H.E.R.'s Method For Turning Your Story Into a #1 Song

[@Studio]

Wanna see how H.E.R. finishes this song? Check out her full class on Studio! Follow along as she writes 2 brand new songs from start to finish, right in front of you, explaining everything she’s doing and thinking along the way. studio.com/classes/her/songwriting

[@sammaarroyo999]

for all yall in the comment section doubting yourself and your artistry. DONT. if you know your voice in art must be heard, then that is a call to action. if you ignore this call a war inside your spirit will arise and for the rest of your existence you'll have to live with the fact that the world doesnt know your music, all because you're indecisive. MAKE A CHOICE, FOCUS ON DOING and just do it yall im talking to myself when i say this shit too.

[@therealjakande]

Thank you for this comment 🙏🏾

[@imakinlol]

you just gave me a song idea, i love you

[@lhippocamperouge7845]

Im so agree with you . Thanks it feels nice ❤

[@cashaywroteit]

Omg! I needed to hear this. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@Ast3rixMusic]

This is so cool how she is sharing her process. This is super helpful in understanding how to focus on writting.

[@Studio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@henrymattei4886]

She’s an amazing person to me, her truth and humility are beautiful. She is also so talented,

[@N91ural]

“Know that your words are enough.” Much needed. 💯

[@K3zz21]

I've learned more from H.E.R. on KZbin than I learned in a whole semester of songwriting classes in college.

[@ama.p3nn]

same

[@Undergroundrising-c4j]

So music on the way?

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

Yup. You gotta learn it from the artists themselves. Observing and practicing, just like George Harrison learned from Paul n John.

[@ry.0]

Bad student or just you are catching it after a while of attempts

[@K3zz21]

@@ry.0 I'm sorry who asked you lol

[@wildhorsemusic1111]

Bob marley had simple lyrics... and that's what made them profound. This is a great video, subscribed!

[@Studio]

Thanks for subbing and welcome aboard!

[@KevinJoy-k1r]

He also had complex lyrics

[@Starseedcc]

He had deep lyrics

[@uchegbudivine6885]

Nah bro No woman no cry proof you wrong

[@VoReason]

I can’t believe this is free she’s such a great artist

[@williamk6605]

If people keep saying stuff like this, it won’t be free.

[@kevonpaul2644]

Bro is a genius too woww

[@Kuzarmusic]

💯

[@OlaloTaínoTarot]

I agree he is on it

[@korshi]

He is so good with his music theory understanding. Most times when we get into rooms with producers that express themselves we create magic real nice and time just flies

[@freshprismbreak1117]

Who is he? Kinda sad he didn't get properly mentioned on here/the description

[@sierrashavon6459]

Agreed, who is he? He is contributing a lot to this video too!

[@hesmakesmusic]

H.E.R saying she doesn’t know ANY theory and trusts the feeling, knowing how amazing she is as a songwriter… just gave me SO much relief LOL. Not that I’ve felt stifled thinking about learning theory but I get what she’s saying about having the understanding of theory as essentially a “rule” or set of rules that constricts creativity to a degree. I understand it. 🙌🏿

[@rogerdelillo2394]

I just discovered HER and i dig her

[@TheAlam0]

I get inspired to write from anything. The key if you're struggling is... don't have a specific way just look at everything around you, your life, your job,your feeling, emotions,poetry or even books. Anything that happens around you or anything everyone goes through could easily be turned into a song aswell. Melodies can come out of thin air and the thing for me is i might have a melody or a lyric phrase and that's just how it starts for me personally. First Learn how to write in song formula and it gets easier after that. Write write and write it won't always be good but the more you write the better you'll get and the more you'll train your mind to think more and feel inspired more often. Simple catchy and relatable or Deep personal catchy and relatable.

[@ayo7555]

How to write in song formula?

[@pongtrometer]

Gems…. Her multi instrument capacity is a beautiful gift she is blessed to share with the world. H.E.R genius reminds me of Prince…in her way .☔️

[@PinupSticknerd]

Aahh i see what happened there Appreciation😊saluted

[@CareerDropout.]

