How Tom DeLonge Writes A Song (SIMPLE Yet BRILLIANT)

[@SugarpillProd]

If you have any questions about any of the steps in this video, let me know and I'll get back to you ASAP! 🎉SERVICES - linktr.ee/sugarpillcovers 📲INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/sugarpillcovers/

[@clfnole]

This really demonstrates how the multi-tracking and layering gives it that huge sound. Well done!

[@vinylhotelx13]

how to be like tom delonge (2003-2006) write almost every song in A or B major occasionally put a capo on the 2nd fret use a lot of flanger use a lot of octaves sing in a whiny way but with hints of maturity

[@johncambridge7181]

When I was young I thought adam’s song was the greatest unique punk song I ever heard . Now still is

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Very clear and informative video! Tom DeLonge is a very good songwriter and its always surprising how he gets so much variations from the handful of chord progressions he likes. Its the quality of the arrangement plus the accessibility/familiarity of the chord progression that made Blink/A&A so successful!

[@Adyman182]

Angels & Airwaves are my favorite band among the likes of Radiohead, The Smiths, The Beatles, Joy Division, Muse, Slowdive, Beach House, etc. that I otherwise listen to. There's something about Tom's sound (especially the first four albums) that is always going to sound brilliant and permanently uplifting. No matter what music I discovered after this band - this sound is my music taste in a nutshell, without any outside influence from critically acclaimed circlejerks.

[@laluko01]

You my friend have good taste in bands

[@RD24LFG]

Definitely a good example of how he went about writing WDNTW and I-Empire with AVA. Great job. Tom's formula is simple yet complex at the same time..because if everyone could do what he does/did they'd be just as successful. In Blinks self titled record you do hear a departure from this formula.

[@silentgas]

Angel & Airwaves instrumentals might be simple but it works and it's beautiful.

[@PunkerNinetySix]

I haven't listened to the new AVA album yet and I legitimately thought that the bit at the start of the video was you playing back a track from their new album as reference for what you were about to do... You have quite the ear for and understanding of music. To be able to do what you did here so convincingly is absolutely incredible. Well done! Would love to hear a full version and see where this goes beyond an intro.

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks dude! I actually wrote this as an AvA version of "Stay Together For The Kids", but I haven't yet uploaded that cover. I'll hopefully get around to uploading it one day, haha.

[@RD24LFG]

Listen to the single "Euphoria". Definitely a departure from this sound. The new album has songs similar to this and others that depart from the same formula. Good album imo.

[@MattBakerDrums]

@@SugarpillProd who knew that one day would come! Maybe one day we’ll hear the full cover!

[@DarrenMalone253]

Quick get Tom on the phone!! You’ve written the next hit for him and AVA. Bravo this is very cool

[@HeLLoOImMaRcUs]

The title really speaks for it’s self it really is simple and brilliant and that bass intro was a good choice.

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks man, glad you liked it!

[@yuu_not_you]

This was awesome, really good I might say; could you please make one like this for the untitled album of blink-182! Please!

[@invisibl3enemy]

Wow. FULL VERSION PLZ & THANK YOU

[@Sethistheman5194]

Don’t forget the delay and reverb heavy vocal preview of the chorus or bridge halfway through the build up!

[@bnflo1208]

always thought it sounded like re-invented U2, but there's some strategy there

[@kylobeatz3235]

bro i could watch your ava styled playing all day, you understand their sound very very well. props to you brother

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks man, I really appreciate that!

[@Dchero45]

Last time I was this early, Tom was still making good music with blink 182

[@jpobrien3535]

Beat me to it

[@clifisboring]

So 2013

[@Jslg11]

@@clifisboring 🤣

[@chadwickmcfaggins9734]

some angels and airwaves songs are good

[@C_Kawla]

Angels & Airwaves are more mature. blink was teen. AvA are maturity

[@juliocesarestaba]

Sounds really good man, thanks for share it

[@alecyoung3870]

This is incredible man

[@macblink]

YES this is soo the Tom Delonge sound! The soul of AVA ❤🤘🏻

[@FoodIsOnTheWay]

This video is awesome great work man 🤘

[@aRExtinct]

This is the video we didn’t know we needed, I’m boutta go make a song now

[@sylvainrd7887]

Crazy job Dude !

