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View All PostsKara DioGuardi
Get Loose
Kara talks about what a dance hit needs and the appropriate decibel-level when writing.
Jun 6, 2011Writing songs should be fun! While I was watching this week's episode I was happy to see the contestants singing, dancing, and letting loose while they were writing. If you ain't having a good time writing a dance song, chances are no one's going to feel like dancing when it hits the clubs.
I had to laugh when a few of the contestants were holding their ears saying it was too loud while writing. I have been in sessions where the producers blows the speakers four times in a night. Needless to say, I am deaf!
This episode was about writing to tracks (musical beds). Being a hit pop writer is all about mastering this skill. Most of the big hits today are written to tracks, meaning that the music is done before the melody and lyric. It was so interesting to see how many different hooks could be written to the same track and how different everyone's take was. Jewel and Donna definitely picked the best anthemic choruses.
I liked how Scotty and Brian really said something unique. "Paint This Club With Amazing" and "My Ridiculous" were memorable because they were interesting catch phrases whereas "Make It Easy" may have had a great melody, but was kind of middle of the road in terms of the concept. I don't know about you but I like a little more chase when it comes to the opposite sex. At least, I did before I got married.
I loved how Nick, Sonyae, Melissa, and Scotty all contributed some thing great to their song. Co-writing is at it's best when everyone brings the best of their own style. Every section of their song was catchy and today's hits often have three or four hooks. They did a great job.
I remember going crazy about the panty line in the "My Ridiculous" song while we were taping. It said something like: "Drop my panties to the floor and I'm walking out the door." If you're dropping your panties before you leave your house, why even bother going to the club? Ha!
This week was a marked improvement by the contestants. I was sad to see Blessing go; he was a gentle soul. Unfortunately, you need to be versatile as a writer to make it these days.
I think you guys were dead on in your critique. I liked paint this club amazing but really liked My Ridiculous alot more. They hurt it by Ryan not singing the chorus. The girls should have helped write the verse and let him sing the whole song. Make it easy was bland at best and they should have been a bit more risky with it.
I can say that as a writer of lyrics watching the show is intimidating to me. The songs they are writing are good but watching and hearing your critique makes me nervous as I put myself in their place. I hope to make it someday, I didn't know it was that tough.
Do you ever write a song and when you are done look at it and say to yourself "this is not good" or doubt it's value?
I doubt everything I write, is this normal?
Love this Kara!!
Kara is such an inspiration, she really knows what she's talking about!!
Great job on the show, Kara! Wish they showed more of you,though. When is the show following your life coming out, can't wait until then! I am a HUGE fan and when I am older I want to be as hard working, successful, and humble as you are!
Luv Ya!
can you write a song that rings truth to make people understand it is not good to eat of death. Can you hook them with a tune and the truth
Congratulations for a great show, Kara! it inspires more songwriters to write better songs. :))
Anyway, I'm just wondering if you read tweets? :>)) You haven't respond to fans' tweets. :)
Kara,I'm totally addicted to Platinum Hit! Congrats on the new show,everyday I learn something new about songwriting.You're one of the greatest songwriters,I'm a big fan!
I love this show,Kara,I'm always learning something new about songwriting. All those songs were fun and my favorite was My Ridiculous. Keep blogging your comments are very insightful Nat
I'm really loving the show, congrats on getting into something that actually showcases your abilities. I was hoping to see you more in the public eye after your Stern interview.
I don't know if there is anybody on the show that I would classify as "amazing" yet, they all seem like they have a lot of learning to do but there is certainly potential. I love watching the critiques and think you guys are generally spot-on. It's good to see a show like this where the judges aren't trying to be celebrities for being judges. Everyone is already so accomplished they don't have anything to prove so you can just get down to business.
Hoping for a season 2 so a 35 year old, fat, balding guy with no personal style can come on the show and write circles around these kids!
Wow, Kara you are so insightful. I love reading these blogs and your comments, you really are an expert!
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