Changed my mind on the first line. Thinking too hard ended up wasting my time. I'd rather it be me and mine until the end of all time hahaha ha

[@thatonepuertoricancargirl]

barsss😂

[@jeanjaniceleontine]

Literally wrote a whole song to God in 20 minutes just off this method!! I’m shocked how Holy Spirit was flowing 😂 lol this was an amazing video and to me, her method can go for anything.. poetry, books, blogs!! lol this was str8 💎

[@bluiib8227]

Can i hear some of your music?

[@X4OGAMES]

Praise God. I make music to glorify God and I feel the Holy Spirit when I write as well

[@TheReadyBride]

Wow. Can't wait to try it out. Wonder how the Holy Spirit will guide me 😅😅

[@Micsings7]

I love this channel 🎉🎉

[@Omunazalesinazzarite39]

I have been do this before i learned about it woow its confirmation

[@nae2614]

This is so right. It's hard to describe when something catches you and you just have to write it down. The feeling of resolution when a song is written and finished is such a profound conclusion. You've captured that moment in words and melody. This is why you can't force it. The best song come from emotion and experience, from that overwhelming need to encapsulate the moment.

[@paddawan_]

Well put, I feel the same way. Just finished a song about a profound experience in my life, it was cathartic to put it into a song

[@TheSeeking2know]

Her low notes are smooth! I was pleasantly surprised to hear go that low. She's a mezzo it seems.

[@spiritbaby9]

“This is what I’m trying to say, sometimes the words get in the way “ is so thoughtful and powerful . I love when the concept is subverted to create a new thought form

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

I like the “marriage between the melody n lyrics”

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Whoo! H.E.R. shows why she's a pure force making her notes here legend.

[@anonymoususer8046]

This shit is SOOOO dope watching the two of you throw around ideas… Creativity takes nothing off the table… A sea of endless directions you can go…this is beautiful 🤩

[@ahajonathan]

So talented. She's such a cool and super super creative artist. That brother also cooking

[@Studio]

Glad you enjoyed this!

[@matthewclark1270]

It's clear you want to heal But picture is so near The label, the lure, the lavender frontier. The posture of wonders I hold so dear. It was ideal but the dream was dealt on deaf ears. Lept to learn failure, heavy hearted but found the ideal vector. It's unreal how long it took, plastered beneath theses years, beneath my own spear. The fears weather, what're matters most ideal for me to heal. A rapture that reaches this realm, as I cease to give my happiness as an offer. Just started this whole song writing thing. Glory and gratitude for your now and thens and pain

[@MemphisFitz]

Man i know H.E.R since before she got her breakout and i immediately fell in love with her voice and style, being able to see her now explaining how she writes her songs is unbelievable. What a time to be alive

[@cashaywroteit]

Im always curious about how other artists write songs. I've never been able to write a song on paper, I always come up with the melody and then come up with the words. I really want to learn how to write without a melody. This video is a gem, thanks for sharing with us. ❤

[@Yannii220]

TY for sharing! The one tip about mumbling over the music untill you find the words was AMAZING !!

[@maximodigital4765]

The moment H.E.R. begins singing it comes together!

[@TrevorDaniel]

these two are so fun to watch, I learned so much watching this. I know personally for me just talking through a situation and voice memoing things I say in natural conversation and the words just have the realness without the overthinking of trying to be poetic. then go back and listen to things that stand out. also if you just free write as if you were texting someone or that person etc it feels conversational. love their process im excited to try this

[@Such_a_messs]

As someone who's been tried to write lyrics before, I was happy to know that I wasn't the only one thinking those thoughts when writing a story through lyrics or just lyrics in general.

[@TheRealDEELProductions]

I think for me, my lyrics are generally improvised based on the feelings that the backing track are evoking. But I have done songs that started with a lyrical idea and composed and arranged a backing track for the lyrics. I think that for me, it is simply a matter of wanting to express myself musically. Clearly following the ideas in this video will help a person to find their genuine Voice.

