How to Write a Song Using Imagery: 9 Songwriting Tips from Andrea Stolpe | American Songwriter

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  • Опубликовано: 7 янв 2025

Комментарии • 284

  • @calohtar
    @calohtar 7 лет назад +213

    Unbelievably helpful. Some of this stuff I already knew, some of it is obvious, but it makes a difference to hear these concepts linked together in a coherent framework. A lot of times the challenge isn't in learning new things, it's in accessing and making sense of what you already know.

    • @MartinManweiler
      @MartinManweiler 7 лет назад +3

      That's precisely how I felt when I heard her first video.

    • @MARLERMAKESMUSIC
      @MARLERMAKESMUSIC 6 лет назад +1

      This is a great comment!

    • @elansings
      @elansings 6 лет назад +2

      Agreed, if we can paint the picture vividly the listener will pay more attention

    • @Devanox4Five
      @Devanox4Five 4 года назад +1

      So very true

    • @kennethcarvalho3684
      @kennethcarvalho3684 4 года назад +1

      So at the end of the day you learnt something??

  • @amphitheatre
    @amphitheatre 7 лет назад +123

    16:46 one moment in detail
    24:40 showing and telling with toggling
    27:01 showing telling archetypes
    29:12 write thru a lens

    • @brandonseaborn3112
      @brandonseaborn3112 6 лет назад +1

      rss313 bless your soul

    • @elansings
      @elansings 6 лет назад

      👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💆🏻‍♂️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

    • @TheJigglicious
      @TheJigglicious 6 лет назад +3

      I still advise watching everything tho

    • @lawd1804
      @lawd1804 4 года назад

      21:26 So I’m driving on interstate 85
      And I’m thinking about the past
      And outside the blurr of the telephone lines
      Get me lost lost lost

    • @lawd1804
      @lawd1804 4 года назад

      22:33 6 verse Imagery

  • @collinchingota7717
    @collinchingota7717 4 года назад +125

    Each time I watch this video I feel like I can write a song straight away

    • @normanroxwell7883
      @normanroxwell7883 4 года назад +1

      Facts!

    • @sanderrom9810
      @sanderrom9810 3 года назад

      You probably can ;)

    • @andreastolpe
      @andreastolpe 3 года назад +9

      You totally can! So glad you've found inspiration from this. By the way, I checked out a few of your videos, you have such a great voice. I wish you all the best on your songwriting journey, stay creative!

    • @forbiddenevil1
      @forbiddenevil1 3 года назад

      and do you? actually write a song?

    • @collinchingota7717
      @collinchingota7717 Год назад

      @@andreastolpe oh thank you Andrea! my songwriting is getting better and better thanks to this video and many of yours!

  • @droneproductions625
    @droneproductions625 5 лет назад +16

    Incredible to see that 182 people didn't like this video. I literally watched it FOUR times and took notes. Incredible stuff here! This lady rocks!

    • @kubita-thecall8795
      @kubita-thecall8795 2 года назад

      There will always be the mixit that will be ungrateful. Born to mock even the stuff meant to make them better in life. 😂✌️

  • @dannybernotv7881
    @dannybernotv7881 3 года назад +1

    Her voice is so soothing.

  • @Foxy64
    @Foxy64 4 года назад +27

    As I'm relatively new to songwriting I found this absolutely invaluable . Andrea has a great way of explaining these techniques in a way that is simple to understand which is perfect for someone like me

    • @andreastolpe
      @andreastolpe 3 года назад +2

      Thanks Stuart, I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Wonderful to have you join the songwriting community. I wish you all the best on your songwriting journey, stay creative!

  • @LaynoProd
    @LaynoProd 3 года назад +2

    Shoutout Professor Andrea Stolpe. Had the privilege of learning from her songwriting class at the USC Thornton School of Music a couple years back. Still applies those fundamental songwriting tips til this day in my music, thanks Professor appreciate you!

