Blogging and electronic dance music (EDM) have been intertwined for years, with many producers and DJs using blogs to share their music and connect with fans. Blog house, a subgenre of EDM, emerged from this fusion. Characterized by its dreamy, nostalgia-tinged sound and often featuring elements of indie rock, synth-pop, and chillwave, blog house has become a staple of the online music community. To write a blog house song, it's essential to understand the genre's core elements and what sets it apart from other styles of electronic music.
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How to Write Blog House Songs Table of Contents
Key Characteristics of Blog House Music
Building a Strong Chord Progression
Adding Texture with Synthesizers and Effects
Creating a Compelling Drum Pattern
Key Characteristics of Blog House Music
Before diving into the songwriting process, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the key characteristics of blog house music. These include:
- Dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes often created using lush synthesizers and ambient pads
- A blend of digital and organic instrumentation, such as combining virtual synthesizers with live guitars or vocals
- Catchy, memorable melodies and hooks
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- A focus on mood and atmosphere, often with a nostalgic or retro vibe
- Typically, a mid-tempo pace, often between 100-120 BPM
Crafting a Catchy Melody
A memorable melody is essential for any successful blog house song. To craft a catchy melody, try the following techniques:
- Experiment with simple, repetitive melodies that build upon each other
- Use a combination of stepwise motion (adjacent notes) and leaps (larger intervals) to create a sense of tension and release
- Focus on the top line of your melody, as this is often the most memorable part of the song
- Don't be afraid to borrow from other genres, such as indie rock or pop, to add a unique twist to your melody
Building a Strong Chord Progression
A strong chord progression is the foundation of any successful blog house song. To build a compelling progression, try the following:
- Experiment with extended chords, such as seventh and ninth chords, to add depth and complexity
- Use a mix of major and minor chords to create a sense of tension and release
- Focus on the I, V, and vi chords, as these are often the most commonly used chords in blog house music
- Don't be afraid to use suspended chords or other unconventional chord voicings to add a unique twist to your progression
Adding Texture with Synthesizers and Effects
Blog house music often features a rich, textured sound, achieved through the use of synthesizers and effects. To add depth and interest to your track, try the following:
- Experiment with different synthesizer types, such as virtual analog, FM, or wavetable synthesizers
- Use a combination of reverb, delay, and distortion to create a sense of space and atmosphere
- Focus on the low end of your track, as a strong bass sound can help anchor the rhythm and add energy to your song
- Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional sounds, such as found sounds or field recordings, to add a unique twist to your track
Creating a Compelling Drum Pattern
A strong drum pattern is essential for any successful blog house song. To create a compelling pattern, try the following:
- Focus on the kick drum, as this is often the most important element of the rhythm
- Experiment with different snare drum sounds and placements to add interest and variety
- Use a combination of quarter notes and eighth notes to create a sense of forward motion
- Don't be afraid to add percussion elements, such as hi-hats or tambourines, to add texture and interest
Writing Lyrics for Blog House Music
While not all blog house songs feature lyrics, many do. To write effective lyrics for your blog house song, try the following:
- Focus on themes of love, relationships, and nostalgia, as these are common in blog house music
- Use simple, conversational language to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability
- Experiment with metaphors and other poetic devices to add depth and complexity to your lyrics
- Don't be afraid to borrow from other genres, such as indie rock or pop, to add a unique twist to your lyrics
Arranging Your Track
Once you have a solid melody, chord progression, and drum pattern, it's time to arrange your track. To create a compelling arrangement, try the following:
- Start with a simple intro, building from a single element to the full track
- Use a combination of builds and drops to create a sense of tension and release
- Focus on the climax of the track, as this is often the most memorable part of the song
- Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional arrangements, such as starting with the drop or using an ambient breakdown
Final Tips and Tricks
With these techniques and characteristics in mind, you're ready to start writing your own blog house song. Remember to:
- Experiment and take risks, as this is often where the most interesting ideas come from
- Keep your track simple and focused, as this can help create a sense of clarity and direction
- Don't be afraid to collaborate with other producers or musicians, as this can help bring new ideas and perspectives to your track
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating music!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blog house song?
A blog house song is a type of electronic dance music that originated in the early 2000s and is characterized by its catchy melodies, simple chord progressions, and heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines. Blog house songs often feature filtered disco samples, funky basslines, and atmospheric pads, creating a unique sound that is both nostalgic and modern.
What makes a good blog house song?
A good blog house song typically has a strong, memorable melody, a driving beat, and a sense of energy and momentum. It should also have a clear structure, with a intro, build-up, drop, and outro, and make use of creative production techniques such as filtering, sidechaining, and layering to create a rich and engaging sound.
What are the key elements of a blog house song?
The key elements of a blog house song include a strong melody, a driving beat, and a prominent use of synthesizers and drum machines. Other important elements include a clear structure, creative production techniques, and a sense of energy and momentum.
How do I come up with a melody for my blog house song?