[@tobisch5060]

Duuude great work thank you so much! I‘d love to noodle over some Atom/AvA style drumtracks, but I‘m having a hard time programming those drumtracks. Any chance you offer some drumtracks/midi?

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! I have a few Atom sounding beats in my drum packs, or I can always make you some custom ones - either based on AvA songs or just some with that vibe. Send me an email or DM me on Instagram if you're interested!

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

I can already hear the AVA Tom vocals kicking in!

[@BobDoesReviews]

0:30 sounds like Space Mountain at Disney World lol, love it

[@leonidis6225]

He always had cool riffs that make you want to learn guitar.I dont like A&A that much but the enema of state and take off your pants stuff is just great work.

[@Dylanmccoy442.]

Bro who tf Doenst like Ana, First two albums are masterpieces

[@BradMillett]

The whole time I was watching this I kept thinking it sounded exactly like another song and I couldn’t figure it out until about halfway through. You just wrote an Angels and Airwaves version of “The Pavilion” by Coheed and Cambria.

[@ruslanpetrov2289]

It's like return to child ages. Thank you for atmosphere

[@rifqifalih1968]

I could listen this all night long wish u upload it in spottify this is just so AVA!!

[@maximilienhocquet2053]

that's too much ! very good job ! 😍🎸

[@fernandobjr]

What a video! So instructional!

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@schwimdandy3820]

I'd listen to it.

[@screamingfornoreason9186]

I one day hope to see a metro station video. Just that first album though.

[@nicholasszabo5954]

What is space crimes @ 3:14?

[@oliviamoore3426]

Great job 😃

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks!

[@oliviamoore3426]

@@SugarpillProd you’re welcome 😃

[@CosmicDomino]

I love this mainly because of the fact that you use Reason. Also, AVA LOL

[@rockerdarren66]

Thank you

[@enriquerm4034]

Reminds me Where the streets have no name by U2

[@tiagocarvalho1141]

Awesome video

[@dirtywizard]

Sounds cool!

[@danielraisabin5686]

New to the guitar and effects scene and bought a zoom g1x four. Any chance you could help or give me some pointers on which effects I need to get the AvA sound? Much appreciated and loved the video will definitely use it when I’ve progressed enough to try it!

[@SugarpillProd]

I haven't used one personally, but the main part of AvA's sound comes from the delay pedals. Generally they tend to use a lot of 1/8th note dotted delays, particularly on the earlier records. Any time the sound like U2, that's usually what they're doing, haha. Chorus, flange and phases are also good, just for adding in different timbres to your guitar sound, but you can really use these however you like. Hope that helps!

[@Tinyten]

Ah, dude. You're using reason. Great to see a fellow reason user.

[@Hurricane9146]

Would be awesome to see you cover Tom’s little intro to reckless abandon Inglewood 2002. It’s a small part but I’d love to see you add this to the Tom live series you’ve done

[@jrcobrakai2587]

Sounds good

[@deverbenjamin53000]

Well done !

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@denschoobn6804]

In the begining till the Bass starts it also sounds a lot like U2 for me

[@juanaburto1361]

Brilliant!!

[@aldovalerio1067]

This Is awesome !

[@briankate4577]

i can't find space crimes... please, if you have a link or something like that, can you please share with me?

[@SugarpillProd]

It's not a real song, it's just a joke because 9 crimes uses the same chords, haha.

[@briankate4577]

@@SugarpillProd damn, this song had reminded me "promise" by akira yamaoka

[@clfnole]

How about a video comparing Tom’s Lead and Rhythm tones?

[@knxv_hawkins3375]

So good job ! Really representative sound process ! Do u use a dbx 286 comp gate limiter ? Is it in your configuration?