  • @adisatrio3871
    @adisatrio3871 7 лет назад +37

    dude, this is gold! she's so smart and really capable to explain shits with a great flow. i love how the video is really well structured. it makes me grasp the idea loud and clear easier. straight to the point so i can really learn. she's a great teacher. thank you for doing this Andrea. gbu. really well done. quality content at it's best.

    • @cpollero53
      @cpollero53 3 года назад

      100% agree and I must add, she is sooo beautiful

  • @DeuceSF
    @DeuceSF 6 лет назад +50

    Your voice is so relaxing. Thank you for the advice!

    • @andreastolpe
      @andreastolpe 3 года назад

      You're so welcome, happy to help!

    • @templehillsfunk
      @templehillsfunk 3 года назад

      This is the reason, she's the only songwriting tutorial that I listen to. It makes it easier to connect with her advise.

  • @SebastianGohCS
    @SebastianGohCS 5 лет назад +16

    Watching this made me realized that I had applied just about everything you teach without my knowing that's how I should approach my song writing. Andrea thank you because you put into perspective why I write lyrics the way I do and how much more I can improve. You are an amazing teacher 👏

  • @joebobhenrybob2000
    @joebobhenrybob2000 6 лет назад +41

    I was wandering youtube for inspiration on a song I am writing... ABOUT A TRUCK!!! Holy cow, this lady really IS helpful!

    • @andreastolpe
      @andreastolpe 3 года назад +1

      I'm so glad to have helped. There is so much great imagery that can be associated with a truck, I hope you were able to use a few of these tools to help you finish your song. Stay creative!

  • @DamonMedekMusic
    @DamonMedekMusic 7 лет назад +55

    GOLD GOLD GOLD!!

    • @chrisgodina3222
      @chrisgodina3222 7 лет назад

      Damon Medek viva

    • @andreastolpe
      @andreastolpe 3 года назад

      Thank you so much Damon, so glad to have helped. Stay creative!

  • @stephanmayer6600
    @stephanmayer6600 6 лет назад +16

    An incredible amount of valuable information. I guess i need to watch that a couple of times. Thank you.

  • @brian_b_music
    @brian_b_music 6 лет назад +25

    The verses are the nails, the chorus is the hammer that drives them.

    • @nickdryad
      @nickdryad 3 года назад

      The song is the coffin that keeps warm. See, I’m doing it already.

    • @MrMikomi
      @MrMikomi 3 года назад

      The listener is the plank of wood into which we drive the nails.

  • @grahamwilson6709
    @grahamwilson6709 3 года назад +2

    I have now decided, since turning 50, to finish all those partially written songs I have.
    Your words have helped so much. I've completed 2 songs!! I really want to get another 4 or 5 done soon.
    Thank you for giving me a new perspective and great inspiration.

  • @jazz_addict7079
    @jazz_addict7079 4 года назад +2

    The clarity and practical value of your guidance regarding the craft of songwriting are phenomenal. You are truly a godsend to anyone who feels compelled to express themselves through words and music.

  • @Malikasadlion
    @Malikasadlion 7 лет назад +101

    This shit right here is worth paying for.

    • @juliab7410
      @juliab7410 5 лет назад +1

      Prom Coordinator but you are broke haha

    • @andreastolpe
      @andreastolpe 3 года назад +5

      Thanks @Prom Coordinator, so glad you enjoyed this. I hope you're staying creative!

    • @nickdryad
      @nickdryad 3 года назад +1

      Hopefully you learned something from this video. Shit isn’t the right word to use for what we’ve just learned. Yes I know your not writing lyrics but, write and speak like a poet as much as you can.

  • @cpollero53
    @cpollero53 3 года назад +1

    Andrea you are a natural teacher, really well done, and you are gorgeous too!!!

