Composing : Don't forget the rests. by James Holzrichter

Don't forget the rests.

Every once in a while I find myself not knowing why I am turned off of some musical pieces. My own as well at times. Then something hit's me, there is too much music. Sometimes it is better to rest and reflect on the note rather then have a flurry of notes going so fast no one could ever hear them all. Even in film and tv sometimes the music must pause. Having constant music can be destructive to the overall attention the audience gives to the piece. Even musicals don't always play music. Having that very important rest in the music causes the audience to refocus their attention. I have seen it time and time again, a band in a bar will play a song that the people like. The people get up and dance. The band gets excited that people are dancing, so they start playing songs that sound the same. The people get tired and sit down, stop paying attention to the band and lose interest. This also happens anywhere there is music. On the radio, tv, big screen, stage. People tune out if the music doesn't change, stop, restart, and change again. In other words, for the sake of your audience and everyone who worked on the project, have dynamic music with rests. :)

Simon Watt

2
2 people like this
- James Holzrichter
- Richard "RB" Botto
12 years ago

I definitely agree, what do you think of this one James.... I Have just been named finalist in the Bank Of Melbourne Music Comp, now we need your votes to make it through to the final 3, vote for Simon Watt, massive thanks, and ps you cant vote from a mobile device!!, strange I know. https://www.facebook.com/BankofMelbourne?sk=app_346970042099595&app_data...

Jake Mertz

1
1 person likes this
- James Holzrichter
12 years ago

I was just listening to an album I did back in 2011, and I got the feeling something was off. I just couldn't figure out what. After reading your post, I realized I don't have any pauses, it's just constant sound. Something to keep in mind when I do my next album. Thanks.

Arhynn Descy

I think it's the fear of silence that makes people fill it with music ...or words! The fear is: 'will you loose your audience during that silence?', when in fact that's the moment you retain your audience. Everyone is intrigued by 'what's coming next?'!!!!

James Holzrichter

2
2 people like this
- Simon Watt
- Arhynn Descy
12 years ago

:) I've been offline for a few days and I missed it all! Simon-Grats! Logan sweet and sour, I love it Lyse that makes perfect sense, I never thought about it in speech before. Jake I am glad I wrote this then. :) Arhynn, Alanis Morrisette (I hope I spelled it correctly) made that point in one of her songs on her first album. All the great musicians have used it. Sometimes just pausing all but one instrument has the same effect. Like in the song, "Pride and Joy," by S.R.V. the backup band stops playing in the beginning of the last verse and it has a great effect. Snoop Dog uses that also, most of the musicians you listen to on the radio have used pauses in some way.