Music Checklist


The Compusician's Checklist - My overall Music Production Techniques.


Add In / Sub Out – This is very important. Keep my mind free to try new things (ADD IN). But what isn't working with the group of sounds or idea, then take it out (SUB OUT).

Scat – In my Lyrics Tool box I have every 2 letter combination. Use different combinations to develop a melody.

Opening Riff – Almost every song has an “Alert Riff”, to let the listener know that their favorite song is coming on.

Each Instrument Riff – I can Add in or Sub out what is not working.

Each Instrument Showcasing – Add In or Sub Out what is not working.

Tool Boxes – Look over my “Toolboxes” (Vocal and Lyrics) to visualize any new ideas that come to mind.

Vocal Loops – I want to be known for great vocal FX and ideas. So, the old days of Joan Jett's, “I love Rock and Roll”has a great riff loop, I need to have an equally great riff loop with vocals and effects.

Song Structure – Intro V1 V2 C1/C2 V1 V2 C1/C2 V2 INST C1/C2 C1/C2 Outro ** note that this is basic and can be changed up.

Interchangers – I use these shorter transitions to be carefully placed in the song structure. Moving from complex to simple building back to complex or vise versa is a good use for interchangers. A breather or an exciter.

Trailers – This is important. Every hit song has what I call “trailers”. Usually there is a vocal expression, then a short musical burst afterwards. “I'm not your stepping stone”, by the Monkees makes good obvious use of “trailers”.

3 – The triangle. I can go up, down, or stay even. With 4 instruments playing at once, it is part of what makes music have the ability to be limitless.

4 – With vocals and instruments in 2 separate groups, I should have LOW – MID LOW – MID HIGH – HIGH. Now you start to see the endless possibilities of music composing. Couple this with “The Triangle”, and you can see the to near infinity. Putting your artistic touch (imagination) on the song is what takes your music PAST infinity, and beyond.

DJ – Do add loops, effects and samples to enhance the feeling in the song.

SFX – Sound effects. Yes. I have a tendency to over do it. Remember: ADD IN / SUB OUT.

Sell – Remember I'm trying to sell or convince the listener about my point of view.

Graint – It is not a word, “Graint”. And that is the point. Make up some words. Ain't Great, “Graint”!

Tangent – Go OFF tangent. Yes! In the old days you had about 3 minutes to make your point if you wanted to be heard on the radio. But now the canvas has a different color and your world is yours to explore. Are you painting this picture like Picasso or Rembrandt?

Similarity – Similarity to familiarity brings them in. You never want someone to say you sound just like one band. “You sound just like Pink Floyd”. Well, great. The world already has a Pink Floyd. But on the other hand, “You sound like Pink Floyd mixed with Nine Inch Nails”, is something else! Try Cindi Lauper with Leanne Rhymes. You want a similar sound, but different.

Rotisserie – Your song is an artistic performance. It is on stage. Get to the action, feeling and mood immediately. A play usually has more than one actor, and your performance should be like a chicken cooking on a rotisserie. Bring out the drums up front, then slowly set them back to the opening riff, which is slowly set back to the vocals, which then the drums come back, etc... (This is one example).

Mastering – I put Engineering and Mastering into the same category. You want to make sure your levels are right and not causing distortion. Over time you will develop a sound you like that comes from the Mastering process.

Mistakes – Mistakes can be good. Use them in your adventure. Often what happens is that a person hears your mistake, then comments or tells other people. Is that what you want? Free Publicity?

Poetry – Does my song work out fine Lyrically or Poetically? Repetition is GRAND in commercial music.

List – Keep a list of bands you like to listen to, or to emulate, for specific reasons to your cause.

AC/DC, Joan Jett (I love Rock and Roll), Rob Zombie (Living Dead Girl), Sponge (Plowed), INXS, Cameo, K-Rhap, Simple Minds, Billy Idol, Garbage, Opera, Big Audio Dynamite, Fat Boy Slim



When you have made the foundation of the house strong, as strong as a pyramid, then it will support any creativity you will add to it. You will want to “dress” your creation with paint, wood, shutters, or whatever, on top of your creativity. Step back, let a few days pass, and look again. Is it what you imagined? Is it acceptable to you? If so, then welcome your new baby (your song) to this world.

Peace Out, The Compusician

(You can reprint, link to, teach from, or use this article IF you use the whole article.)

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