Ever wondered what it really takes to shoot a music video? In this video, I take you behind the scenes of our latest music video production and share the entire journey—from planning and preparation to unexpected problems, changing constraints, and the chaos of the actual shoot.

This was my biggest music video production yet, with a larger cast, choreography, a script, multiple locations, and a lot more planning than I'm used to. Things didn't always go according to plan—but that's exactly where the most interesting lessons came from.

I'll talk about the challenges we faced, the problems we had to solve on the fly, and why having the right people involved can make all the difference.

Watch the finished music video here:
Watch the music video

Key takeaways:
• Adaptability and problem-solving are essential parts of the creative process.
• The people you surround yourself with can make or break a project.

What makes Holly Humberstone’s “Friendly Fire” such a compelling song?

In this songwriting breakdown, Friedemann takes a deep dive into “Friendly Fire,” analyzing everything from the acoustic guitar intro and chord progression to the lyrics, vocal production, arrangement, and unexpected drum groove.

The song starts out intimate and vulnerable, but its rhythmic choices introduce a surprising boldness that completely changes how the song feels. We’ll look at how Holly Humberstone uses groove, structure, harmony, and production to support the emotional story of the song — and why one particular drum choice works so well.

Most importantly, we’ll pull out a stealable songwriting technique: experimenting with unexpected drum grooves to completely transform the feeling of a song.

If you’re a songwriter, producer, or musician interested in songwriting analysis, drum grooves, song arrangement, music production, chord progressions, and writing more emotionally effective songs, there’s plenty to steal from this track.

In this video:
• Holly Humberstone – “Friendly Fire” song analysis
• Acoustic guitar and intimate songwriting
• Chord progression and harmony
• Lyrics, vulnerability and personal struggle
• Vocal production and arrangement
• The unexpected drum groove
• How rhythm can change the emotional impact of a song
• Song structure and thematic development
• A stealable technique for experimenting with drum grooves

If you want to go deeper into groove, drums, arrangement, and rhythmic songwriting, check out my Puppet Master Groove Bundle:

The Puppet Master Groove Bundle

#HollyHumberstone #Songwriting #SongwritingTips

Why do some songs get stuck in your head after just one listen — while others disappear from your memory almost instantly?

In this video, we explore the psychology of memorable music and break down what actually makes a song memorable. Memorability isn’t random: there are specific psychological and songwriting principles you can use to make melodies, hooks, lyrics, and entire songs more memorable.

We’ll look at four key ingredients of memorable music: attention, repetition, contrast, and emotional connection.

You’ll learn why certain musical ideas grab our attention, how repetition makes songs stick, why contrast makes a musical moment stand out, and how getting the listener to participate can turn a good song into an unforgettable one.

If you’re a songwriter, producer, musician, or music creator, this video will give you practical songwriting techniques for writing better hooks, melodies, choruses, and songs that people actually remember.

• Attention – How to make the listener notice an idea
• Repetition – Why repeated patterns get stuck in our heads
• Contrast – How difference and surprise make moments stand out
• Participation – Why listeners remember things they actively engage with
• Emotional connection – How emotion strengthens musical memory

#Songwriting #SongwritingTips #MusicTheory

What makes a great song really great? In this songwriting breakdown, Friedemann analyzes a song he’s completely obsessed with — from its lyrics, melody, chords, and guitar playing to its drum groove, vocal performance, and arrangement.

There’s a lot more going on here than meets the ear. We’ll break down how the song uses tension and release, rhythmic performance, vocal layering, chord progression, and melodic choices to create its emotional impact.

And at the end, I’ll show you a stealable songwriting technique you can use in your own songs: how to reinterpret chords to create unexpected tension and satisfying resolution.

If you’re interested in songwriting, music theory, song analysis, songwriting techniques, chord progressions, melody, harmony, lyrics, arrangement, or music production, this breakdown will give you plenty of ideas to steal for your own music.

In this video:
• Songwriting analysis: what makes the song work
• Lyrics and storytelling
• Melody and vocal performance
• Chord progression and harmony
• Guitar playing and rhythmic performance
• Drum groove and rhythmic tension
• Backing vocals and vocal arrangement
• Song arrangement and structure
• Tension & release in songwriting
• A chord reinterpretation technique you can steal for your own songs

#Songwriting #SongwritingTips #SongAnalysis #MusicProduction

BTS don't just write catchy songs—they build them with a strong sense of structure, energy, and surprise.