  • @Beckyphillipsguitar
    @Beckyphillipsguitar 7 лет назад +35

    I was totally blocked until I saw this. Thank you so much :-)

  • @MarionFiedlerMusic
    @MarionFiedlerMusic 6 лет назад +9

    oh my, this is gold. Andrea, thank you so very much! This made my day. I love this video, I am so inspired by your ideas, your way of presenting this is low-key yet super professional, sharing powerful and well-summarized and presented essentials for songwriting. YOU ROCK!

  • @TIMOWHITEBUFFALO
    @TIMOWHITEBUFFALO 2 года назад

    This is wondrous and how I create...too many people do not realize that it takes work...most people I know call me to ask me...to make them a star...because I work at it daily...there is no special pill...thank you so much...

  • @preetikapathare8026
    @preetikapathare8026 4 года назад

    this is the first time i'm watching videos for songwriting and i struck gold right at the beginning. thank you so much for this!

  • @waliwriterdiddatbeat341
    @waliwriterdiddatbeat341 5 лет назад

    This Is So Valuable..... I love her spirit and the way she projects her message. I could listen to her all day!

  • @AnskarNEX
    @AnskarNEX Год назад

    I love this content. Makes me want to write lyrics when I‘ve always been a music guy believing I will never be able to write good lyrics

  • @linneblack3802
    @linneblack3802 5 лет назад

    Andrea is an incredible instructor! It is so easy to listen to her voice, and beyond that, she really knows her stuff! It was very helpful to be refreshed by her tutorial! I especially appreciated the topics of "capturing a single moment", and "Writing through the lens of something else".

  • @CaioV94
    @CaioV94 4 года назад

    this is a type of lesson that you need to watch a couple of times. And everytime you watch, there is a new amazing detail... Thanks a lot for this!!!

  • @d-alphamuszic2800
    @d-alphamuszic2800 6 лет назад +4

    I'm eternally grateful, thank you so much Andrea your the best.i wish you all the best, take care.

  • @jairusomollo4955
    @jairusomollo4955 4 года назад

    Changing the POV as a polishing technique, writing through a lens,are advice I've read in books on how-to write novels and you sum it up well in songwriting.♥️it

  • @minstrelofMir
    @minstrelofMir 6 лет назад +2

    penny lane (song) comes to mind...after writing songs since 1975 i can tell you we evolve with our songs,and learn its like being a shrink or doctor,we have to find deeper answers on subjects..later i found its best if we are moved by some event or statment it sets us off,trying to pin it down again,,the answers to the universe,,and see that life is a personal evolution in the deepest mystery

  • @mojoefelix
    @mojoefelix 6 лет назад +2

    Thank you , Andrea, very much for this great teaching and for what I have learned from your book. After learning from you I have written a song which I consider my best yet and that makes me very happy. Song writing is in the realm of what most people would consider magic. Certainly a great song IS magic.

  • @irenenzeka6443
    @irenenzeka6443 2 месяца назад

    That’s awesome,this is what I have been waiting for. Thanks

  • @simonlawrence1234
    @simonlawrence1234 2 года назад

    I got so much information and lesson from this, you wouldn’t believe. Thank you.

  • @vishu7076
    @vishu7076 2 года назад

    Priceless Knowledge given to write a song can be used for years, this is real gold.

  • @patfinnegan467
    @patfinnegan467 3 года назад +1

    Andrea, thank you. Your presentations are very helpful.

  • @ama__dee
    @ama__dee Год назад

    This was so amazing! You explained everything in such a clear way with great examples, thank you so much! Very helpful and insightful tips ❤

  • @KingMarino
    @KingMarino 5 лет назад

    I loved every minute of the material. I was just browsing RUclips for something helpful and this definitely fit the bill. Thanks. Very soothing voice.

  • @151yaron
    @151yaron 7 лет назад +20

    Excellent, underrated.

  • @eismccc
    @eismccc 3 года назад

    I love the way you break it down; I'm a mechanical engineer but i always felt that i needed to discover more creative thought processes to be a better musician... The more i learn about music the more i recognize systems and patterns and structure etc. so rather than struggle with a lack of creativity, i can apply an analytical approach either to get the ball rolling or fill in or put finishing touches on my music. Thanks for the lesson!