[@abdallahaddad620]

That's a gem! I always did something like this and I felt dumb or not talented enough because I do exactly something like this but I don't believe in myself enough to trust the process. Thank you so much ❤

[@sandalero]

i love her superbowl live performance. it was really live. u could actually see how live it was. it was amazingly live . so natural and live played. the vibrato you could hear totally matched the vibrato that u could see. live at its best. VERY live. a live player. very alive. and also played live. the guitar was totally live. a great live solo it was

[@TreXsJournal-Coming-Soon]

This may sound weird, but I'm not this kind of artist at all. My words are inspirations from the sounds around me. They are my attempt to connect through melody with the world. Words are actually secondary to me. I pick that words that match a melody I hear or imagine. So, it's interesting to hear about your process, and I appreciated it. Edit: Still there were somethings I personally relate to about your process. I wrote a christmas song for my feelings about my grandma who has passed on. When I sent it to my Aunt, she said it was so beautifully, not just vocally, but in that she couldn't even tell I was talking about someone who passed away. I miss her.

[@willfeen]

Same, I hear the melody and cadence with the vowel sounds and i need to invent words that match them (and the words need to be something I truthfully identify with, so that I can sing them well). So it’s challenging at times

[@AlinaU-e5c]

I also hear the melody and then write lyrics but the main problem of my songwriting progress is that I can not find the right chord progression for my melody. Sometimes I hear those chords but do not know how to find them on my piano. Could you please please please tell me what is your progress of finding the right chord progressions for your melodies?

[@willfeen]

@@AlinaU-e5c think of a chord as 3 or 4 (or more) voices (one for each finger). Each one sings a melody through the progression. And take time to make sure each one is in exactly the right place for each chord you “hear” but don’t know how to find. Then, it’s easier because you can move each voice one by one when going to the next chord in the progression. Go chord by chord. Get inside that voice’s head like actors get inside their characters. Where does it want to move? Do that for each voice, then play them together as a chord. If something doesn’t sound quite right, try them one by one. Try a different bass note all the way to the left, for the same chord. If you stay faithful to your imagination and what you “hear” that you like, Boom you will invent chord progressions that are more beautiful than perfect

[@AlinaU-e5c]

@@willfeen thank you soooo much!!!!

[@AlinaU-e5c]

@@willfeen have you ever learned music theory? Is it important to know it for songwriters? Especially who writes melodies first?

[@ukhanyo703]

Damn, her voice 🤧🌼🎼✨

[@TheeTroofPeddler]

With no words I’ll still have this on repeat

[@Bigfootsquatch]

I almost always start with the lyrics then struggle to find the right chords and melody. But usually find them. This has been interesting and very informative. I like the process. Great advice to just feel the song as it comes together. Thanks so much

[@chanellesimon2501]

This song writing session is everything!!! So inspiring ❤❤

[@Studio]

Glad to hear this, thanks!

[@TFLSTUDIO88]

The first line to the opening to this video... was everything i needed to hear.

[@abriana3526]

She's such a beautiful soul

[@ShawnWhiteMusic]

Can't wait to apply this to my music

[@Studio]

Great!! Let us know how it goes!

[@MrDequese]

I practice architecture for many years. I normally noddle musically to come with ideas with no mood in mind. H.E.R. Inspiring me to try to use my architecture design process to create a song. Interesting when I design a home for example I usually start out solving a problem, answering a question, using my imagination thru doodling which is a very loose form of sketching. Interesting.

[@P4PRINCE_YT]

this is valuable information I’m grateful I feel like I’m already becoming a better artist now by watching and learning

[@Studio]

Wonderful, so glad to hear this!!

[@mencot89]

this is a great sharing from HER and her team. I've always love seeing how do accomplished artists do these things like it's so easy for them. the building blocks can be applied onto anyone really but of course talent and practices would help a lot

[@PhillipHill-xs9wn]

Presonus Studio One. I dig this DAW. Simple Easy To Use. Great Features and Awesome Plug-Ins. Teddy Riley turned Me on to Studio One in the early 2000's.

[@patrickvance5750]

My daughter is a big Her fan so I will definitely be sharing this video with her. But hey Mothers Day is just around the corner so make sure you send her “The Mother’s Day Song “ by Patrick Valentine Vance. It will let her know how much you truly love your mom.

[@Vidorraofficial]

Two amazing souls. Great video !

[@Jerricaaaw]

They’re so talented, love this 💓💓

[@Studio]

Thanks, glad you liked it!!

[@johnmas3213]

good lord, she is so amaizing

[@aultraatx]

This video was amazing! Thank y’all for this truly. It was for informative to see the process for y’all. It was also very validating as I have a very similar process but my lack of self confidence always makes it feel like the way I approach song writing is wrong. It’s good to know it is valid. I really loved when she said “water your songs.” That will definitely stick with me.

