The Secret Formula for Writing a Disney Song

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Don't forget that you can download all of our songs at our Soundcloud! soundcloud.com/soundfieldpbs/wont-you-be-my-subscriber We love to hear your remixes and original versions of our songs, and if they're really good we'll feature them in upcoming episodes!

[@timmcdaniel6193]

THANK YOU. I was about to ask for the full song. If I may ask: I heard the key change. Was there a tempo change or a speedup, or are those Just Not Done in a Yearning Song (TM)?

[@lalosour5274]

Wow! Nice! I´m already subscribed but I´m sure I can convince a friend...

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

To those ppl who think this is the same video as Sideways did; Please watch both videos again. This video has a totally different focus; on explaining the differences between radio music from Disney's and why they differ, while Sideways focusses on why the music sounds nostalgic, ie. why 90's Disney sounds like 40's and 50's Disney.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Pretty awesome that you recognized that. You a real one

[@RenegadeShepard69]

I didn't know about this sideways channel nor their video. As I love this subject of Disney music I don't mind channels making slight similar videos. The more the better. Thanks for the explanation I'll check this other video too.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@RenegadeShepard69 Love the positivity ! good vibes

[@unvergebeneid]

Were there actually people in the comments who thought this video stole from the other? Do these people have any idea how much time it takes to make such a video?! Seriously....

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Penny Lane!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

We posted this 20 minutes ago how do we have a downvote already? That's not very magical :(

[@MPlegos]

How do you post a video like this when the wonderful KZbinr Sideways posted an almost exact copy before you?

[@SoundFieldPBS]

That's a good video too! We've been working on this episode for a month and it focuses more on the formula that most Disney songs use as compared to pop songs. The stats were compiled by our writer Dean Olivet flypaper.soundfly.com/features/the-statistical-analysis-of-the-70-most-popular-disney-songs-youve-always-wanted/

[@MPlegos]

@@SoundFieldPBS Very cool statistics! Don't get me wrong, love the channel and the content. The timing just put me off a little bit.

[@darrylw1038]

The hate is strong especially because they did not need to watch this video. Nothing you presented to us in this video was worthy of a downvote. Not to mention there are numerous videos on KZbin that go over the same topic just from different perspectives 😒.

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

someone might misclicked.

[@mdr1719]

And I'm the one more subscriber that you made a connection with

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks you so much! wow our heart is full.

[@aadarshbalireddy2939]

Is it just me or are PBS digital studio channel videos always really good/well researched?

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Not just you!

[@darrylw1038]

Yo, the level of research that you do in each video is INSANE! I never knew why I automatically knew what a Disney sound "sounds" like but you all broke it down to bite sized chunks for the less musically inclined individuals 👌🏾🙋🏾‍♂️. I appreciate all of your work.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

We have to give a lot of credit to the writer of this episode, Dean Olivet. www.deanolivet.com

[@12tone]

Great video! Unfortunate timing in regards to the Sideways video, parallel creation is always rough, but it doesn't feel like the same video, and besides, if y'all could turn around this level of quality in 3 days that'd be impressive anyway. I'm glad you published it, it's a good companion piece and it definitely covers a different range of things even if there's some overlap.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching 12tone! 🙌 We love your channel

[@MedlifeCrisis]

@@SoundFieldPBS You're both awesome! Often way over my head, but awesome & entertaining.

[@MusicalInquisit]

@Spanish Moustache "Plagiarism" is one of those dirty words in the music industry, mostly because it really just takes away from the "magic," for lack of a better word, of a song if you hear many similarities between two different pieces of music. That being said, you can still make a ballad later, just don't copy the style of the ballad -- those things are not one and the same after all.

[@moadot720]

12tone?!?!

[@derektroutman4793]

This channel is severely underrated

[@SoundFieldPBS]

How do we get properly rated?

