How To Make A Hit Song

Song Structure
Song structure is paramount in the creative process. The different components of a song include: The intro, verse, chorus/hook, bridge and the outro. The melody sets the tone and/or mood for the song.
It is important to build a certain flow or energy throughout the track leading up to the chorus. The chorus is the main centrepiece of the song. Its purpose is to hook the listener into the song. The chorus should be catchy, infectious, grabbing and memorable. You can learn a lot about good song structure, melody and arrangement by simply studying classic hit songs.

Furthermore, as a songwriter it is imperative that you treat every verse like a first impression. Great songwriters write songs that appeal to the emotions. They create songs that inspire passion or just make you want to dance. Great songs have an inevitability about them, and they can change the atmosphere of a room instantly. Moreover, a hit song can take you to the next level within 30 seconds of hearing the intro. You know a song is a hit if it makes an impact in the crib, the car and in the club. If it translates well in those three environments, then it’s a hit. Everything needs to be catchy because a listener is either going to stay with the song or lose interest in the first five seconds. But people also like those songs they can relate to and say, ‘Yeah, I went through that.’

It is important to note that there is no time limit on the creative process. Don’t try to “rush a hit”. Take your time and make sure the song meets certain musical standards. And please understand that all the fancy, eye catching packaging and branding in the world cannot camouflage an album or single that lacks originality, imagination, or soul.

Make Music From The Heart
Some artists forget what it was like to be a “fan” of the music, and it shows in the stagnancy of their songs. Sadly, most naija artists mold their songs on what approaches to making music based on what they hear on the radio or based on what they perceive industry cats want. Commercial “radio songs” are usually predictable, non-adventurous and formulaic. Hence, the best way to create great original music is to turn off the radio. The key is to make original compositions that can compete with songs on the radio, but that do not sound exactly like the songs on the radio.

Stay Consistent
It’s imperative that you remain consistent. Naija artists often get tired of a song once they make a new one. However, if everyone thinks that your old song is a hit, then keep promoting it. If you have a hot song that has been in the marketplace for only 2 weeks, then do not do a remix of the song after the 3rd week. You will only confuse people.
Additionally, Just because you are an upcoming artist does not mean that you should put less effort into mixing and mastering your songs. Proper mixing and mastering have a direct correlation to the replay value of your music.

Finally, the naija music industry is not dead. People just want to hear good music instead of the one dimensional form of music that they’re being force fed. Don’t devalue your ART. Make music worth listening to and worth buying. Sometimes it is good for music artists to stop and analyse the intrinsic value of their music. What feeling does your music inspire or offer? Equally important, have fun with what you are doing. Positive energy is infectious. Make music that inspires. Take the listener on a journey.