[@Studio]

Thank you so much!!

[@featovalie]

watching this healed me

[@jam4eee]

So grateful this video came across my feed

[@Studio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jiminsboost]

I love H.E.R music process and also how she gone through each step by step 🥰 she is an amazing artist, very inspirational.

[@taefleming1545]

Thank you H.E.R.

[@icyiceberg]

watching this as I am having writer's block for a chorus :< been stuck in position. wait, I'll use that :o

[@roachfatthenostalgist7535]

I love H.E.R. 🔥

[@MrTegid]

More of this long form songwriting please

[@mjoyyourself]

Grateful for this I’m feeling a pang of conviction and righteousness because I know I’ve been judged for certain things that were done by the great here in this video, and it’s all been intuitive, instinctual, so I’m really grateful for why we do what we do, what works, and the reminder to always trust our gut

[@pierre-claudemeriot6562]

This was enlightening on so many levels. Thanks for it. Getting a glimpse of your process and seeing you two melding your brains together to make a song was amazing. It seems like so much fun!

[@PromptTheory]

Love her thumb technique! First thing I thought of is if they are trying to find words to say, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. There is some mystery happening that is choking them up. I would have gone darker and tragic. BUT That is my interpretation, I still love their direction.

[@catherineamy13]

Yessss this is so helpful! Super interesting to watch it come together and how generous of them to share with us their process 🙌

[@Studio]

So glad!

[@SouhailEntertainment]

Introduction and Songwriting Approach - 00:00:00 Starting with Lyrics and Concepts - 00:00:36 Finding the Initial Theme and Words - 00:01:07 Developing the Concept and Story - 00:01:49 Exploring the Theme: Words vs. Actions - 00:03:34 Building the Narrative and Imagery - 00:05:25 Brainstorming and Writing Down Ideas - 00:06:31 Importance of Honest and Simple Lyrics - 00:07:43 Creating a Universal Message - 00:09:23 Matching Lyrics with Music - 00:10:27 Experimenting with Chords and Rhythm - 00:11:45 Defining the Mood and Tone - 00:14:41 Establishing the Roots of the Song - 00:15:21 Revisiting Voice Notes and Initial Ideas - 00:16:16 Looping Chords for Creative Freedom - 00:17:11 Exploring Melodic Structure - 00:18:32 Refining the Pre-Chorus and Melody - 00:19:43 Building Tension and Release - 00:20:36 Integrating Insecurity and Vulnerability - 00:24:43 Trusting Instincts and Creative Process - 00:32:31 Crafting a Memorable Chorus - 00:33:05 Exploring Different Directions for the Chorus - 00:34:22 Considering the Overall Concept - 00:35:15 Emphasizing Rhythm and Pedalling - 00:36:27 Collaborative Conversation and Patience - 00:37:13 Developing the Post-Chorus - 00:38:30 Digging into the Hook and Main Message - 00:39:33

[@sillyoutcome]

Amazing!! I cried while watching this...

[@truiebandy2054]

I love the cords she's playing. I can think of so many things to say.... I have songs so many times in my head. I can hear the tempo everything. But I can never get it all on paper. I've written any things. I figure in the end maybe I can lump all my titles together or something. Lol...I love love lo e music!

[@JTAITSINGER]

H.E.R just got me to subscribe!

[@Studio]

Amazing welcome aboard!

[@RevivedRadiance.]

Thank you so much for this. This made me feel so normal about my process and boosted my confidence. Definitely going to continue in music making and trust my instincts. ♥️ I love the advice “patience is key“. I feel less doubtful now and ready to make more stuff. I’m so appreciative of your vulnerability.

[@Studio]

You're so welcome!

[@EfepeMusic]

This content is as beautiful as H.E.R

[@romienomie]

She's beautiful ❤️

[@TheHeterolifemates]

Subscribed and shared. This was great and I enjoy the understated video production-really focuses us on the work you’re doing.

[@DahshonJahzer]

I love how you guys broke that down together and really just took it piece by piece. You kinda find yourself back at home regardless and it's so beautiful because you're so gifted but just constantly remind yourself through the process and it just becomes something that you are instead of something that you do. You're a human and a beautiful person; Do not forget that 🥱 From Dahshon

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

Best songwriting video i have watched on youtube. Best than the masterclass they say.