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! I do, but I only really use it to record acoustic guitar and vocals.

[@zenon459]

Love Pt.1 and 2 be like:

[@joeldaniels-akacringeevery7650]

sounds just like an angel and airwaves song

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks, that was the intention, haha.

[@joeldaniels-akacringeevery7650]

@@SugarpillProd sounded great!

[@siibroh6878]

I like your ideas 🥰

[@blakeozuna7212]

What audio workstation do you use?

[@SugarpillProd]

Reason for recording and Reaper for mixing 👍

[@tomelliott90]

Please release this song, it's banging!

[@SugarpillProd]

Haha thanks! It's taken from a cover I made for a different song. So I do have a full version, and I'll hopefully release it soon.

[@tomelliott90]

@@SugarpillProd awesome 👌 what music software are you using?

[@SugarpillProd]

@@tomelliott90 This one - imp.i114863.net/yRVekD

[@tomelliott90]

@@SugarpillProd thanks mate. Really interested in getting into this stuff but I've never had any experience, is it easy enough to learn?

[@SugarpillProd]

@@tomelliott90 It kind of depends what you're looking to do, but the best way to start is just getting a DAW and trying things out. You can go really in-depth with recording, mixing, mastering, etc. It just depends what your end goal is, and the types of things you enjoy doing. If you haven't had experience with any of those things, then that's probably the best place to start. If you have any further questions, or need some pointers in the right direct, feel free to DM or email me. Both are linked in the description!

[@sir_sparke]

What program did you use to create those drum beats?

[@rimuruu_29]

so good!

[@SugarpillProd]

Cheers Ruben!

[@abinaythapa3377]

Reference from The adventure song.

[@greccoox]

he was my idol in 2000 but i cant accept the fact that one song from AVA is the same as There Is from Box Car Racer, so sad.

[@pizzolattomarcelo]

This is really cool wowwww

[@DigitalDaffodil]

Simple and easy

[@Dylanmccoy442.]

What song is space crimes??? That sounds sick

[@SugarpillProd]

Haha it's just a parody thing I made, where I was playing "9 Crimes" like an AvA song.

[@tastefulsubstance]

Care to do a vocal breakdown too? That would be sick

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

you make everything sound so good but i have no idea what all that technical stuff means when you say it

[@alissonralfin8981]

Parece a música Polo da banda Fresno

[@MrJoshspit]

This has probably been asked a thousand times, but, what are using for virtual drums?

[@SugarpillProd]

It has, haha. It's Superior Drummer 2.

[@DanteAlvaradoFromChile]

before adding the guitars, it sounds like joy division :)

[@vvings9]

"Take inspiration from pre existing track" 🤣🤣🤣

[@mxmgonmei]

It gives me the Heaven vibes by AVA

[@muscularavocado3547]

The rest of the song would just be using the same elements through depending on how it’s structured?

[@SugarpillProd]

I have turned this into a full song, what you hear in the video is just the intro and hook section. The video would be way too long otherwise. So there's also a verse, pre, chorus and bridge. But yeah you can definitely bring things back in, strip things down for verse section, etc. AvA's song structures tend to be fairly normal pop song structures, just with way longer intros, haha.

[@slabkrew19]

This is a great example of a AVA song! This is not Tom posing as a random commentator looking for inspiration for the next album ok bye!

[@akadan]

What is this "Space Crimes" song you reference? I like the melody but cant find such a song.

[@SugarpillProd]

It's just a joke. It's the song "99 Crimes". It shares the same chord progression as the other two AvA songs.

[@akadan]

@@SugarpillProd thanks haha

[@sebastienb.4981]

@@SugarpillProd Haha well done, I was wondering if Angels & Airwaves made a Damien Rice cover

[@Wearsvianna]

Wich DAW did you use??

[@SugarpillProd]

Reason 9 for this one, though I've upgraded to 12 since.

[@keintpunay9206]

This sounds like Rebel Girl

[@auliafebby08]

Is there a pop punk band that uses distortion effects in it? I heard mostly just overdrive effects 😪😪

[@SugarpillProd]

Like 99% of all bands lol. Overdrive is just the sound of a tube amp being pushed to it's breaking point.

