The Burger

Don't bore us; get to the chorus.

Picture this: A wild family adventure in Nashville, the ultimate hub of music magic. Here we were, a bunch of Brits, my three kiddos under 10, living the American dream - summer vacations cruising in a colossal car, devouring fast food like it was our mission, and squeezing in some co-writing sessions.

Now, the English are notorious for their love of culinary delights (check out my wife's lovely third book), but on this American escapade, our gastronomic obsession took a burger-shaped turn. McDonald's became our sacred haven, and every pitstop had my kids harmonizing a familiar chant: “I want my burger!”

Around the fourth or fifth McDonald's visit, it hit me harder than a bass drop at a concert: the connection between feeding my burger-hungry brood and appealing to hungry song publishers. Believe it or not, this revelation fast-tracked my signing process. It all boils down to one mantra:

“I want my burger and I want it NOW!”

Just like my little ones, those publishers want MAIN MEAT now as well. 

How to use the Burger

The burger is all about the power of the first 45 seconds of the song to get to the punchline: The Chorus. A common refrain in songwriting circles echoes: 

“Don't bore us; get to the chorus.” 

Publishers and listeners often make a swift judgment around the 45-second mark, possibly even sooner, employing the decisive "Next" button.

Here's a strategic guide to maximize this timeframe:

• Trim the Intro: Keep it concise. An eight-bar intro? Consider brevity a virtue.

• Pre-Chorus Caution: While not outright dismissing pre-choruses, scrutinize their necessity. If it elongates your journey to the Chorus, evaluate its role.

• Accelerate the Tempo: Can your song maintain its essence with an increased BPM? Speeding up might be the key to prompt arrival at the Chorus.

• Consider a Chorus Start: Depending on your genre, initiating with the Chorus can be effective. It is a calculated risk, but if it aligns, the impact can be profound.

• Chorus Impact: When you hit the Chorus, hit the listener with a wall of voices. I’ve already talked about this before here. But it will also help wake up listeners when it hits them.

You don't have to apply this approach to every song, especially if you're working on a comprehensive 12-track album (assuming such a thing materializes in the future). However, it proves invaluable in bringing attention to subtleties that might escape notice from producers, publishers, artists, and your audience. 

Embracing the sub-45 Chorus technique streamlines your songwriting process, making it notably quicker. By diving straight into the core—the Chorus—it imparts a commercial flair to your composition, enhancing its appeal. Consequently, this method often leads to more song placements.

Artists and producers frequently seek these concise, well-crafted, Chorus-centric songs, making it a tool well-suited to industry expectations.

Why use this approach?

In songwriting, the sub-45 Chorus approach is more than a mere technique; it's a strategic method for crafting hits that resonate profoundly. Let's delve into three key reasons why this approach stands out:

• The Efficiency Factor: Consider the rush to catch a train or secure the last piece of pizza at a gathering—a familiar urgency. Similarly, songs possess a critical window to captivate before attention wavers. The sub-45 Chorus technique adeptly fits into this timeframe. Accelerating the Chorus's arrival ensures your song captures attention and commands it, akin to delivering a punchline before the audience checks their watches. It's a strategy emphasizing quick impact, making your song impossible to overlook.

• Commercial Viability: Envision your song as a layered, delightful burger, with its core—the juicy Chorus—holding the utmost appeal. The sub-45 Chorus approach is analogous to serving this prime cut first. It positions your song as a commercially savvy creation, presenting the composition's heart upfront. This enhances the song's appeal and makes it an irresistible treat for artists and producers seeking that perfect musical bite. It aligns your creation with what the industry is hungry for, ensuring it stands out in a crowded musical landscape.

• Industry Alignment: In the bustling symphony of the music industry, where songs compete for attention, the sub-45 Chorus burger becomes your VIP pass. Why? Because it aligns with the preferences of artists and producers seeking songs that deliver impact swiftly. These well-crafted, punchy compositions stand out in the playlist landscape, akin to fireworks in a quiet night sky—impossible to ignore. When securing coveted placements (cuts), your song, armed with the sub-45 Chorus burger, steps into the spotlight with the assurance of a rockstar poised to conquer the stage.

So, remember, it's not just about singing; it's about singing in a way that commands attention globally. The burger, a sub-45 Chorus technique, transcends being a mere tool; it serves as your backstage pass to a world where your songs are not merely heard but celebrated, craved, and replayed.

So, fellow songsmiths, buckle up and let your melodies shine with the brilliance of a burger—it's your time to shine!

Questions

Consider these practical checkpoints for your songwriting process:

1. Chorus Efficiency Test: Experiment with streamlining sections that seem too lengthy to reach the chorus. Does this adjustment make your composition more commercially appealing?

2. Commercial Song Analysis: Analyze songs in commercial genres, especially Pop and Country. Identify how many adopt the sub-45 chorus technique. It's a reconnaissance mission—count them up!

3. Reflecting on Your Song Catalog: Take stock of your own songwriting. Have your compositions gravitated toward the sub-45 chorus threshold? More importantly, did this shift positively impact their reception?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com