Song Composition – Ryan Tedder

For research into pop music composition for this project I have been reading about the techniques of contemporary writer/producers. Ryan Tedder (sing of One Republic) is one of the most prolific writers in the current pop music market. He has written hits with Adele, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran etc.

“When you’re sitting at dinner with a bunch of people, and someone says: “What was that song from ninth grade?” they’ll always sing something like “da da daa-da, da da daaaa“. They don’t remember what the lyric is, but they remember the melody. What was the song? Solsbury Hill.” – Ryan Tedder, 2014

Interesting for me because lyrical content has always been as strong as melody with my own music. Obviously pop music relies heavily on the vocal melody, and not scrutinising lyrics as heavily will be a different experience for me. I will put more time into composing stronger melodies, which will most definitely be beneficial for me throughout this project.

“Hand claps, always. Why? Church.” – Ryan Tedder, 2014

Hand claps feature throughout most pop music and always will be a staple.

“In the modern era, you need a natural conclusion. The way people digest music now, they want a beginning, middle and an end. It’s hard to explain – maybe it’s Fast Food Nation, they just want it in a neat little package.”

An interesting philosophy for myself, but after listening to my listening list at the start of the project I am struggling to find a song that fades out. This music be a current thread amongst my music for this project.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26848897

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