Outsider house songwriting is a genre-bending approach to creating music that defies traditional norms and conventions. It's a style that celebrates individuality and creativity, often incorporating elements of electronic music, house, techno, and avant-garde sounds. Outsider house songwriters are known for pushing boundaries, experimenting with unconventional sounds, and creating a sense of tension and release in their music.
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Outsider House Songwriting Advice Table of Contents
Characteristics of Outsider House Songwriting
Why Should You Try Outsider House Songwriting?
Getting Started with Outsider House Songwriting
Tips for Crafting Compelling Outsider House Tracks
Overcoming Creative Blocks in Outsider House Songwriting
Characteristics of Outsider House Songwriting
Outsider house songwriting is marked by several key characteristics, including:
- Experimentation with unconventional sounds and instruments
- Use of distorted, fuzzy, or lo-fi textures
- Unconventional song structures and melodies
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- Often features repetitive, hypnotic rhythms
- Frequently incorporates elements of noise, drone, and ambient music
- Lyrics often focus on themes of alienation, disconnection, and social critique
Why Should You Try Outsider House Songwriting?
Outsider house songwriting offers a unique set of benefits for musicians looking to challenge themselves and create something truly original. By embracing the unconventional and pushing the boundaries of what's considered "normal" in music, you can:
- Tap into a sense of creative freedom and expression
- Develop a unique sound that sets you apart from other artists
- Create music that's truly innovative and forward-thinking
- Connect with a community of like-minded musicians and fans who appreciate experimental music
Getting Started with Outsider House Songwriting
If you're interested in exploring outsider house songwriting, here are some tips to get you started:
- Experiment with unconventional instruments and sounds, such as circuit-bent toys, found objects, or DIY synthesizers
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes – often the most interesting sounds come from unexpected places
- Focus on creating a mood or atmosphere rather than a traditional verse-chorus song structure
- Draw inspiration from other genres, such as noise, drone, and ambient music
Tips for Crafting Compelling Outsider House Tracks
When it comes to crafting compelling outsider house tracks, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use repetition to create a sense of tension and release
- Experiment with different rhythms and time signatures to create a sense of unease or uncertainty
- Don't be afraid to push the limits of what's considered "acceptable" in terms of sound quality – distortion, fuzz, and lo-fi textures can be incredibly effective
- Focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and mood rather than a traditional melody or hook
Overcoming Creative Blocks in Outsider House Songwriting
Even the most experienced musicians can encounter creative blocks from time to time. When it comes to outsider house songwriting, here are some strategies for overcoming creative blocks:
- Take a break and come back to your music with fresh ears
- Experiment with new instruments or sounds to spark inspiration
- Collaborate with other musicians or producers to bring new ideas to the table
- Try working with constraints, such as limiting yourself to a specific palette of sounds or instruments
Resources for Outsider House Songwriters
If you're interested in exploring outsider house songwriting further, here are some resources to check out:
- Online forums and communities, such as Reddit's r/outsiderhouse and r/musicproduction
- Music production software and plugins, such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Reaktor
- DIY electronics and circuit-bending communities, such as Instructables and Circuit-Bent
- Experimental music labels and artists, such as Warp Records, Ghostly International, and Oneohtrix Point Never
Outsider house songwriting is a unique and rewarding approach to creating music that celebrates individuality and creativity. By embracing the unconventional and pushing the boundaries of what's considered "normal" in music, you can create something truly original and innovative. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, outsider house songwriting offers a world of possibilities and opportunities for creative expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is outsider house songwriting, and how does it differ from other genres?
Outsider house songwriting is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 2010s. It's characterized by its DIY ethos, lo-fi production quality, and often, unconventional song structures. Unlike other genres, outsider house songwriting celebrates imperfections and mistakes, making it a unique and refreshing approach to music creation.
Do I need to be a skilled musician to write outsider house songs?
Absolute not! Outsider house songwriting is all about embracing your limitations and imperfections. You don't need to be a virtuoso musician to create great outsider house tracks. In fact, the genre thrives on simplicity and raw energy.
What kind of equipment do I need to get started with outsider house songwriting?
You can start creating outsider house tracks with minimal equipment. A laptop, a digital audio workstation (DAW), and a MIDI keyboard or controller are all you need to get started. You can also use software plugins and virtual instruments to create your sounds.
How do I come up with ideas for my outsider house songs?