    • @suitestheband
      @suitestheband 2 года назад

      im a mechanical engineer too. both require analysis and creativity. for example sometimes when designing a system there is more than one way to solve the problem. when you are inspired by the world around you, the solutions come easier.

  • @MonekayDennis
    @MonekayDennis 10 месяцев назад

    Very helpful, I like how you explained the show and tell patterns. And how to take a song from I or you, to we. I will definitely apply this is my next song!

  • @ashishit4134
    @ashishit4134 7 лет назад +16

    Pure Gold thank you

  • @GraveGear
    @GraveGear 3 года назад

    I've always wanted to be able to write moving lyrics, but never knew how. I always told a story, instead of painting a picture. The one sensory writing a day is amazing. Thank you Andrea for your knowledge.
    The chair squeaks as it rocks back and fourth. The soft hum of central air. Rapid squeaking of an old trolley cart, pushed by an even older woman. It smells musty, a fine layer of dust covers the shelves. Specks of dust swirling in the rays of light. Mouth dry as yet another page is turned. The soft sound of leather sliding on wood, as another book is pushed aside. The gentle sounds beckoning, tempting sleep. Hands dry, unable to grip the page for turning. The tick, tock, tick, tock of the clock. A tiny splash, as a drop of sweat hits the table.

  • @anthonynardini4295
    @anthonynardini4295 3 года назад

    Your videos are changing my writing for the better. Being able to apply some analytical thought has helped organize ideas into jumping off points for songs. This worked so well without losing the artistic element and feeling formulaic. Thank you so much!

  • @L.V.O.U
    @L.V.O.U 5 лет назад +1

    thanx a lot Andrea for this great, professional tutorial! I would have been happy to know all this , when I was 16, it would have been helped me creating more powerful songs. It's never to late though. Now I'm 40 and happy about learning this really brilliant methods !!

  • @kubita-thecall8795
    @kubita-thecall8795 2 года назад

    Andrea and Berklee. Thank you so much with this valuable information. Music is been my passion as a young boy, from dancing but as I grew up it got kinda lost. Now in my 40s I still come across the bouts of love for music production. As a Swazi we got our own Swazi rhythms and culture. Most of my youth days was fascinated by Hillsong music and few American music. Hip hop era also took grasp of me when I fell away from church when I was a varsity. I'm my thirties got back to Christ and have been active in church band but I still feel there's a lot I could be doing especially in the writing and production space. Being a family man it's hard to spare some money to achieve the professional skills of enrolling into your university. I would love that before I die, to have made it in one of your online courses. Thanks for keeping your material on RUclips. I recently liked your Facebook account too.

  • @milbernbreeden6354
    @milbernbreeden6354 5 лет назад +1

    Much thanks to Andrea for sharing all her expert advice.

  • @nielssteffenssen8852
    @nielssteffenssen8852 3 года назад +1

    This video really helped me to write lyrics in a different way than what I used to do. I am Swedish so writing in English can be a challenge for me. 😊

  • @jaikumarsivalingam
    @jaikumarsivalingam Год назад

    Thank you, Andrea!

  • @setphaser
    @setphaser 4 года назад

    i haven’t written for ages and have forgotten how to start (with more suvccess) but this is really helping remind me of the skills and how to keep the muscles going more regularly.

  • @paigeandrews4184
    @paigeandrews4184 4 года назад +1

    Awesome...your style of teaching is very informative. I normally lose focus halfway through but you captured my attention all the way through!!! Thank you soooo much🤗

  • @Jillady
    @Jillady 4 года назад

    Wow man even the pros object write! This is great stuff! So grateful to see this!

  • @ralphditchburn1456
    @ralphditchburn1456 7 лет назад +7

    oh my gosh, i am so glad to be informed of these in depth techniques for songwriting and a delightful presentation by such a knowledgeable cutie, thank you Andrea

  • @NealScottGanslaw
    @NealScottGanslaw 3 года назад

    There is so much to unpack in this one~ this really helped me out ~ thanks so much!