[@Val_Cla]

@@SoundFieldPBS don't worry, soon people will hear from you from Nahre's channel or from YT recommendations, you'll have the audience you deserve 😉 keep up the good work ! Here, have my sub 🤗 !

[@bricolagefantasy7291]

@@SoundFieldPBS dont forget to do top ten video of simething ... that always work. Give shout out to others. Hey... its a performance. Other will the give shout out... ( dont do too much) Dont be afraid with the familiar, not everything is about cutting edge or super nerdy new idea. But insight to the familiar is also fun. Be consistent for the channel. You have to be able to explain to bright elementary student what the channel is about. Have fun... passion infects.

[@jjs_arkade]

Facts

[@BrokenPiecesOfHeart]

I definitely see the similarities in this video and the video that youtuber Sideways posted as I had just finished watching that a couple days ago. However, I feel the similarities end after introducing the concept of the I Want song. One explores the rich history of Disney music while the other dives into the theory of it. Soundfield also contrasts its relationship with pop music, which is very in sync with what they normally discuss about. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or maybe not, but I love both channels and am glad they delved into different aspects of Disney music.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Brandon Anderson!

[@djcj]

The editing on this is insane

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Ayyyy

[@Bati_]

This track is enchantingly beautiful and extremely funny at the same time!! Disney and Broadway musicals are melted in the same pot!! I truly love this show and I have never been disappointed by your works! A truly fascinating episode as always! Kudos to your immense dedication and hard work crew!! 🎉😊👏👏💥👋

[@steamedbryce]

This is exactly why I love music theory. There are so many aspects to analyze in any song, and when you put them together you basically have reverse engineered cult classics, childhood favorites, and pretty much any song in existence so that you can make them yourself without losing any quality. Bravo

[@katsuura8179]

Hot damn, maybe Sound Field should start writing the theme song for the next Disney movie

[@Dorian_sapiens]

And Ally Smither should sing it. Her Disney protagonist voice is perfect.

[@makayladawson3782]

Honestly blown away with how beautiful her voice is at the end!

[@JoshuaKallenberg]

Oh, I loved this! I never knew the film version of Let it go was any different from the pop version (never seen the movie), and it's so so much more interesting/better than the pop version!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching!

[@Garmasmi]

Every video is better than the last! Thanks y'all for the killer content.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Dang thanks Gary! That's pretty nice of you to say

[@TheUglyGnome]

Almost skipped this, because didn't find the topic interesting at first. But WOW! This was awesome.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

So glad you stayed! that was a close one

[@Kram1032]

Wow that ending tune was *spot on* You'd totally have earned one more subscriber hadn't I already subscribed ages ago

[@thegladys2651]

This video was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, guys. With this amazing content, you do not need to worry about subscribers, they will be fallen to your feet after listening to Alexandra singing that song. Love Nahre and LA collaboration. They rock :)

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Gladys! WE really appreciate you

[@jeremysale1385]

When I listen to music, I don't analyze, I just feel. This channel has given me an incredible introduction to thinking about music; not only its construction, but how much intent, role, and cultural coordinates shape technical decisions and listener engagement. Fascinating as always.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thank you Jeremy, we really appreciate you.

[@Supermunch2000]

I'm tone deaf-ish but watching Sound Field has made me appreciate music in a whole new way. Thank you!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

This is awesome thank you for watching Sound Field!

[@dpokan]

I'll admit the bunny and the song at the end got me. Subscribed

[@SoundFieldPBS]

So gooood

[@snowyowlll]

Got here from Nahre's channel and gotta say I'm loving the videos :)

[@ngchcgufviyvv6691]

Keep churnin this stuff out y'all ! You got me fuckin addicted!!

[@angerock49]

Very clear and instructional! A lot of info packed into this without anything superfluous. I'm trying to write a Disney style song at the moment so this was the perfect video, thanks!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Hey that's exactly what we were trying to go for!

[@AceiteArtimus_423]

@@SoundFieldPBS Well, um, is there a video for writing lyrics? Cause I have no musical talent other then singing.

