P1P1:Commercial Music (Cradle to Grave)

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COMMERCIAL MUSIC (Cradle to Grave)

PART 1/3:PHASE 1/8

This blog is designed to empower independent artists by providing a clear and concise roadmap for their music production journey. The following offers a simple phased approach, that outlines the essential steps involved in creating a successful commercial music production strategy. This framework is flexible and adaptable, allowing artists to customise it to their unique needs and goals. The purpose of this blog is to allow an Independent Artist to follow this step-by-step guide, so as to streamline their workflow, increase efficiency, and ultimately achieve their creative and career aspirations.

When PART 2 of this blog is published, you will find a detailed plan for executing the strategies outlined in PART 1. The plan includes specific milestones to track progress, clear objectives to guide the project, and well-defined roles and responsibilities for each team member. By building on the roadmap expressed as "the phased approach" in PART 1, the plan in PART 2, then provides a structured timeline for achieving the Independent Artists goals, and ensures that their project stays the course.

PART 1

The Phased Approach.

STEPPING STONES
Adapted from a photo by Wendy Wei

Due to the sheer scope of the subject matter, PART 1 has been reduced to a concise overview of the roadmap involved in producing commercial music.  It is broken down into sequential phases for ease of understanding, with specific techniques and tools sighted, which may vary depending on the artist, musician, genre, label, or production style. But don't despair,  PART 1 will guide you through the entire exhilarating lifecycle.

PHASE 1 of 8: Concept & Planning.

ON BOARDING
Adapted from a photo by:

This is where your musical journey begins, as the “Concept and Planning” phase, forms the foundation of a successful music project. It's where the initial idea is conceived, developed, and refined into a cohesive vision. This is when you develop a theme or narrative, and outline the structure of your song. Think about the mood you want to convey, the instruments you'll use, and the overall vibe of the track. It's also a good time to consider the genre you want to fit into and any specific influences or references you'll draw from.

Idea Generation:

Idea generation is the spark that ignites a new track. It's the process of brainstorming and exploring different musical concepts, from the overall vibe and genre to specific melodic and rhythmic elements. Whether you're starting from scratch or building on an existing idea, idea generation is essential for creating unique and engaging music. It's a time to let your creativity flow, experiment with different sounds and textures, and discover new possibilities within your chosen genre. By generating a strong foundation of ideas, you'll have a solid starting point for developing your track and bringing your musical vision to life.

  • Brainstorm musical themes, styles, and moods.

  • Consider the target audience and their preferences.

  • Explore lyrical content and storytelling.

  • Research current trends and inspirations.

Musical Structure:

Planning the musical structure is like designing the blueprint for a song. It involves determining the arrangement, form, and flow of the composition, including the order of sections, their length, and how they transition. By carefully considering these elements, you can create a cohesive and engaging track that effectively conveys your desired message or emotion.

In music structure, “ABCD” variations planning involves creating a musical theme (A) and then modifying or reworking it in different ways (B, C, D). This technique allows for a sense of familiarity and progression throughout the track. For example, in a commercial music track, the A section might be a catchy melody, followed by a B section with a different chord progression or instrumentation. The C section could introduce a bridge or interlude, and the D section might return to the A section with a twist or variation. This structure helps to maintain listener interest and create a cohesive musical experience.

  • Develop a basic ABCD structure (intro, verse, chorus, bridge).

  • Experiment with different chord progressions and melodies.

  • Create a sense of musical flow and cohesion

Lyric Writing:

Lyric writing is the art of crafting words to convey meaning, emotions, and stories within a song. It's a crucial element of music, often working in tandem with the melody to create a powerful and memorable piece. Good lyrics can evoke strong emotions, inspire thought, and even spark social change. They can be simple and direct, or complex and metaphorical, but the goal is always to connect with the listener on a personal level. Whether you're writing about love, loss, social issues, or personal experiences, effective lyric writing requires a combination of creativity, empathy, and a deep understanding of language.

  • Craft lyrics that align with the musical theme and storytelling.

  • Ensure the lyrics are meaningful, relatable, and well-written.

  • Consider the rhythm and metre of the music.

Production Planning:

Production planning involves organising and coordinating all the necessary resources and activities to create a finished track. It includes tasks such as scheduling recording sessions, selecting instruments and equipment, hiring musicians and engineers, budgeting the project, and setting deadlines. Effective production planning ensures that the recording process runs smoothly, efficiently, and within budget, allowing the music producer to focus on the creative aspects of the project.

  • Determine the overall sound and aesthetic of the project.

  • Create a budget and timeline.

  • Select instruments and equipment.

  • Assemble the production team (producer, musicians, engineers).

  • Schedule recording sessions and studio time.

Market Research:

Market research is an essential component of music production planning. It involves gathering information about the target audience, industry trends, and competitor analysis to inform the creative and business decisions involved in creating a successful track. By understanding the preferences of the target audience, producers can tailor their music to resonate with listeners and increase its chances of commercial success. Additionally, market research can help identify emerging trends and potential opportunities, ensuring that the music stays relevant and appealing to a wider audience.

  • Understand the target audience and their listening habits.

  • Analyse the competitive landscape.

  • Identify potential distribution channels and marketing strategies.

Tools and Techniques:

Tools and techniques are the backbone of music production, providing the means to create, manipulate, and shape sound. From digital audio workstations (DAWs) and synthesisers to microphones, amplifiers, and effects pedals, a wide range of tools are available to musicians and producers. These tools allow for creative experimentation, precise editing, and the realisation of complex sonic landscapes. Techniques such as mixing, mastering, and sound design play a crucial role in shaping the final product, ensuring that the music is balanced, polished, and delivers the intended emotional impact. 

  • Visually organise ideas and connections.

  • Understand musical scales, chords, and progressions.

  • Practise different poetic forms and techniques.

  • Work with other musicians and creatives to generate new ideas.

  • Explore music history, genres, and current trends.

By carefully considering these aspects and following a structured planning process, you can lay a strong foundation for your music project and increase your chances of success.

Objectives:

The objective of planning music production is to create a roadmap for the entire creative process, ensuring that the final product meets the desired quality standards, meets deadlines, and aligns with the artist's vision. By carefully planning each stage of the production, from pre-production to post-production, producers can optimise efficiency, minimise costs, and maximise the potential for success. Effective planning also helps to prevent unforeseen challenges and ensures that the music reaches its target audience in the most impactful way possible.

  1. Genre and Style: Determine overall sound and direction of the track, influenced by artist preferences, market trends, and personal inspiration.

  1. Lyrics and Melody: Create the foundation of the song, often involving collaboration between lyricist and composer.

  1. Instrumentation: Select the instruments and sounds that will be used, considering the genre and desired atmosphere.

  1. Arrangement: Plan the structure and flow of the track, including the sequence of sections (intro, verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) and the placement of musical elements.


END OF PHASE 1

In Phase 2, the blog will continue with the roadmap to enumerate the Recording phase of the Approach, so don't forget to check it out!

APPRECIATION 
If you found this blog useful, and you are able to make a £1 donation to help the author hit the charity fund raising target, it would be very much appreciated. 

RAISING AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR FND HOPE UK (NO AFFILIATION)





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