[digger72]

Hi Boydie,

I don't know anything about the above as i will probably never write anything worth pitching (and wouldn't know how to). However, maybe it's being pitched as the wrong type of song. It sounds like it has more of an indie edge to me than pop. Reminds me of MGMT when they did Oracular Spectacular. That Electric Feel sort of sound.

"Lots of autotune."     This is why the off button was invented.

Good luck.

Digger

[DevyE]

Just came across this collection, maybe the swedes reference is to midi, wav etc collection  'Producer Loops Swedish Pop volumes 1-6', volume 6 has just been released?

A series of Pop, Dance and Swedish-House infused Construction Kits, created and produced exclusively for Producer Loops by Simon Rudd of The Fliptones.

[Bernd]

JFYI: Sweden is the third biggest pop producing nation (after the US and the UK) - with just 9 million inhabitants.

Cheers,
Bernd

[Boydie]

I hadn't even considered the population ratios! 

I have been watching production video after production video and I am starting to "get" what the Swedes are doing - and it is actually great!

[S.T.C]

Since i'm involved in this process to a degree, i've been reading more about it.
The `facts` i seem to be reading are this: A&R , Publishers etc....hear a lot of well recorded stuff on a daily basis....and your `good enough` version might just not get their attention...it might even not get played.

But, if your a good songwriter and your work is of `hit` quality,even though it might be a little rough, it still might get a chance somewhere within the industry...

The better quality demos ,say something about the creator of the work,that their committed , they take their work seriously..this sits well with men in suits.

I' m sure there's loads more points...like getting your hands on 'tip` sheets..... .....in truth , even with talent.it might be the case that money needs to be spent..somewhere along the line?

[Sing4me88]

I thought I had responded to this thread earlier but clearly not!

I think the 'Swedes'is in reference to the massive influence Swedish/Scandinavian writers and producers are now bearing on the industry. I don't necessarily think it is anything new for example wasn't it there even in the times of Abba? Lately however I think they are literally running the show. Avicci, Swedish House Mafia, Max Martin, StarGate (Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Hermansen) have owned the charts in recent times. Not only in the UK/US but also in the K Pop and J Pop scene- they can't get enough of the Scandinavian style!

Personally I love the Swede style. It's so in your face, vibrant, intense and energetic. It is feel good thrashy pop/EDM and I kinda try and style my lyrics on similar songs written by these guys (my ventures with EZ Keys and Mixcraft likewise but these are making even less headway than my awful lyrics!!!)

I've attached the link to a video with a bit of a Q and A with Stargate. They discuss the trials and tribulations of'making it' and how they came to have a huge influence in the UK and US markets! They give out a few tips and advice for aspiring ht makers and is worth a watch even if just to learn a thing or two about how the 'industry' ticks over!

 

[S.T.C]

Yes ,interesting vids..i luv all this info you can get on YT...

Couple of relatively modest guys, who over came a few hurdles and have become very successful, but the important components is the fact that they have learnt their craft, and have talent to compose melody and understand hit formula.

[Sing4me88]

Indeed it seems that they value a song in its totality ie lyrics,melody and production. Also found it interesting that they discourage from trying to shed uniqueness in order to fit in with current trends.

These guys clearly have mastered the hit formula as you rightly state. These guys and people like Max Martin, Cirkut, Benny Blanco are literally the bar that I try to aim for - and always seem to fall pitifully short mind you - but its hard to convert how you'hear' the lyrics in your head to someone reading them. I'm messing about with EZ Keys which is fine for laying down a few chords as a general feel but does little to create a bouncing melody or dope hook! The only alternative is to 'sing' the lyrics but that doesn't help either- in my head I'm hearing Bruno or Ellie Goulding singing yet when I open my mouth its... well ME singing!!! I am singularly the worst singer in the world! I wonder if repetitive and irritating buzz words in lyrical format and a pish poor midi of horrendous 'singing' would be enough to entice these guys to work with me??? They do admire an underdog after all!!!!

[KEROUAC1957]

I haven't had a chance to listen to the song but will do. By "Swedes" I immediately thought of the Britney/Backstreet Boys connection. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheiron_Productions

[benjo]

 THATS A LOVELY TRACK

 their loss


   ps        I bet max Clifford could get you in there,
              but you might have to do something for him first

   tony...

[Sing4me88]

Oh now you are talking Benjo.... we always say that the music business is a 'dirty' business

[S.T.C]

another good vid.

[Onelabel]

He's actually talking about a number of ultra successful Scandinavian writers like Max Martin,  Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen (Stargate) etc... Plus the guys from Swedish House Mafia. They've been having a bit of a renaissance over there for the past few years with Max Martin an absolutely incredible hit writing machine (and who Taylor Swift turned to when she upped her pop game).

Having pitched a fair bit recently I can confirm they really are expecting to hear something VERY close to 'releasable'. Ie to the point where they're not expected to think beyond what they hear.

Here's a track were pitching around http://soundcloud.com/izzymariehill/spacegirl-izzy-marie-hill

[S.T.C]

He's actually talking about a number of ultra successful Scandinavian writers like Max Martin,  Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen (Stargate) etc... Plus the guys from Swedish House Mafia. They've been having a bit of a renaissance over there for the past few years with Max Martin an absolutely incredible hit writing machine (and who Taylor Swift turned to when she upped her pop game).

Having pitched a fair bit recently I can confirm they really are expecting to hear something VERY close to 'releasable'. Ie to the point where they're not expected to think beyond what they hear.

Here's a track were pitching around http://soundcloud.com/izzymariehill/spacegirl-izzy-marie-hill

Good pop song, just listening to your others.

[Onelabel]

Thank you!