[@djcali2776]

This is great. Thank you. Love this channel and yes I'm your one more subscriber.

[@holidaytrout5174]

This channel is so good, I love the hosts and content. Damn this singer is great

[@Graghma]

I saw your Wired video recently and wasn't sure if I had recognized you from this. I wish you had plugged the channel 'cause you killed it!

[@CakeHunter333]

Love this, love sideways. Complimentary content. Amazing editing on this guys!

[@ajmingorance4549]

Y'all and Sideways are on the same brain wave. I need a collab!!!!!

[@g_y.rtz420]

i subscribed. so many channels that i follow but dont subscribe to, yet here we are. smart, nahre.

[@no-ey6ws]

Holy moly I'm never this early. Thanks for the amazing content Nahre & LA, only problem is there isn't enough of it

[@SoundFieldPBS]

We'll try to keep making them as long as y'all are watching them

[@no-ey6ws]

@@SoundFieldPBS For how elated I was first finding the channel, to how sad I was realising I’d already binged more than half of your videos. I’ll be here a while. Great video, great final composition. Alexandra really nailed the Disney voice. Also I subbed before watching the video after realising I hadn’t, the song was pretty perfect.

[@Leeofthelight22]

I don't usually enjoy being asked to subscribe, but have the request sung so beautifully and I guess I have to. Great channel anyway!

[@jcarreon9248]

oh my.. one of the most creative/best videos i've seen. God bles you all!

[@darthbee18]

Awwww I am already subscribed but don't worry I am definitely here to stay!! 😄🙌😂

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Please don't leave

[@fathead1616]

Hahaha! This worked like a charm, nice job! My 21 month old's attention pulled away from her toys to your 'Disney' song at the end of the video (and made her smile). Disney magic attained.

[@efkastner]

So so good as always. I wish I wasn't already a subscriber so I could be your "one more"

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Make 5 burner accounts and subscribe to us again

[@Mu51kM4n]

Great video! Very informative. I had no idea of the difference between the movie and Pop versions of let it go.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Amazing right?

[@BrandiLynnColonMusic]

You gained one subscriber here! 😁 Amazing video!

[@reneiloe_m]

Any videos on K-Pop & Kdrama Music planned?

[@pennydreadful4939]

Veerrry interesting! Your research is so in-depth. Haha loved the song at the end! ☮️💖💖👍

[@dovakin6666]

Could you do one about the Gregorian Chants?

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Would anyone else wanna see this? I know I would

[@Dorian_sapiens]

Yes, please.

[@RijuChatterjee]

Yes!

[@PitchedProduction]

*halo theme proceeds to play*

[@kyle-silver]

Classic Disney songs also use a TON of rubato. If you listen to the original "A dream is a wish your heart makes" you can tell that it's really the orchestra following the vocalist rather than the reverse.

[@bgimusic]

wow that song at the end was so Disney! 🙌

[@erikkihss]

Well done and a nice tune too!

[@miamor5929]

😁😃😀 im actually a new sub! And this is the first video ive watch on this channel. Found thins channel from 2cents

[@taproot0619]

This answers a lot of questions on why I like the type of music I do. I like very complex music, but the fact that I grew up on Disney (and my little brother watched "The lion king" until I literally had every line memorized) never occurred to me. I always thought it was more due to singing old hymns in church and having a set of parents that loved 80's rock. Now I know the mouse had me with the music too. Is there ANYTHING that Disney doesn't own now?

[@dansepatinage]

Here a subscriber from HongKong~ I Love this channel so much!

[@NbaLive4ever]

This was great and informative! And that last song! 👏🏽

[@Val_Cla]

Just subbed , you have 1 more ! Amazing work guys 😄 . I love the content 😊

[@blueridding]

My 8yo just came over during your song and asked "What movie is that from?" I think you nailed the 'Disney Sound'

[@NSMITH8516]

i love this

[@charel5222]

Amazing breakdown, thanks for sharing!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thank you for watching!

