80s Songwriting Lesson Pt.1 | Composition - Music and Lyrics

Can you make a New Wave Romantic pop song in 30 minutes, or less? Be a fly on the wall as I compose and go through my though process when making a new track.
I wanted to make a simple chord progression more 80s by adding major 7ths, diminished chords and other augmentations to a simple chord progression.
This way we really dig deep into the same principles used by so many 80s new wave romantic bands and their chord structures.
The second part will focus on the arrangement, drums, bass, synths etc. This is the composition only. Chords, melody and lyrics.
Support this channel on Patreon:
/ espenkraft
The setup I use is my Roland Alpha Juno 2 as a master keyboard and the Electric Piano patch. The Alpha is also controlling a Roland JV-2080 that has a soft pad loaded up. These two sounds are mixed together with EQ, compression and reverb.
I talk and sing into a AKG D5 dynamic microphone hooked up to a SSL Superanalogue preamp.
The reverb used is Valhalla VintageVerb. I use a Eventide harmonizer on top on the singing part.
The text overlay showing the chords is the free version of MIDIculous.
Find my music here:
iTunes Apple music: apple.co/35ZTdfR
Spotify: spoti.fi/38aoWMB
Bandcamp: espenkraft.bandcamp.com/
Google Play: bit.ly/2NrgXD9
Find my patches and sample packs through these links:
thepatchbay.co.uk/product/tal...
sound7.co.uk/products/italo-d...
Please join me on social media:
/ espenkraftmusic
/ espenkraft
/ espenkraft
I use DistroKid for all my releases onto streaming services.
Try out Distrokid yourself and get a 7% discount off your first year by using this link:
distrokid.com/vip/espenkraft
Growing up I listened to so much synth-pop and it's only natural that my own music takes inspiration from many of the acts I loved back then. I still love them and listen to them!
Howard Jones, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure, Thompson Twins, Tears for Fears, The Human League, Propaganda. FGTH, Ultravox, OMD, Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Giorgio Moroder, Jean Michel Jarre, Jan Hammer, Alphaville, A-ha as well as loads of artists doing what is now called Italo Disco. And many more great acts like Nik Kershaw, Spandau Ballet, Wham, Dire Straits ++

[@pacificbase]

"I want to go back to the 80's, and stay there" Espen Kraft

[@jandospace]

haha yes this made me laugh

[@jennytaylor3324]

Amen to that.

[@Epictronics1]

😂

[@ACLStands]

I never left.....

[@jennytaylor3324]

@@ACLStands Me neither!

[@prlimajefiter2142]

You could make videos for hours Espen, I would watch until the end, I even do marathon of all your content, it's a therapy for me. Thanks for all your dedication and affection with your work and your subscribers, it inspires me to create my ideas, even though I was born in the 90s, I breathe in the 80s!

[@EspenKraft]

Excellent. Thanks Paulo! :D

[@NostalKeys]

I strongly agree, Paulo. Assino embaixo. Abs.

[@cortical1]

Well said. His videos really are psychologically therapeutic and have a real magic to them in their style, pace, and content. As a discerning teen of the 80s, I think his songwriting is beautiful and highly intelligent. Cheers. 👾🦄📼🕹️📺

[@KevinStCroix]

Def here for the journey. You are brave for being vulnerable on youtube to write a song in realtime, keep singing and writing in realtime. This was awesome and very nostalgic. You kind of sound like the Pet Shop Boys.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Kevin! :D

[@viper9x]

"I wan't to go back to the 80s and stay there..." I know how you feel my friend...

[@samprock]

it went too fast, so what's wrong keep living it for 40 years? just extra EK guru to show how its done over the back to future channel :)

[@cortical1]

What a treat to see such a musically informed (and 80s-inspired) brain at work in real time composing! A real gem of a video producing a real gem of a new tune. Thanks, Espenator!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks man! :)

[@pacificbase]

@@EspenKraft hi ! Why not adds in the middle of the video ? To not interrupt the flow ? I appreciate it, but as a fan, i would let all the adds play, they don't bother me.

[@EspenKraft]

@@pacificbase No, automatic KZbin ads in the middle of longer videos are a pain to watch. They never come in the right place and flow is everything. When I have sponsored videos I always pay a lot of attention to where to place it just so it won't ruin the flow. In a gear video, it's less critical, but I won't turn this on.

[@cortical1]

Yes still with you at 20:53! Not going anywhere. I want to see how this boy and girl end up!