[@Studio]

This is actually from HER's masterclass! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

@@Studioreally? Really big thanks for sharing this. Cause u know there are really many aspiring songwriters but does not have the budget to enroll in a masterclass. God bless you for sharing this.

[@TheStaceCadetShow]

Watching you guys work is so cool. I just started playing the guitar and music writing, this was incredibly inspiring. Thank you! Stoked to follow 🤙

[@Micsings7]

The tutorials on this channel are sooo good 🎉 ty for helping me out with my own creative process

[@soccerrayray9]

Great to see the process! Very inspiring and educational

[@Studio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@earlchapman37]

I love everything you both said here. I am better for this, many thanks for you'all.

[@Studio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

A bit of John Mayer too in one of his interview. A concept, some lyrics, then a tune, then finishing the song.

[@isaiahcansang]

My dream is to write and sing with HER

[@peace_in_the_now]

they just know their stuff incredibly well

[@awkwardfellow6912]

This is pretty good, I wish I had a co-writer to bounce ideas off like this. The song sounds pretty cool.

[@Immanuelm.8]

I wasn't able to get a chance to sign up for the class in time. Thank you😊🔥

[@FaithFedora]

I’m so inspired

[@suxhiiiii]

sliding in the lil toot at 1:36 is wilddddd

[@jaymajor7602]

😒 so disrespectful…

[@adress13]

This was so cool to watch. I love a good cowriting session.

[@realestbg4176]

I learned a lot from this video.

[@Studio]

Great! That’s what we like to hear!

[@jonghapark9008]

her voice is just a method for sure

[@MamaJayde]

Collaborating can be so beautiful

[@Micsings7]

Just inspired my next song you guys are incredible thank you🎉🎉🎉

[@Tremaineswife]

Love this it’s literally my tutorial into writing and making music 🥺💜

[@Studio]

So glad it’s helpful!!

[@simbarashecharlesmatope-te1pv]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm working hard everyday to blow up man that's why i need videos like this to understand more about music

[@Studio]

glad it was helpful!

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

I start with lyrics too but sometimes it’s hard to fit it to the tune. Expecting to learn from H.E.R.

[@LJ-SYLKI]

This was great really loved their work they put in. Cant get the full song tho?

[@ChiedozieOnwe]

This is so different from how I learned. I wish I hqd known this two years ago

[@joesus7394]

Now I just really want to listen to the finished song so bad D:

[@Light.works.]

I wish i had the musical ear, songwriting is fine as long as you know what chords or pattern goes perfect for a sound.. she's super talented! All i want is a talented person to write songs with😭

[@elined9138]

This is so helpful!! Thank you so much for sharing this ❤

[@Studio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jacobkopa-nathan7626]

Learnt sooooo much. Thanks

[@Studio]

You're welcome!

[@V5ENT]

SO MUCH DEPTH DISCUSSED I VALUE HOW THEY DIDN'T RUSH & REALLY PUT THOUGHT INTO HOW THEY WANTED THA STORY TO BE HEARD & VIEWED!!! GRATEFUL 4 DA INSIDE LOOK ON YA PROCESS OF CREATION HELLA ANTICIPATION 4 THA FINAL OUTCOME YEEE AGAPE ASAWA🖤✌🏿🤟🏿✨️ WEST OAKLAND DON V5 CEO BRIDE 4EVA MINE #BAYBIDNESS

[@ronald.a9470]

Beautiful id pick it first crescendo the notes

[@DGBTV]

Add 34 minutes and 20 seconds.The song needs a heart beat pompom pompom .to signify what it feels like her words.❤❤❤

[@ChicoBlack]

Her Masterclass is nice Her singing is awesome and cool ❤ Thank you for sharing ^Producer Chico Black

[@Studio]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChicoBlack]

Thank you

[@johndecelien]

I Love H.E.R. I wish i could write songs like her.

[@LouizAntonio]

The dude helped, give credit. These artist get all the credit, but behind the scene there are people who help structure and build "their" songs

[@puffnstufflovelove6550]

Wow! Thanks for this!

[@Studio]

Our pleasure!