[@hazmaticx1994]

I remember you guys said you would do this video,cant wait to watch it!😊

[@RandyDaGamer]

Thank you! I needed this for school. Awesome video

[@laner.845]

Me: about to go off on Disney for almost cutting "Part of Your World": "YOU CAN'T CUT THAT IT'S THE I WAN...." You: pointing out it's the I Want song. Me: EXACTLY!

[@atngo15]

This is a wonderfully researched video and far more in depth than I was expecting for most "click-baity" video essays on music. I do think it's funny that people sometimes talk about Disney songs like they're their own unique thing, when really they're just musical theater songs. All of the traits you mentioned aren't really "Disney" traits, they're musical theater traits, which I know you touched on briefly. In terms of the song at the end, very good in terms of harmony and melody. I wish that there was a clearer form to it, either an AABA or abridge Verse/Chorus form. I didn't hear a clear refrain either. I also wish the lyrics rhymed! I know that it was probably written quickly, but all Disney songs have very specific rhyme schemes that define the song, and usually include lots of internal rhyme as well. Howard Ashman and his successors (Tim Rice, Stephen Schwartz) and others helped define a very particular lyric sensibility, often with clever wordplay and turns of phrase as well in addition to rhyme.

[@omamajohnpaul4215]

Didn't expect to see Nahre Sol 😂. And shout out to Alan Menken, the king of Disney music.

[@scarletdawnmusic]

Love the vids! Always a good job. Would love to see a video on musique concrète and field recordings!

[@HelgaCavoli]

I love key changes. 😁

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Whats your favorite key?

[@williamfrierson9427]

Este video está excelente! So interesting how ya'll broke that down

[@tonylancer7367]

Now I feel like writing a score for something in my life and yet I don't know how to. 😆 This is an amazing video. 😁😁 I've been that one subscriber.

[@katarixy]

This channel is so underrated

[@Lamadesbois]

I wanted to be that subscriber but I have already subscribed.

[@PaceFineArts]

This channel looks really promising!

[@collectingh1379]

I subscribed... thank you

[@janterjeaugestad8431]

Great video, very informative and great research. Just a nitpick; the Demi Lovato version of Let it go uses 7 different chords (8 if you count sus-chords). They cram the I, ii, II, IV, V, iv and even bVI in there. Your point still stands though! :)

[@jeremykeaton274]

I think you meant to say vi instead of iv twice haha. I count 8 even without sus chords. The walkdown G-F-Em-Eb adds bVII into the mix. But you're right, their point is totally still valid! The bridge change to just I-IV-vi-V is especially glaring as a "popification" of more interesting chords in the original.

[@frofoodie7763]

Hello, I am subscribed to ya'll. Wondering if I can use the subscriber song for a future video? Her voice is so lovely. I love the break down.

[@vinkoivomilicdiaz6932]

A new season with our SciGirls!!! December 12th on your local PBS station. Check your local listings.

[@smalldoggo3704]

The most ads I’ve ever seen in an 8 min video. It’s getting worse but at least I’m supporting these guys

[@onaucc9899]

Very Interesting. However, in my opinion you forgot a very important point: The Instrumentation and Sound Selection. Like, why are those specific instruments used? Is there some story telling element in their choice? I personally think there's, well, something in Disney Music, that sets it apart from "regular" film / orchestral music when it comes to sound design. But i don't know why and what it is. That's something i feel like is missing in a lot of videos about music; not only here but on youtube in general. I feel like Sound Design is a huge part of a finished song that's extremely often overlooked, unfortunately. To clarify where i'm comeing from: I make Drum and Bass Music; a genre where Sound Design is pretty much everything and regular music theory doesn't really matter much (there are literally songs that only have one, single note, but it's sound-designed extremely well so it doesn't feel like there's only one note, lol). I think that a mediocre song with great sound design will be received better by the public than a great song with mediocre sound design.