[@EspenKraft]

Excellent! I'll come back to that. ;-)

[@LightWingStudios]

Divorced. :)

[@LordLightheart]

"I live for nostalgia" righteous

[@matthewcragg3607]

7:50 I think I read somewhere that Paul McCartney used what one might call "mock words" in the Wings song "Jet" that were just left in and comprise the recorded version of that song we all know. They were just spontaneous words and phrases that came to mind that fit the song melodically. I also seem to remember the title of the song came from him having a little puppy named "Jet" because it had jet-black fur that would get into mischief, as puppies often do, and Paul and Linda were always yelling "JET!!!" whenever he did. That became the main lyric and title of the song.

[@newwave80skid]

"I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE 80'S AND STAY THERE"! lol love this guy

[@dinokrunkleyt1325]

man i actually out loud went “woah” at 3:42 with that chord, holy goodness

[@CallousCoder]

My Time Machine is almost done! I’ll come and pick you up and then back to 1984-1985! ❤I so miss the 80s.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for posting this. You absolutely nailed a certain sound and harmonies that instantly caused a strong feeling deja vu.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Floyd!

[@thespiritualgroove9540]

I AM WITH YOU BROTHER! STUCK IN THE 80S AND I WILL ALWAYS STAY THERE! ❤️🔥🎹🎸

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome!

[@cemogul5176]

Dude - how could you even doubt we're all here for the good stuff. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 180 minutes - I'll take whatever there is watching you take a trip in pastel colours. Watching and hearing your progressions beams me right into what you truly ARE: the 80s. Keep on that stuff - it's magic. Thank you so much for sharing your passion.

[@EspenKraft]

May thanks man! :D

[@zeckenlausimspeckmantel1568]

2:16-2:29 ARE MY FAVORITE PIECE

[@zoolook3264]

It's so nice to see someone who appreciates Synthesizers and their history as much as I do - you're an inspiration, even if sometimes you don't feel like it.

[@IrrationalExuberance]

The 1950s influence on 80s culture is pretty strong. I mean obviously bands like Elvis Costello were doing it, but it's all over new wave stuff in general. Sorta figured that was why Back to the Future ended up the way that it did.

[@WojciechKobus]

"I'm still with you" - that's your next song's title, you have it!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@peterj.9713]

0:47 "Born in Kansas on an ordinary plain" lalala Pandora 's Box, OMD .First Song that came in my mind when you played the chord progression

[@Leo9ine]

I'm still here! Go forever and some of us will keep watching :)

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks!

[@ebeyslough]

That E flat and A flat major 7 were super beautiful as a transition. Very nice to watch you compose this in real time.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! I have another video series coming where I do the same thing. Coming later.

[@soarer25gtt]

"I. Want to go back to the 80s. And. Stay. There" Love it!!

[@osirismaximus2787]

Still with you at 21:00. Thank you for another pleasant and informative video.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :)

[@arthurnptn]

We're still here until the end don't worry ! This is fascinating

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! Part 2 out now as well. :)

[@Bulkvanderhuge]

Oh yeah! We’re with you! Keep them comin!

[@evildeebee]

Your videos are just fantastic man!! I sat and watched several last night. I too am a huge fan of the 80s. Was born in '75.

[@EspenKraft]

Man thanks!

[@evildeebee]

@@EspenKraft no problem! Started following you on spotify and going to give all your stuff listens!

[@VTOLKits]

I watched the full video time! Loopop asked the same... I know many look only half or less, some jumping in the videos. Thumb up!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@kevinsturges6957]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@slipperystar]

Thanks Espen, love following your process.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks man!

[@kanove]

These videos are so inspirational, thank you Espen.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@lardosian]

Amazing video Espen, really enjoyed that.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Lars! :D

[@tracylynn1053]

This is such a awesome channel ❤️ thanks Espen

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks for saying Tracy! :D

[@pppfffggg]

A delight to watch, thank you Espen Kraft.

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks! :D

[@LFOVCF]

Always gold content. Very inspiring Espen!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :)

[@TheYardies]

Best video I saw from you. Interesting to watch someone’s creative process. Some parts of song remind me Pet Shop Boys, my favourite group.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! I have a whole 10 episode series where I expand on this concept. It's called "A Song Is Born". Cheers

[@getusi1663]

Yeesss man, love this type of video and the next to come! Keep making these

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :D

[@poobens]

Loved this so much, Espen! I absolutely watch to the end. I always do!

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome Paul, thanks! :D

[@gilleschevalier4176]

great video Espen, I love your composition session

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Gilles! :D

[@GavinMulhallSilinder]

a beautiful sounding song Espen, looking forward to the next upload :)

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Gavin! :D

[@zoolook3264]

Always great videos - thank you for all your time.

