Whato All - To add a bit of context to the question, as you may or may not know, my challenge at the moment is to try and write a song from a different genre each time, so far I've managed (mangled?) a Nirvana (whatever that genre is?) an '80's electonic, the last one was a '70's disco...at the moment I'm working on a couple more, one of which is a Stock.Aitken.Waterman genre pop song, it's great fun and lovin' it, I've done the homework, listened to a lot of Mel and Kim, Kylie and Five Star etc..and got a load of ideas, but I know it needs a middle section, all their songs have one, and now I'm much closer to knowing where it's going in that part, and your comments sure have helped.
@PopTodd - Thanks for the advice - I like the idea of the half demented miner, might use it one day, just brilliant.
@Boydie - Cheers man, I'm going to try the relative minor option...see how it sounds. I rather like the idea of a completely different song bolted on, as long as it fits, I have to admit I've done that on more than one occasion...
@MichaelA - Great advice, I will avoid the main theme, and bring something different to the bridge section, a completely different melody, Yeah, you're right I did a bit of music theory for my Grade IIX classical guitar (they don't teach you about middle 8's).
One thing I have noticed from my homework is that the hook in the middle section can be contrasting instrument sound, a rhythmic change but always a strong melody line, contrasting away from the hooky main theme. % star in particular were great at this (in fact I would bet my life that it was Jay Graydon, their producer who conjured up their hooks, he is one of my favourite producers, such space, clarity and a brilliant guitarist - he played the solo on Steely Dan's Peg, and on Manhattan Transfer's Twilight Tone' he's no looker mind...)
I always learn form you guys, and middle 8 is a topic that I really could do with some helpful advice.
I'll be in touch when I've decided what to do.
Thanks very much again
Rich