[@GuidoPerdomo]

Jesus I never stopped to think that there even was a pop version of this song, I thought there was only one. And how much better the Disney version is!! Pop seriously got rid of all the interesting parts of the song and just kept the boring repetitive bits. I got all the goosebumps, after having listened to the Disney version. So many interesting chord changes and modulations.

[@bellaF]

I really like your channel.

[@Isa-tn7ex]

Congratulations, you have a new subscriber

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Hell yeah! Thank you

[@Meenabeena64]

This was super entertaining and informative!

[@Djemoltellitlikeitis]

I'd like see your take on the evolution of movie scores.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

We have an evolution of horror scores episode that you should check out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpfUlH97eKmah5Y

[@rjmckenzie4706]

as a fan of Disney and animation I really enjoyed this video.

[@dynamicalan]

Great video! I never write a 16 bar verse anymore: always 8 bars. But that is a great idea to half the length if you can be concise.

[@cjthibeau4843]

Killer and interesting video as always yall! Maybe do a future episode on music in musicals!

[@zoetele123]

Brilliant

[@zabe3187]

This is why I never listen to pop versions! Thank you I always wondered why I couldn't get into them.

[@LukusCannon]

Now I'm not saying LA and Nahre should marry or anything, but... Maybe ask them nicely if they'll be judges on some sort of "Making the Band" reboot? Or travel the world exploring the many cultures of music? I'll keep watching Sound Field, but I'd watch that, too.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

We traveled around the United States this month making Sound Field episodes for y'all!

[@LukusCannon]

@@SoundFieldPBS G E N I U S

[@dragongirl4110]

That's right, I heard the story over and over again. Gee, it's swell to finally Meet her OTHER FRIENDS! !!!!!!

[@AceiteArtimus_423]

That's right I heard the story, don't really like how it ends. Gee it's swell to finally meet her OTHER FRIENDS!

[@Gillestrations]

Excellent episode!

[@artvid-1915]

I have these dreams etc. Is so Disney!!!! 😂

[@londalecarter3482]

that song was disney fire!!!!

[@kylehenderson9489]

Is that all I need to get me to subscribe to a channel, an I want song? Yes, yes it is.

[@TheLuizSouza]

New subscriber here. You guys won me over with that one! haha

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks Luiz!

[@gregorclegane7563]

7:40 Wtf!? Listening to it gave me goosebumps. 😍 That's definitely a Disney song!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

The mountain approves!

[@theenergetichopecat7006]

put it simply, Disney pop is emotional and calming. Radio pop is upbeat and entertaining. Although, it depends on the song. Most radio pop songs use more electronics, and most Disney pop songs use a lot more classical instruments and some Broadway influences. I guess a lot of Disney pop songs have a whole list of influences. There are so many genres of music within this catalog! It is hard to believe. With radio pop, there are very few genres. And very few influences. I think that regular pop is used more for entertainment purposes and Disney pop is used for getting you emotional and making you feel nostalgic.

[@pavelr3119]

Subscribed!

[@ricg1479]

60k hype! Let's go!!

[@NRRenggli]

Interesting to hear what audio examples we can & can’t get 🤔 All to not trigger that dreaded copyright claim!

[@djcj]

Great video wow

[@abbelego282]

Great channel! An episode about Marvel movies would be very interesting! Keep up the good work.

[@leaaehm1522]

You got me. Subscribed!

[@nartnir]

You just got one more subscriber

[@sarahhaddad8385]

You won yourself at least one more subscriber. ;)

[@Beryllahawk]

I think I'm going to need to go hunt down sheet music for all the Disney tunes I love and start seriously analyzing them. I knew they were good and sometimes I even knew why, but this level of scrutiny never occurred to me...it's just kid movies right? Kid music for kid movies... Yeah no. VERY interesting!

[@Sonderful1111]

luv this channel!