JOHN CHISUM: Writing Hit Hooks Part 3 – Emotion

“Music reaches beyond the thinking of the mind and goes straight into the heart and soul level”

In this week’s episode, we’re continuing our series on “Writing HIt Hooks.” Today, we’re talking all about emotion. What does a specific song make you feel? If you’re like me, as soon as you hear a song you immediately go back to a memory or a time when you felt something similar. Songs have the power to speak deeply to us. We are emotional beings and the power of song goes much deeper than just a catchy beat or a smooth sound. Learning how to evoke emotion in your songwriting is the only way to write those hit hooks you’ve been trying to write.

“What kind of atmosphere am I creating for people as I present this song?”

Become a student of the songs you love. Start to identify the thoughts and feelings that a certain evokes in you. Once you identify these, work to replicate those in your songwriting. Nothing will connect someone to your song more deeply than emotion.

“Songwriting is about asking better questions”

There is so much going on at NCS and we want YOU to be a part! Watch our website and Facebook page for upcoming webinars and events.

“Without a GREAT idea, you’ll never have a GREAT song”

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

  • Introduction – 1:20
  • NCS Weekend Intensive – 4:30
  • 5 Tips for Writing Hit Hooks – 8:45
  • The Importance of Emotion and Feeling in Songs – 11:45
  • Examples of Song Emotion – 16:45
  • Using Emotion to Hook the Listener – 22:22
  • Wrap Up – 27:05

How to get involved

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John Chisum

John Chisum is a pioneer in the Christian music business, serving alongside people such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Twila Paris, Paul Baloche, Don Moen, and many more. As President of Nashville Christian Songwriters, John seeks to empower Christian songwriters worldwide to discover and fulfill their call to write.

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Tom Addis

    I may be moving to Clarksville. Do have these classes live on Nashville? It might be a factor on moving there.

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