FUN MELODY & SONG IDEA
A quick check in of Steve’s songwriting progress. He has a fun melody & song idea for a Shawn, though the
Watch Shaw’s series as a playlist
Watch Shawn’s full episode
Next Episode: MOVED to TEARS by MUSIC
Previous Episode: LYRICS and SONG INSPIRATION
On to something
When I come up with a melody, it either feels really good, or kind of forced and meh. This one feels good. I feel like I have something catchy.
The challenge is, what do I do with it? It feels old fashioned. Even like a kids’ song.
More alarming, in terms of song structure, I think it wants to be an AABA song.
Examples of AABA Songs
If you know the term already, skip this paragraph.
Most popular songs on the radio today follow this format
Verse > Pre-chorus > Chorus >
Verse > Pre-chorus > Chorus >
Bridge > Chorus
The AABA format is simpler. Quite literally, the song has an A part that repeats twice, a B part to break up the pattern, then back to the A part to end it.
Elvis Presley “I Can’ Help Falling in Love” is a great example of
Occasionally an AABA song sneaks onto the current Billboard charts. George Ezra – Budapest comes to mind. So does Amy Winehouse – Rehab. Notice both of those songs have an intentionally retro sound which is what made them successful.
Likely what really made them successful is, they were sung by George Ezra and Amy Winehouse.
FUN MELODY & SONG IDEA, but…
Is this approach right for Shawn? It’s easily something he can do. I can even see a retro song it being a really cool style for him.
But since I only have this one song to write for him and get right, I feel like I need to keep working.
I do think the melody has something memorable about it though. I think it’s sweet and even a little irresistible.
What do you think?
Not thrilled with my voice here… I hope that I convey the idea.
Discover Other Great Singers
Check out our other signers. Everyday real people who share their unique stories about overcoming pain and abuse and learning to thrive. Watch as Steve captures their unique stories with real songs about their lives.
What is Toronto Song Project?
Toronto Song Project is a Web Series where Steve searches the city for Real People with Real Stories, then writes them a real song based on their life events.
Make sure to subscribe to us on YouTube.
And we are all over Instagram.