[@kintaro_f]

doing god's work. 🤘😜

[@fleetingchaos]

fuckin awesome!

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks, hope it helps!

[@lilbonthabeat]

wow this is crazy sounds so AVA

[@oscar18034]

Only issue I’ve ever noticed with your videos is that you could make the drums sound more natural. That’s not an issue with the fact it’s fake drums, or that you’re changing the velocities to make it sound more natural - the issue is the rhythm. Try and imagine you’re behind a drum set and you’re actually playing (even if you don’t play drums), and feel the rhythm. That’s my ONLY issue at all with your videos. I enjoy them so much and they make for such interesting watches. Keep up the good work man. Your guitar and bass playing is really impressive. Not to mention the spot on emulations of blink and other bands.

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks man! I can't say I totally agree with you though. I guess it depends on the style you're going for. I prefer mixing big sounding modern drums - the kind you'd hear in a production by Nolly or Cervini. If I was producing an Indie sounding track, then sure, that may help. But for something that's supposed to sound huge, it doesn't really cut it. I also think velocity is far more important than where you place things on the grid - which is what I assume you're getting at, when you're referring to the "rhythm"? A MIDI drum track with a lot of attention paid to the dynamic velocities is always going to sound miles better than one without that, which just has some hits a few seconds behind or in front of the beat.

[@oscar18034]

@@SugarpillProd As I said, almost everything is fine, and the variations in velocity you are utilising work great. That’s not the (very minor) issue here. It’s not an issue with the style either. When I said rhythm, I mean the placement of the drum hits, like you said. Take the buildup drums you used in this video for example - the pattern that is actually being played sounds a bit - off. I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but it is certainly a rhythm issue. It sounds slightly imbalanced, and like someone’s just sat behind a drum kit hitting the snare whenever they want. Still a very minor criticism, but I just can’t ignore it since it’s the only problem I can pick up on in such a great video overall. Also, it’s not a problem specific to any one style of music - drums need to be thoughtfully written in any genre. Feel free to ignore this if you like. Just a bit of constructive criticism. Doesn’t change the overall quality of your videos or anything obviously. Thanks for the reply man. I do hope this helps in some way. Keep up the good work.

[@SugarpillProd]

@@oscar18034 Honestly what you're describing doesn't even really sound like a rhythm thing, it sounds more like you're talking about velocity. Even though drummers can't play every hit exactly on the grid, that is at least their intention, to be as tight as possible. So the benefit of a digital recording is that you can make it "perfect". The way I like to produce songs - and how a lot of professionals do it - is by keeping certain elements to the grid - often drums and vocals - and having the instruments around them play off of that. That way you get a nice push and pull effect, similar to how it would be if you were recording a band live. And the genre really does play a big part. If you were producing a Metalcore recording, it wouldn't make much sense to move hits before and after the beat, because the intention of that genre is to be inhumanly precise, whereas if you wanted to sound like Led Zeppelin, then that technique would be beneficial. So the style does massively dictate the approach.

[@muscularavocado3547]

Isn’t this just the way Angels and Airwaves do their drums though? I’m also not a drummer

[@oscar18034]

@@SugarpillProd I am talking about rhythm. 100%. I didn’t mean it the way you think - I think there’s a bit of misunderstanding here. It’s hard to explain in full in youtube comments, but I wasn’t suggesting moving the drum hits off the grid to make them sound more natural; I understand that’s a decision based on genre, and I agree that it doesn’t fit well with AVA style. I was meaning just change the entire drum part in certain sections. Once again, just a small gripe. Regardless, still an awesome video.

[@drumsonly44]

Is the chorus dogs eating dogs by blink?

[@SugarpillProd]

Nope. At least not intentionally anyway, haha.

