Repetition is key

When thinking of songwriting, you probably have an intuitive understanding that repetition is a key part of the equation. That’s what choruses are for! That’s what repeated verse structures are for. The entire structure of the modern song is based around various levels of repetition.

But repetition isn’t just for songwriting — it can elevate production and mixing also!

When producing: having musical thoughts or motifs recur across instruments in an arrangement can be a powerful tool. Echoing a vocal line with a synthesizer line … handing off a melodic element from a simpler instrument to a more harmonically complex instrument as the song intensifies … using a distinctive sound as leitmotif, to signal the recurrence of a thought or idea … these techniques can help heighten interest and connection with the song you’re working on.

When mixing: recurring automations can become hooks in their own right! I’m thinking here of sending a word into a spot delay at the same position in each verse, or automating a volume ramp leading into each chorus, or using mutes to create a pocket at the end of each chorus to accentuate the hook, etc. Moments like this, if conceptualized and executed well, can be just as catchy and rewarding as a well-written melody or clever turn of phrase.

And when fundraising: most people don’t pay attention the first time you make an appeal for support. This ties into the marketing theory of “seven impressions” — it takes people on average seven repetitions of seeing a message before they respond to it. So for everyone who saw my call for support last week and ignored it … here’s a second pitch!

I conceived of Jamie’s list as a resource that’s free to the community. That’s unchanging. Also, there are people out there who believe in helping support artists who are creating work that brings value into their life. Are you one of those people? If so, click here to convert your free subscription to a paid subscription. No pressure! But it does help. The power of crowdfunding is in the crowd.

Over and over — jamie