  • @wyldeboiy7151
    @wyldeboiy7151 2 года назад

    You're work is very valuable, well stated, elegantly explained, and absolutely enlightening.
    It's simple yet profound... like a good chorus.
    Thank you for this.
    (still got that crush)

  • @eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807

    Thank you. I just downloaded the Songwriting Handbook.

  • @lauralopes9988
    @lauralopes9988 4 года назад

    only 8 minutes watched and this video already changed completely my view on songwriting.

  • @rasmuskrsgaard807
    @rasmuskrsgaard807 7 лет назад +5

    Thank you so much Andrea- this was really helpful, especially with 2 verse issues. You are amazing!

  • @ericlamme6489
    @ericlamme6489 3 года назад

    Hi Andrea. I really got so much from your understanding. Thank you.
    It led me to think how different personal perspectives are taken in songs...for example--Hit the Road Jack has Ray singing about his experience with his discontented woman in the verse; then you have the woman saying the chorus--Hit the Road Jack. That perspective-taking in lyric writing is interesting and useful as well. But you probably know that. I will listen more to your insights! Thanks so much

  • @alissa-mariesmith2389
    @alissa-mariesmith2389 4 года назад +1

    She's beyond gorgeous and such a genius.

  • @jamesrossmusic6013
    @jamesrossmusic6013 5 лет назад +2

    Amazing... Intelligence, beauty... and Class!!!!

  • @cherylireland1833
    @cherylireland1833 5 лет назад +1

    This was incredibly helpful and thoughtful. Thank you very much! I have registered for Berklee Online. I can't express how much I appreciate the effort that went into this. Thank you.

  • @tourdesource
    @tourdesource 3 года назад

    Some great tips in this one. Thank you, Ms. Stolpe!

  • @Bobby-iu5iu
    @Bobby-iu5iu 7 лет назад +4

    SUPER helpful!! Great examples and explaintions. Thanks!

  • @arthurmurfitt7698
    @arthurmurfitt7698 2 года назад

    Thank you for posting these, Berkeley Online ❤️

  • @RichardNeumannsongs
    @RichardNeumannsongs 6 лет назад +2

    Thank You Andrea for these videos. I always go back to them. They are so helpful! -Thanks for what you do!

  • @michelebeneforti3246
    @michelebeneforti3246 5 лет назад +4

    Great course, took songwriting classes at Berklee and this is some extra infos!

  • @michaelthompson9253
    @michaelthompson9253 5 лет назад

    Thankyou, i was too locked into just a few words of a chorus im writing, the i you he she all of your video opened a new door, Thankyou so much

  • @BoWestcott
    @BoWestcott 5 месяцев назад

    Soooooo helpful….both for songwriting and writing…THANK YOU 🙏🏻🎶

  • @jimervin387
    @jimervin387 6 лет назад +4

    Some great songwriting tips there, But I think you should support them by giving examples of well known songs..For instance, writing about a specific moment could be exemplified by a song called This Magic Moment by The Drifters. I find that it also helps if you can feel that you're writing for a certain person, most likely a lover, or a certain group of people, rather than just yourself. The truck song idea, now that has country written all over it. Pickup trucks especially, have been included in many country songs. but can still be a source of song inspiration. To an old car enthusiast song writer such as myself, that also leads to car songs, which I've also written.

  • @airbee6
    @airbee6 5 лет назад +2

    "Thank you" won't be enough 🙏❤️🌹

  • @yamittuiran1458
    @yamittuiran1458 4 года назад

    Excellent content, can't believe it took me this long to get here. Some things you apply subconsciously but having them in mind as a scheme makes your process more aligned in the direction you want to take ( making commercial but good music )

  • @xkillbilly
    @xkillbilly 5 лет назад

    Thank you Ms. Stolpe.