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@Komagb]

This is fantastic! It's like magic how the sounds, in just the right mixtures, come alive!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks for saying! :D

[@JoeJoeRojo]

Love your writing. From Ireland!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks!

[@Pete_Sam]

Could watch you for hours. Amazing stuff. 👌🏻

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@bubuAudio]

thanks for the tutorial, Espen

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@ryanphillips5412]

I want to go back to the 80s and stay there. Perfect.

[@claytoncollins1624]

Great vid Espen! Thanks! Keep it up, your content is always a joy to watch.

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@muddymike10]

We are with you Espen; you have us hooked ☺...

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@grahamserle7930]

With you from start to finish. Well done, nice progressions.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@markkusmierz3756]

I watched till the end.I know how important it is to show the whole process and what's involved in making it sound natural when it's completed.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks man! :D

[@jszack]

This was brilliant--thanks for making it and letting us share in your songwriting process. Really inspiring.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@DirkFellhauer]

Thank you Espen! I'm a child of the 80s myself and it's just heartwarming how you manage to bring that time back to life. Better said: Actually the 80s were never dead. I think they just took a break ;-) Thanks again for the great and inspiring videos!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Dirk! :D

[@PabloDeModeOfficial]

Great video. I watched it in its entirety, so please keep doing it this way. Thank you so much!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@stuartajc8141]

Yes I watched / listened to the end. Thanks for this insight into your composition techniques.

[@EspenKraft]

Excellent! Thanks for saying. :D

[@chrischapman5188]

Pure AHA lyrics ! Love this so much and I will always love the synth nostalgia. Thanks Espen.

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers Chris! :D

[@steamtuankstudios9008]

Very good video. Thanks Espen!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@dosgos]

Great topic from the master! Would be glad to see more of these.

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@83Philip]

I really love your channel and videos. Love 80ies music as well. Super cool!!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@krz9000]

Espen im with you wherever your journey takes us😀

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Chris! :D

[@jamesbalderston8547]

this helped me a lot! thank you! keep doing what you are doing :) its great!! loving all the videos

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome. Thanks! :D

[@tanyablonska5747]

i am definitely still here. fantastic video as always. love the song so far. and very helpful. thank you espen.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Tanya! :)

[@marcosventura8157]

Thanks for the video Espen, for sharing your techniques and knowledge ! And yes, I watched the whole video.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Marcos! :)

[@MrGILLOU67]

It's perfect Espen, totaly 80's 👍

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :D

[@one2nd1]

I watched all of this, can't wait to go through to hearing the entire process to the end result

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! Part 2 out now.

[@hfugmann]

I’m with you, Espen - till the very end. Great video 👍🏻

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Henrik! :)

[@wokacola6663]

With you all the way to this point and beyond, friend. Love these songwriting tips videos. Thanks!

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet, thanks! :D

[@nickoricko4564]

Thanks Espen! Love your style, very inspirational. You are easy to admire my friend. Keep up the good work!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :D

[@mr_spoons]

I am totally still listening! Super talented and giving me motivation.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks, awesome!

[@Bettermore]

Fascinating. With you all the way.

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, cheers! :D

[@ruudvanrijen6246]

I love this kind of video's Very helpful!! Thanks a lot!

[@ruudvanrijen]

May i ask where you from?

[@TheWarhammerfreak]

I'm still there! I love the longer videos, it's great to see you just doing your magic.

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks! :D

[@sergeibergen5986]

Love your music! Big hello from Canada!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! Cheers :D

[@icestar65]

Hey Espen, thanks a lot for posting this. I watched from the beginning all the way to the end. It was really enjoyable and I learned a lot too watching the creative process of putting together a song and even in its state, it sounds amazing.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks, I appreciate it! :D

[@poobens]

Watching this again. I love it so much. I’m learning things now that I wish I learned when I was young. Thank you.

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks for saying!

[@kylew706]

These are great man thank you 🙌🏼

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :D

[@keiths-teeth]

Wow thanks for telling us more about your songwriting process...yes I was watching up until that point and will continue to watch you Mr Kraftski

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks James! :)

[@dussie920]

Great work, Espen! I think it´s really special to take us with you in the studio when making emotional music, which to me is such an intimate process, because it is where emotions, feelings of the moment and the heart come together.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! Yes, it is many things going on at once. ;-)

[@JanJensenOfficial]

With you all the way on your videos. It's always a pleasure to see such a talented musician as you in work... thank you Mr. Espen Kraft

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Jan! :D

[@su5981]

I've just watched your video for all the time, from the beginning until the end. Thanks for sharing your ideas, your music and your creative passion for 80s style music! Nostalgìa is with me too!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@barryward7633]

Hi Espen, you can beat me hands down, you are very good, cheers from New Zealand.

