New, Fresh and Cool
The edge of the table is growing.
During my quest to be signed as a staff songwriter at Universal Music, I learned that a key element for success, particularly when collaborating with fellow writers, is this: contributing a constant flow of new, fresh, and cool ideas into the writing room.
There were moments when drawing inspiration from writing songs in the UK proved beneficial, while other times, it posed challenges. The UK often operates on a different rhythm than prevailing music trends in the US, particularly noticeable in Christian and Country music, which I was primarily writing in Nashville.
Nevertheless, aspiring to be signed as a commercial songwriter meant staying ahead of these disparities. And crucial.
Right now
To discover the latest trends in the ever-evolving world of music, one's go-to source often hinges on what dominates the charts within the targeted genre. Platforms like Spotify and a myriad of other distribution channels prove invaluable for gauging the pulse of contemporary hits. Take, for instance, the significance of playlists such as New Music Friday Christian, a pivotal resource for those seeking the newest and most exciting developments in Christian music—parallels exist in genres like Country and beyond.
Another avenue for insight is through prestigious awards ceremonies like the Grammys, AMAs, Billboards, Mobos, Brits, and Doves. However, it's worth noting that these accolades tend to celebrate historical trends rather than predict emerging music poised to make waves in the market.
For aspiring songwriters keen on trend-chasing in their craft, the question arises: How can we anticipate what will be deemed new, fresh, and cool in the future?
This frequently involves crafting songs that push the boundaries, as discussed further in the context of the "edge of the table" concept (for more details, refer to the discussion on the edge of the table here). But the challenge lies in pinpointing where exactly this edge exists.
In practice, immersing oneself in extensive listening proves to be a key method for gaining insights into the industry's trajectory. Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that the industry can evolve swiftly, often outpacing the time it takes to compose and promote music.
The growing table
Here are three questions you could ask yourself about how to write new songs:
What’s been considered historically cool?
What’s considered new, fresh, and cool right now?
What’s likely to be considered new, fresh, and cool in the future?
In reality, the edge of the table is growing: the more future we write as songwriters, the further away the edge of the table is from things written like it was in history. In other words, the edge of the table is growing.
The edge of the table is growing
I’ve got a picture in my mind about all of this (below), which makes me two things:
The good news – the more wacky you get away from the center of the table, the more new, fresh, and cool you could be writing.
The bad news – the even more wacky you write, the higher chance is that you are writing off the edge of the table completely. This is not new, fresh, or cool but just quirky and weird.
The trouble is there’s often a very fine line between wacky and weird.
In the future
As imaginative songwriters, how can we align our craft with the evolving trends of the future music market without venturing too far into the realm of eccentricity, and falling off the edge of a future table? Striking this balance is a delicate task, and in reality, the quest to create something genuinely "new, fresh, and cool" is both a daunting challenge and a thrilling journey.
As songwriters, our aspiration to distinguish ourselves amidst a vast sea of melodies propels us toward innovation and the exploration of new sonic landscapes. Let's look at this in more detail, writing songs that captivate and leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
Here are three specific ways that could help you write towards the growing edge:
Unleashing Unconventional Melodies – unconventional melodies catch the listener off guard, creating a sense of unpredictability that keeps the music exciting and memorable. Specifically, the melody serves as the melodic heartbeat of any memorable song. To infuse your composition with a breath of fresh air, consider breaking away from conventional melodies. Tash Sultana, the Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, is a brilliant example of an artist who masterfully incorporates unexpected melodic twists into her music. Check out her track “Jungle”, and notice how the melody takes unexpected turns, creating a unique and captivating sonic journey.
Experimenting with Diverse Rhythmic Patterns – diverse rhythmic patterns infuse energy and dynamism into your song, making it not just catchy but also irresistibly cool. Rhythm is the driving force behind the soul of a song. To elevate your music to new heights, experiment with diverse rhythmic patterns. Dive into Snarky Puppy, a jazz fusion collective known for pushing rhythmic boundaries. Listen to their track “What About Me?”, and feel the intricate interplay of rhythms that adds layers of complexity and an undeniably cool vibe.
Pushing Lyrically Boundaries – Pushing lyrical boundaries elevates your songwriting to an art form, allowing listeners to connect with your music on a deeper, more emotional level. Lyrics are the storytellers of your musical narrative. To create a song that resonates on a profound level, push the boundaries of your lyrics. Arctic Monkeys, with their track “Do I Wanna Know?”, showcase how bold storytelling can add depth and intrigue to your music. The lyrics navigate complex emotions, creating a narrative beyond the surface.
Now, you might say these three examples are not your cup of tea and might push it over the edge of your table for your genre. And that’s fine. But at least they have taken it away from the center of the table, and full marks for that.
Questions
Here are a few questions for you to think about in your own workflow:
How can you incorporate unexpected melodic twists into your song to create a fresh and unique sound?
Which rhythmic patterns resonate with you and your artists, and how can you experiment with them to elevate the cool factor of your music?
What themes or storytelling techniques can you explore to push the lyrical boundaries of your songs and engage your audience on a deeper level?
Crafting music that is new, fresh, and cool is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Embrace the challenge, experiment fearlessly, and let your creativity flow.
Hope this helps!
Simon.