Coming up with a melody for your blog house song can be a challenging but rewarding process. Try experimenting with different scales and modes, and see what kind of melodies you can come up with. You can also try using online tools or software to generate melody ideas, or draw inspiration from other songs and artists.
What kind of chord progressions are used in blog house music?
Blog house music often uses simple, repetitive chord progressions that create a sense of tension and release. Common chord progressions used in blog house music include the I-V-vi-IV progression, the I-IV-V progression, and the ii-V-I progression.
How do I create a driving beat for my blog house song?
Creating a driving beat for your blog house song involves using a combination of drum machines, synthesizers, and effects to create a sense of energy and momentum. Try using a four-on-the-floor beat, with a prominent kick drum and snare drum, and add percussion elements such as hi-hats and tambourines to create a sense of movement and tension.
What kind of synthesizers are used in blog house music?
Blog house music often uses a variety of synthesizers, including virtual analog synthesizers, FM synthesizers, and software synthesizers. Popular synthesizers used in blog house music include the Roland Jupiter-8, the Korg MS-20, and the Arturia Minimoog.
How do I use filtering in my blog house song?
Filtering is a key element of blog house music, and involves using filters to modify the tone and timbre of your sounds. Try using low-pass filters to create a sense of movement and tension, or high-pass filters to create a sense of brightness and clarity.
What is sidechaining, and how do I use it in my blog house song?
Sidechaining is a production technique that involves using the level of one sound to control the level of another sound. In blog house music, sidechaining is often used to create a sense of dynamic movement and energy, by ducking the level of a sound when the kick drum hits.
How do I create a sense of build-up and drop in my blog house song?
Creating a sense of build-up and drop in your blog house song involves using a combination of production techniques such as filtering, sidechaining, and layering to create a sense of tension and release. Try building up to a climax by adding more and more elements, and then dropping back down to a simpler arrangement to create a sense of contrast.
What kind of sounds should I use in my blog house song?
The kind of sounds you should use in your blog house song will depend on the specific style and mood you're going for. However, some common sounds used in blog house music include bright, piercing synthesizers, deep, rumbling basses, and crisp, snappy drums.
How do I arrange my blog house song?
Arranging your blog house song involves creating a clear structure and layout for your track. Try using an intro-build-up-drop-outro arrangement, and make sure to leave space for the different elements of your track to breathe and shine.
What kind of FX should I use in my blog house song?
The kind of FX you should use in your blog house song will depend on the specific style and mood you're going for. However, some common FX used in blog house music include reverb, delay, distortion, and compression.
How do I mix my blog house song?
Mixing your blog house song involves balancing the levels and tone of your different tracks to create a clear and cohesive sound. Try using EQ to balance the tone of your tracks, compression to control the dynamics, and reverb and delay to create a sense of space and depth.
How do I master my blog house song?
Mastering your blog house song involves preparing your track for distribution and playback on different systems. Try using a mastering plugin or sending your track to a professional mastering engineer to get the best possible sound.
What software should I use to produce my blog house song?
The software you should use to produce your blog house song will depend on your personal preferences and workflow. Popular DAWs used in blog house music include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro.
What kind of inspiration should I draw from when writing my blog house song?
When writing your blog house song, try drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including other songs and artists, personal experiences, and emotions. You can also try using online tools or software to generate ideas and spark creativity.
How do I know when my blog house song is finished?
You'll know when your blog house song is finished when you feel like you've achieved the sound and mood you're going for, and when you're happy with the overall arrangement and production. Try taking a break from your track and coming back to it later with fresh ears to get a new perspective.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a blog house song?
Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a blog house song include over-producing, using too many elements, and not leaving enough space for the different tracks to breathe. Try keeping your arrangement simple and focused, and avoid over-processing your sounds.
How do I get my blog house song heard by others?
Getting your blog house song heard by others involves promoting your track through social media, online platforms, and live performances. Try sharing your track on SoundCloud and other music platforms, and reach out to bloggers, DJs, and promoters to get your track played and shared.
What are some tips for writing a blog house song that will get played in clubs?
When writing a blog house song that will get played in clubs, try focusing on creating a strong, driving beat, a catchy melody, and a sense of energy and momentum. Also, make sure to keep your track simple and focused, and avoid using too many elements or over-processing your sounds.
How do I write a blog house song that will appeal to a wide audience?
When writing a blog house song that will appeal to a wide audience, try focusing on creating a catchy melody, a strong beat, and a sense of energy and momentum. Also, try to keep your track simple and accessible, and avoid using too many complex or niche elements.
What are some common chord progressions used in blog house music?
Some common chord progressions used in blog house music include the I-V-vi-IV progression, the I-IV-V progression, and the ii-V-I progression. These progressions are often used in combination with synthesizers and drum machines to create a sense of tension and release.
How do I use automation in my blog house song?
Automation is a key element of blog house music, and involves using software or hardware to control the levels, tone, and other parameters of your sounds over time. Try using automation to create a sense of movement and energy in your track, and to add interest and variety to your arrangement.
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