The first step in making a hit record is not to try to hard to make one. You see, I have found that some of the biggest hits have not been predictable, stiff, forced or sometimes even planned. In the heyday when Radio was breaking artists, a 3:30 minute track with 2 verses, three choruses, etc. was the expected standard but today, with the Internet becoming king…a “cookie-cutter” track isn’t always required to catch the listeners attention and make them want to hear it over and over again.
Before you can set out to record or produce a “hit” you need to understand what a “hit record” is. I have discovered 7 key characteristics that make up a hit record…today or 20 years ago.
(1) Is your song memorable? Is there some element of it that hits someone deep in their soul.. a lyric, a phrase, a concept, something that they can relate to in their own lives and they share with you something you have felt yourself at some time or another.
(2) A hit is usually structured so that turning points and dynamics ebb and flow i.e. a verse or pre-chorus exploding and releasing into a chorus. This creates excitement and differentiates the sections.
(3) Musically there are “hooks” which can be catchy phrases, melodic rhythm lines, etc. which stick in your head and you find yourself singing.
(4) Does it create an emotion or mood? Does it affect people in any way…make the dance, cry, think etc.
(5) When you listen to it between two other records does it sparkle or pale compared to whats in front of it or after it? Is it special?
(6) Does it make your hair on your arm stand on end when you hear it the first time or little flutters in your stomach?
(7) Would you bet your lives savings on it becoming a hit and will to risk them?
At the end of the day…a hit record takes on a life of it’s own. It transcends style or genre. It is timeless and will be as significant today as next year or in 10 years.
January 6th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Mr. David Kershenbaum! I like reading your blogs, very “to the point”. I am a so called “young generation” and thinking: out of today’s songs which ones I am gonna remember in 10 years? I am wondering which ones of all my personal downloads I would’ve want to put on CD as an album to save as my favorite once that I will want to come back to listen to in 2-5-7-10 year? Dear Mr. Kershenbaum or anybody who knows more than I do can please help with my question: do record companies guide and develop artist and what do they do for them? I mean who exactly help a young artists to develop themselves? I was reading that a truly successful artists do not think that they are “FINE and Talented”, they learn. Any diamond needs to be cut, the great cut gives great shine.
January 7th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Mr. Kershenbaum!
I also want to say THANK YOU for the great records you’ve produced for us!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 4:50 am
The creative process is a mystery.Especially those who create.
Born of an influence of time and place within an individual.Carved out of life like stone, To become music.To come to life in collaboration with other creative minds in a process which allows the masterpiece to emerge.Artist and producer allow the truth of the song to emerge. In that truth, lies the undeniable direct link to the soul.We all feel it.The exposure and timing of how, when and where we hear that truth, creates a hit. Like a lightning bolt it strikes electric. As we are lite from within alive because of it.Changed forever within by it’s influence.It defines the moment within us.Timeless.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I WANT YOU 2 HELP ME OUT I WANNA MAKE A HITS
January 5th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Jaun - How can I help you?
February 17th, 2009 at 7:03 am
you know, i’ve read through out your site and i feel that you speak from a position of experience and heart i myself am an artist, unsigned but driven. I respect your position and your comments to those who are in the dark about how the business is.
Miami,FL mISTA Q
May 19th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
There is an eigth characteristic to a hit which came to mind as i read your points.
Also interesting-
The characteristics sub divide into-the elements of the song and then the effects created on the listener by those parts.
Dave