ALBUM NOTES: PINK FLOYD’S THE WALL

When rock fans debate the best concept album, the best rock opera, or the best live tour, Pink Floyd’s The Wall always rises to the top. One of Pink Floyd’s greatest albums, The Wall tells the story of a traumatized rockstar falling apart at the seams and attempting to protect his fragile psyche with a […]
PRODUCTION NOTES: PORTISHEAD’S DUMMY

Although Portishead weren’t the first group to explore the sonic territory that would become known as trip-hop (that honor goes to their peers in Massive Attack), the Bristol, UK-based group is now practically synonymous with the genre. And it all began 25 years ago, when the trio of DJ and sampling guru Geoff Barrow, guitarist […]
WHY MUSIC COMMUNITIES ARE IMPORTANT

After starting HyperTribe I’ve come to realise the importance of support and community for musicians. I’ve spoken with over 2000 artists in the last two years and there is much more to just joining together as a group than you expect. There’s a sense of belonging. It’s nice to have a group of […]
THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC ON COMMUNITIES

“The power of music cannot be denied. There is ample evidence of how music adds vibrancy to communities, engages the brain, strengthens the sense of belonging and connection with others.” – Melissa Hughes, Ph.D, President, The Andrick Group and Co-Author of Natural Harmony: An Instrumental Guide to Blending Outdoor Music & Community The Value of […]
WRITER’S BLOCK & MUSICAL BURNOUT – HOW TO STAY CREATIVE

Every musician and songwriter knows the frustration of staring at a blank page or playing the same chords over and over, only to find that inspiration just isn’t striking. Writer’s block and musical burnout are common challenges that even the most seasoned artists face. But while these creative slumps can be disheartening, they’re not insurmountable. […]
HOW TO WRITE BETTER CHORD PROGRESSIONS

I love it when songs just fall out. If I could write every song without consciously applying a single tool of the craft, I would. Tools are hard work, and let’s face it, I’d rather be lazy. When it comes to writing harmony, sometimes I choose to just coast awhile. Nice chord progressions borrowed from […]
CHORDS: THE FUNDAMENTAL BUILDING BLOCKS OF MUSIC

Chords are fundamental building blocks in music, forming the backbone of harmony in many compositions. Whether you’re playing the piano, guitar, or any other instrument, understanding chords is essential for both performing and composing music. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on chords, covering their definition, importance, types, uses, benefits, and more. Music […]
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAKE MUSIC FOR YOURSELF ABOVE ALL

There is truly so much noise in the music industry today, and it’s hard not to drown in the sea of competition. There are so many insanely talented and hardworking artists out there trying to “make it” . Instead many artists are trying to navigate an undefinable path and follow cookie-cutter templates of success. How […]
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A SONG IS FINISHED?

Leonardo da Vinci supposedly said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” Is this really true? As a music producer, do you ever really finish songs, or do you simply stop making changes and move on to something new? In any case, finishing songs can be extremely challenging. Sometimes, it feels like you can keep making […]
SONG IDEAS: 20 TIPS FOR SONGWRITING INSPIRATION

As someone who never misses a meal, I take pleasure in the daily routines that offer comfort and a sense of familiarity. My songwriting process is like that. When I write song ideas, I predictably follow a writing process that is most comfortable and familiar to me. Let me explain: Lyrics come first, along with […]