literally hundreds of successful well-loved songs that ignore these tips.
    Apply with caution lest we all sound the same.

  • @artboy2
    @artboy2 Рік тому

    Sibylle Baier I Lost Something in the Hills, Linda Perhacs Hey, Who Really Cares and Margo Guryan Love Songs and Someone I know

  • @Mellow_Music11
    @Mellow_Music11 Рік тому

    PLEASE do "How To Find Slant Rhymes" I am having trouble with that. I would love to see that video!

    • @colindayo
      @colindayo Рік тому

      I think she already covered that about two weeks ago. You think of a single slant rhyme yourself then use a rhyming dictionary to get rhymes for that - make sense?

    • @htws
      @htws  Рік тому +1

      Hey mellow - check out the video called "The Biggest Mistake Beginner Songwriters Make". It's all slant rhyme :)

    • @htws
      @htws  Рік тому +1

      ie it's about slant rhyme (not that slant rhyme is a mistake lol)

    • @Mellow_Music11
      @Mellow_Music11 Рік тому

      @@htws I didn't understand it quite well

    • @silverhandle
      @silverhandle Рік тому

      ⁠@@htwslol I love this clarification comment 🎉

  • @maestro2033
    @maestro2033 8 місяців тому

    Can you have a melody with just two notes? What is a melody?

  • @AustinInc.
    @AustinInc. Рік тому +1

    Penny Lane by the Beatles has an incredible melody

  • @jeremypietersen8347
    @jeremypietersen8347 Рік тому

    Lady Grinning Soul - David Bowie.

  • @suzanneroux
    @suzanneroux 10 місяців тому

    Great content as usual thank you, BUT those ANNOYING little POP sounds are sooooo DISTRACTING!

  • @B.A.M.-lb3ns
    @B.A.M.-lb3ns Місяць тому

    ATC - la la la la laa This one: ua-cam.com/video/Se237UXFKlQ/v-deo.html

  • @bjarnyg
    @bjarnyg Рік тому

    no advice in the world is gonna help you write a hit if you don't have it in you. how many students of songwriting ends up writing hits?

    • @gabporto1
      @gabporto1 Рік тому +2

      Yeah but what if the hit makers were never students? Stay positive ponyboy

    • @safeasmilk1
      @safeasmilk1 Рік тому

      What are you talking about??Great songwriters spend their entire lives honing their skills and writing song after song to get to that hit.

    • @htws
      @htws  Рік тому +2

      Lol. Please go and check out the alumni list from Berklee. Or any of the articles Berklee publishes each year listing the number of Grammy nominees that studied there on the roster.

    • @bjarnyg
      @bjarnyg Рік тому

      @@htws how many of these graduates get to have any major success? one out of a thousand? is it really worth the money when you can study on your own? i read that john major dropped out after one year or so.

    • @bjarnyg
      @bjarnyg Рік тому

      @@safeasmilk1 you can learn the craft, but not the art. and you need both to write great songs.

  • @felixmidas3245
    @felixmidas3245 Рік тому

    If it's a really organically beautiful song, music and lyrics will come up simultaneously. You just sit down at the piano or the guitar and it comes to you. If that never happens to you, stop songwriting because you will only ever come up with manufactured ideas copying lazy patterns you've seen in a youtube tutorial. There is absolutely NO magic in that.

  • @aloisraich9326
    @aloisraich9326 Рік тому

    Get a bit of make up and do your hair a bit,