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@davidryle]

Fascinating to watch the gears turning and seeing/hearing the results. You have a style your own.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks David! Doing what I love ;-)

[@evanapplebaum9815]

Especially I’m still with ya! Best guy on youtube you’ve helped me learn so much. Appreciate how much you love the 80s and the nostalgia of it just like I do! Let’s bring this music back

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers Evan! :D

[@Sharpalzar]

We're here for you. Please make more walkthroughs. This is so valuable.

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome, thanks! :D

[@mychalsimka4823]

Awesome video! Watched to the end, all good stuff. Don't shorten the videos. We learn from the in depth analyses you do. Thanks!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :)

[@tzvetanpetzev1221]

I’m still here and I love it! Keep doing these awesome videos, Espen and please, make them longer! Cheers and thank you very much for your dedication!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! Be sure to check out my "A song is born" series. That's near 8 hours long. ;-)

[@xXxguitarman93]

Watched all the way to the end, took notes and played along throughout. Thank you, very much! Keep doing these long format videos!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@EdFedermeyerMusic]

Still with you at this point. Very interesting watching your songwriting process! More please!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Ed! :)

[@izziOnBass]

I can not say how much I thankful for this video!! Thank you very much!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for saying. :) If you like this you're going to love my whole series "A Song Is Born" where we follow a song from before it's ever made all up until it's release on the world. 10 videos and almost 8 hours in total. Cheers

[@izziOnBass]

@@EspenKraft I have been playing Nass for more than 20 years as a serious hobbit and a part time professional live/ session player. Born in early 80s, lately I've started to create a 80s album after buying a Nord Lead4. And I am trying to create 80s vibe in my home/office studio and you are being an inspiration more than you have imagined. Thank you for all the inspiration, knowledge and tricks. I will be following your all others videos when time permits.

[@NeoTeAika]

Still with ya all the way to the end. Thank you for a rad video! Your channel is a great inspiration to my personal project to create new wave inspired music

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks! :D

[@JosephPLong]

I was with you. This was indescribably beautiful and inspiring. You just got to my composing tutorial playlist. Thank you!

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Joseph! :D

[@AreTysland]

Really enjoy following your explanations, and tried to follow you on a keyboard as well. And yes, I watched it all. :-)

[@EspenKraft]

Sweet, thanks Are! :D

[@johnnymorris8475]

I admire the fact that whatever you do, you do it with feeling. I absolutely think that feeling and passion are the major factors for making something wonderful and unique, not only in the golden years but also nowadays. That said, well it's true. You are the 80s. Thank you Espen.

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks for saying Johnny! :D

[@hjsworld3299]

Nice practics in song writing. The sound (emotions) somehow reminded me of Twin Peaks

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@yougasty]

Oh Man You are so great Thank You One More Time great video 🎶👌

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!

[@tonytring7850]

Yes im still eagerly watching past 21 min and watching to the end. Yes id love to go back to the 80s as well, which is why I follow your channel among other reasons. Synths and 80s new romantic music is still amazing with what synths and sounds they used and how creative the artists were. Keep up the great work Espen you are the 80s indeed!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Tony! :D

[@scottcornish7574]

We're with you! Keep those sweet jams coming!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :D

[@scottcornish7574]

@@EspenKraft subscribed! Been really trying to improve my synth pop jams and your channel has been a big help. Thank you!!!

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome! Part 2 of this coming Friday!

[@maurumsynthwave618]

Excelente video, súper educativo. Y la nostalgia, siempre presente en cada sonido. Y si. Lo vimos hasta el final. No tiene desperdicio. Uno de tus mejores videos. Sin dudas.

[@EspenKraft]

Gracias! :D

[@gordon2402]

Instinkt and personal flow in Musik is the key !!! Very good 👍🏻🎹🎶

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@TheZombo66]

Thank you Espen!!! you just made my Saturday night for stating that!! going back staying there in the 80s!! I myself said that way back in the mid 80s!! they are the best years the best decades!! amen and I salute to the 80s !!! the best years in music!!!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers! :D

[@JaniKasurinen_aka_Malagan_Mies]

Thanks for this. Saved to my "Music learning" playlist and watched fully thru. 80's is the best.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! :D

[@garywright3628]

Yes still watching at 21 minutes :) It's extremely interesting and I'm loving this tutorial. Lovely chord progressions

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks Gary! :D