[@dustid]

good job on everything . .. but I donno if this is distinctive to Tom . . especially the synth work. Seems more just like a pop or alternative instrumental. I can see the influence in the riffing a bit, but overall if you played me this I wouldnt connect it to Tom

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! It is supposed to be in the style of Angels & Airwaves, so if you're expecting blink or something, it's not that, haha.

[@maximfrei_]

What is the software?

[@SugarpillProd]

I'm using Reason 9 in the video, though I'm currently using Reason 12. There's not much difference between the two, other than the upgraded graphics.

[@maximfrei_]

@@SugarpillProd thank you! I am writing music in AVA style in GarageBand. Soon I plan to go to studio to make it real. Can I text you so I can have your opinion? Willing to send some demos

[@SugarpillProd]

@@maximfrei_ Yeah sure, feel free to email them to me whenever.

[@jamesotto011]

Wow never realized how Cranberries it actually sounds

[@Punckrock96]

the name of the synth you use ,thanks!!! very beautiful video

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! I was mostly using Synth1 by Daichi and some stock synths in Reason.

[@MeinGottHatDenLangsten]

To be fair, "this is how to use a DAW to write a song with only the instruments and plug-ins included with the software" would be a bit more accurate - albeit less "baity" - title. 😃

[@SugarpillProd]

I'm actually not using many stock plugins, so unfortunately that wouldn't be a very accurate title 😀

[@MeinGottHatDenLangsten]

@@SugarpillProdTouché 🤣 how about "How to use a DAW to write songs?" (Btw - It's not *you* I'm trying to be as charitable as possible regarding 😃 I thought your tutorial was pretty well done.)

[@ollie_gabriel]

What tha name this song ?

[@SugarpillProd]

It's currently unnamed.

[@jhonphilipporia6321]

Not now with ava style please

[@andy_182]

A fuck ton of guitar layering

[@Aspen_Chap]

this is more angels and airwaves than anything written by tom

[@SugarpillProd]

Ava is written by Tom?

[@safire07]

Was anyone going to tell me that tom delonge was in angels in airwaves or was i supposed to find out through a KZbin video

[@SugarpillProd]

I didn't think it was possible to know them and not know he was in the band 😂

[@Aton_s]

what's a program please? she look cute

[@SugarpillProd]

This was Reason 9, though I'm currently using Reason 12 - same program, the only real difference is just that the new one has nicer graphics.

[@Aton_s]

@@SugarpillProd thanks

[@Beanbag777]

This song is better than anything angles and airwaves have done

[@auliafebby08]

what happens when pop punk but uses a headbangable drum pedal like Asking Alexandria The Black, I See Stars New Demons produced by Joey Sturgis

[@M.Holland]

Sounds more like U2 is trying to play Pop-Punk.

[@SugarpillProd]

That is basically the AvA sound, haha.

[@qmkut9121]

Only one thing missing - go hunting for UFOs and use that for the basis of a whole band 👽 😉

[@Ilya_P_]

Охуеть анализ👍👏

[@kellisfh]

This is great except drums and bass are often the final additions Tom makes to his writing process.

[@SugarpillProd]

I don't think that's necessary true. A lot of Box Car Racer's songs started from Travis' drum loops. They also tracked drums and bass first for all of the Jerry Finn produced records, other than Untitled.

[@slimkickens]

@@SugarpillProd but you're doing an AvA style production, and drums have always been last in AvA songs.

[@SugarpillProd]

@@slimkickens They have the drums programmed first, and then go back and record the acoustic drums - at least that's how they did it on WDNTW.

[@slimkickens]

@@SugarpillProd yeah, but it's a very basic drum loop. If you watch Start The Machine, which I'm sure you have dozens of times, you'll hear the drum loops are very straightforward. It's basically a glorified click track. No fills or variation. Most of the foundational rhythm came from Critter's organic loops

[@SugarpillProd]

@@slimkickens It's not really something I'd wanna watch "dozens of times", haha.

[@fritz_company]

are you sure you are not tom delonge?

[@SugarpillProd]

Definitely don't have the same amount of money in the bank as he does, that's for sure, haha!