  • @evillano
    @evillano 7 лет назад +1

    What a master teacher!

  • @MartinManweiler
    @MartinManweiler 7 лет назад +8

    Wonderful advice as always.

  • @HeatherDMorris
    @HeatherDMorris Год назад

    I love your videos! I watch them when im writing when im stuck

  • @OsmonArtist
    @OsmonArtist 6 лет назад +1

    Beautiful, thank you 🙏 ❤️

  • @mikestubbs9377
    @mikestubbs9377 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for this, It has helped me with the process so much!

  • @tientrinh943
    @tientrinh943 2 года назад

    She was the best teacher!

  • @dr.mryansaldivard.c.8028
    @dr.mryansaldivard.c.8028 6 месяцев назад

    This teacher is so high level!

  • @RebeccaDMusic
    @RebeccaDMusic 6 лет назад +1

    Brilliant video! So much to think about and try next time I'm writing a song.

  • @JansleyMusic
    @JansleyMusic 3 года назад

    This is incredible, really useful concepts. Andrea, I bought your Songwriting book and plan to do sensory writing every morning now!

  • @briansundy9265
    @briansundy9265 3 года назад

    I love you.you know that that though with all your beautiful sensory talk lol.music is my manifested love,until I watched this.your a fantastic speaker and person for sharing this.i miss good conversation and sharing ideas and stories with substance to them ive allways felt musical emotion and a kinda sensory language.music has helped me succeed and feel strong again after being dark places.i can interact and Express my story through sound when I'm alone and wish I had someone to talk to.,and I hope I can share it some day soon. and even if its brief,help someone feel good vibes,and forget about any negativity

  • @hhippofresh4537
    @hhippofresh4537 4 года назад

    This is so detailed an amazing I have to watch all your videos twice

  • @mcjohnkarshavski1953
    @mcjohnkarshavski1953 4 года назад +23

    I feel like Billie Eilish and Ed sheeran already

  • @ismailech-cherrate
    @ismailech-cherrate 6 лет назад +3

    Thank you! Really helpful, many tips and techniques, The best i ever listened to! 🙏 ❤️

  • @jovantemusic68
    @jovantemusic68 3 года назад

    This is really good, very helpful tips and well thought-out. Thanks so much!

  • @zam7380
    @zam7380 4 года назад

    Wow. Can't believe this content is for free 👏🏼 Added this to my favorites

  • @oconomymusic
    @oconomymusic 2 года назад

    thank you for shareing!
    you are so helpful!

  • @ceyris4476
    @ceyris4476 4 года назад

    Thank you ever so much for putting this video out for us to enjoy! Extremely helpful and nicely produced!

  • @Hellothere23344
    @Hellothere23344 3 года назад

    Really helpful! A massive thank you to Andrea!

  • @shanahaudree
    @shanahaudree 4 года назад

    This is awesome knowledge coming from you! Thanks so much Andrea!

  • @AdrianGeorges
    @AdrianGeorges 3 года назад

    What a joy to Listen to her. Deep information well explained

  • @yahnover262
    @yahnover262 2 года назад

    This is such excellent advice!

  • @BeGoodNow5
    @BeGoodNow5 6 лет назад

    She's the songwriting GURU!

  • @JoostSmit
    @JoostSmit 5 лет назад

    Awesome. You should get an award for this!

  • @idrissekhelifi
    @idrissekhelifi 5 лет назад

    High quality content right there, love it!

  • @maimunnissa5512
    @maimunnissa5512 6 лет назад +2

    Very beautifully explained : )

  • @stressVine
    @stressVine 6 лет назад +3

    So much valuable information! Much appreciated! Thank you!

  • @charlievankesteren8756
    @charlievankesteren8756 6 лет назад +1

    Andrea; my first teacher for my first song :)

  • @DavidBrown-ez5jc
    @DavidBrown-ez5jc 2 года назад

    Excellent thanks so much appreciated your video and so informative you are such awesome professional s