Outsider house songwriting is all about experimentation and spontaneity. Try using randomization techniques, like generating random melodies or drum patterns, to spark ideas. You can also draw inspiration from other genres, like punk, post-punk, or krautrock.
What's the best way to structure an outsider house song?
Forget about traditional song structures! Outsider house songs often feature unconventional arrangements, like abrupt changes in tempo or mood. Experiment with different sections, like intro-buildup-drop-outro, or try creating a song that's just one long, hypnotic groove.
How do I create a catchy melody for my outsider house track?
Catchy melodies in outsider house music often rely on simplicity and repetition. Try using short, memorable phrases and repeating them with slight variations. You can also experiment with dissonant or atonal melodies to create a sense of tension and release.
What's the role of vocals in outsider house songwriting?
Vocals in outsider house music are often minimal or non-existent. If you do choose to use vocals, try using spoken word, whispers, or heavily processed vocals to create an otherworldly atmosphere.
How do I create a driving rhythm for my outsider house track?
A driving rhythm is essential to outsider house music. Experiment with different drum patterns, like 4/4 beats or more complex polyrhythms. You can also use percussion elements, like shakers or tambourines, to add texture and energy to your rhythm.
What's the best way to use effects and processing in outsider house songwriting?
Effects and processing are crucial to creating the lo-fi, DIY sound of outsider house music. Experiment with distortion, reverb, and delay to create a sense of space and atmosphere. You can also use plugins like bitcrushers or ring modulators to create a more experimental sound.
How do I know when my outsider house song is finished?
Outsider house songs often have a raw, unfinished quality to them. If you're feeling satisfied with your track, but it still feels a little rough around the edges, that's probably a good sign it's finished!
Can I use samples in my outsider house songs?
Absolutely! Sampling is a key element of outsider house music. Try using found sounds, like field recordings or snippets of dialogue, to add texture and interest to your tracks.
How do I create a sense of tension and release in my outsider house song?
Tension and release are essential to creating a compelling outsider house track. Try using contrasting sections, like quiet-loud or slow-fast, to create a sense of drama and dynamics.
What's the best way to collaborate with other musicians on an outsider house project?
Collaboration is a great way to bring new ideas and perspectives to your outsider house project. Try working with musicians from different genres or backgrounds to create a unique sound.
How do I promote my outsider house music and get it heard by more people?
Outsider house music often thrives in online communities and DIY networks. Share your music on platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp, and engage with other musicians and fans on social media.
What's the role of lyrics in outsider house songwriting?
Lyrics in outsider house music are often minimal or abstract. If you do choose to use lyrics, try using them as a texture or atmosphere, rather than a central focus of the song.
How do I create a sense of atmosphere and mood in my outsider house song?
Atmosphere and mood are crucial to outsider house music. Try using ambient pads, textures, or field recordings to create a sense of space and environment.
Can I use acoustic instruments in my outsider house songs?
Absolutely! While outsider house music is often associated with electronic instruments, you can use acoustic instruments to add warmth and texture to your tracks.
How do I deal with creative blocks or writer's block when writing outsider house songs?
Writer's block is a common problem for musicians! Try taking a break, experimenting with new techniques or instruments, or collaborating with other musicians to get your creative juices flowing again.
What's the best way to sequence my outsider house tracks for a live show?
Sequencing your tracks for a live show is all about creating a flow and energy. Try creating a narrative arc, with slower tracks building to more energetic ones, or experiment with different moods and textures to keep the audience engaged.
How do I balance experimentation and accessibility in my outsider house songs?
Outsider house music often walks a fine line between experimentation and accessibility. Try pushing the boundaries of what's considered "normal" in music, while still keeping your tracks engaging and listenable.
Can I use outsider house songwriting techniques in other genres of music?
Absolutely! The DIY ethos and experimental spirit of outsider house songwriting can be applied to any genre of music. Try incorporating outsider house techniques into your rock, pop, or electronic music projects.
How do I stay inspired and motivated to keep writing outsider house songs?
Staying inspired is key to any creative pursuit! Try setting aside time each week to experiment and write, and don't be afraid to take breaks and come back to your music with fresh ears.
What's the future of outsider house songwriting, and where do you see the genre going?
The future of outsider house songwriting is bright! As the genre continues to evolve, we'll see more experimentation with new sounds, techniques, and technologies. Who knows what the future holds?
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