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Author: Scott McCormick

funk music

James Brown and the invention of funk music

October 19, 2018November 12, 2018 Scott McCormick

We take a look at the true innovation and widespread influence James Brown had as he evolved his sound and created funk music in the process. Read the post.

Images of famous examples of sampling in hip-hop

The evolving art of sampling in hip hop

September 13, 2018September 21, 2020 Scott McCormick

When Public Enemy released “Fight The Power” in 1989, there were few rules when it came to sampling. While today’s artists face constraints, they’re finding ways to keep hip hop the most vital, and popular, music genre. Read the post.

hit single

From demo to hit single: Owner of a Lonely Heart

August 22, 2018August 30, 2018 Scott McCormick

Here’s the story of how an unlikely collaboration met with a massive riff, memorable chorus, groundbreaking samples, and an in-your-face solo to produce a surprise hit single in 1983. Read the post.

music videos

Creative advice for your next music videos

August 7, 2018August 9, 2018 Scott McCormick

Posting and sharing music videos is a great way to get your music noticed on social media. Thankfully, interesting videos are easier to make than ever. Read the post.

John Gustafson

John Gustafson: the second most important bassist to come out of Liverpool

July 13, 2018July 20, 2022 Scott McCormick

In a career that spans decades and features collaborations with an array of influential artists, John Gustafson is a name you might not know, even though he recorded on over 100 albums, including his solo album, Goose Grease, in 1976. Read the post.

Guided By Voices

The glorious, inspirational mess that is Guided By Voices

June 14, 2018June 14, 2018 Scott McCormick

Whatever your aspirations as a musician, there are lessons to be learned from the basement-tapes legacy created by Guided By Voices. Read the post.

A musician writing in key changes and modulations to spice up a song.

Key change! How to wow ‘em with a chorus modulation

May 29, 2018September 27, 2019 Scott McCormick

A song can take you on a journey, and including a key change — or modulation — can produce various emotional effects, from brightening the mood to creating a sense of unease. Read the post.

learn another instrument

Why you should learn another instrument

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 Scott McCormick

The first of a two-part series explores how taking time to learn another instrument will help you become stronger at your first instrument and improve your songwriting chops. Read the post.

Jaki Liebezeit

Get to know a drummer: Jaki Liebezeit

April 26, 2018April 26, 2018 Scott McCormick

While his name may be missing from “top” lists around the web, Jaki Liebezeit forged a legacy with Can and numerous other artists on his way to being one of the greatest drummers you’ve never heard of. Read the post.

learn about the music business

Want a career in music? Work hard, stay positive, and learn about the music business.

April 2, 2018December 10, 2018 Scott McCormick

If you’re serious about carving out a career in music, you need to learn about the music business. The “Mentoring for the Modern Musician” team can help. Read the post.

Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner: how to sing it right

March 5, 2018November 1, 2021 Scott McCormick

A performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” can be a powerful musical experience when done right and a national embarrassment if things go wrong. Consider this advice if you’re ever called to perform it. Read the post.

brian wilson arrangements

Scott McCormick discusses Brian Wilson’s production and arrangements with the M3 podcast

February 27, 2018December 10, 2018 Scott McCormick

“Mentoring for the Modern Musician” podcast producers Adam and Michael Scharff caught up with musician/author/Disc Makers Blog contributor Scott McCormick to dig deeper into Scott’s three-part DM Blog series on the inimitable Brian Wilson. Here’s an excerpt from the conversation. Read More.

good vibrations and smile

“Good Vibrations” and Smile: A complex album built on a song

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 Scott McCormick

Not only does “Good Vibrations” provide a structural template for Smile, it also gives the album its tonal language. Nearly every song or song section is written in one of “Good Vibrations” chords. Read More.

write a great melody

How to write a great melody, Part 2: Putting the rules to work

December 18, 2017December 18, 2017 Scott McCormick

To write a great melody, throw in a dramatic flourish to enhance a moment, but sing the way people speak: It sounds better and makes a melody more memorable. Read More.

how to write a great melody

How to write a great melody, Part 1: What makes a melody great?

December 12, 2017December 12, 2017 Scott McCormick

While I can’t give you an exact recipe for how to write a great melody, I can point out some common traits great melodies have to help improve your melodic skills. Read More.

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