Songwriting, Tension & Release +Melodies & Chords
Added 2025-06-08 18:17:17 +0000 UTCHey Patreon! Excited to share about my songwriting process, and some tips that can help if you get stuck, aren't inspired, or aren't sure how to start!
Structuring
I always have an easy structure I can follow, if I can’t figure one out - use a reference track
Intro, Build up, Fake, Drop, Break, repeat
Tension & Release
Must have tension in dubstep, and release (drop). There are several things that build tension, like intro, build up and fake out. The release is almost always the drop. You can do this on a smaller scale however, in each section.
Build ups, intro sections with different instruments, or no bass
No full volume sub bass in intro unless longer build up, or breakdown to create tension before release
Filters, Washout, Redux, Tape Stops, Sweeps & White Noise for transitions BUT also on individual sounds
Establishing melodies
Melodies in intros are absolutely some of the most important elements in a track. For me, I sit myself into a scale, and write melodies all the time just to create ideas. There’s experimentation, and not everything is a hit.
If I’m stuck, I make a chord progression
If I’m stuck there, I use a chord pack for a basic progression, or follow another songs progression
Try different presets, then make your own versions or twist them to make them more unique.
Wash them out, reverb reverses, higher / lower octaves, double slow, or arp for background
It’s okay to experiment, and get it wrong sometimes. All that matters is that you go in everyday and attempt each day. You don’t have to have a result every time, but if you attempt everyday you’ll challenge yourself, and beat yourself in competition. You’ll never be outworked.
Comments
Awesome! Thank you sir I can definitely do more live in the moment. That can be a lot of fun, like a “studio time w/ Perry” series here.
Perry Sanders
2025-06-11 02:36:47 +0000 UTCHey Perry, thanks for the vid. I'd personally love to see more videos of you getting into creating things from the ground up. Hope all is well with you bro!
matthew keller
2025-06-10 23:13:54 +0000 UTC