In this video, Friedemann starts by sharing his experience of attending a BTS concert before diving deep into the songwriting behind one of their tracks. Together, we'll analyze the chord progression, synth textures, live bass arrangement, and the song's unusual melodic structure. We'll also explore how BTS use call and response in the chorus, why the arrangement keeps the energy moving, and how a completely new chord progression transforms the ending.

Along the way, Friedemann uncovers a powerful songwriting technique he calls the "Second Verse Jump"—a concept that any songwriter can steal and use in their own music.

🎵 Want to level up your songwriting? Check out our courses and programs:
https://www.holistic-songwriting.com/products

Discover the hidden songwriting brilliance of Half Moon Run in this episode of the podcast as we dive deep into their song “You Can Let Go.”

Often described as an underrated band, Half Moon Run combine incredible musicianship, unique arrangements, and emotional songwriting into a sound that feels both organic and meticulously crafted.

We break down the song’s instrumentation, guitar parts, chord progressions, vocal rhythms, harmonic movement, and production choices to uncover what makes this track so compelling. From the intricate drum grooves to the unexpected structural decisions, “You Can Let Go” is a masterclass in creating tension, release, and musical depth.

Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or simply a fan of great music, this analysis offers a closer look at the creative decisions behind one of Half Moon Run’s most fascinating songs.

In this episode, we explore:

• The songwriting and production techniques behind “You Can Let Go”
• Half Moon Run’s unique musical identity and instrumentation
• How chord progressions create emotional movement
• The role of vocal rhythm and melody in storytelling
• The song’s structure, time signatures, and evolving arrangement
• The band’s intricate drum grooves and linear drumming approach

#HalfMoonRun #YouCanLetGo #Songwriting #MusicProduction #SongAnalysis

What makes Oliver Tree’s “I’m Gone” such a fascinating piece of songwriting?

In this episode, we break down the unusual choices behind the song — from its expressive vocal performance and unexpected chord progressions to the way it builds tension, release, and emotional impact.

We explore how the song’s unconventional structure, including the midpoint bridge and reimagined final section, keeps the listener engaged and creates a sense of surprise. Along the way, we analyze the guitar parts, arrangement decisions, and songwriting techniques that make “I’m Gone” stand out.

Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or simply curious about how great songs are constructed, this breakdown offers a closer look at the creative decisions behind Oliver Tree’s unique sound.

#Songwriting #MusicProduction #OliverTree

AI is changing the way we create, learn, and communicate — but should we embrace it, fear it, or reject it?

In this episode, I explore my changing perspective on artificial intelligence: from the initial fear and uncertainty around AI to a more nuanced view of what it actually means for creativity, education, and the future of artists.

We talk about whether AI is a threat to human creativity or simply another tool in the creative toolbox, how it is reshaping social media, what role it should play in education, and the ethical questions every creator has to answer for themselves.

Rather than asking “Is AI good or bad?”, the more important question might be: How do we choose to use it?

Topics discussed:

• Why AI initially felt threatening
• How AI affects creativity and artistic expression
• The future of AI in education
• How AI is changing social media and content creation
• Whether creators should embrace or reject AI
• Teaching the next generation to think critically about AI
• The difference between using AI ethically and using it irresponsibly

Takeaways:

• AI is a neutral tool — the impact depends on how we use it
• The ethical use of AI is a personal choice
• Creativity, intention, and human perspective remain essential

#AI #Creativity #FutureOfEducation #Songwriting #ArtificialIntelligence

In this episode, Friedemann breaks down “My Own Summer (Shove It)” by Deftones, focusing on what makes the track so powerful from a songwriting and production perspective.

Rather than just analyzing surface-level details, we zoom into the mechanics: how tension is built and released, how sound design shapes emotional impact, and how lyrics and imagery contribute to the song’s eerie, restrained energy.

We also look closely at structure and arrangement choices, and how the band uses contrast to keep the listener locked in from start to finish.

If you’re interested in songwriting, production, or understanding why certain songs feel so compelling, this breakdown will give you practical insights you can apply directly to your own work.

🎵 Join Next Level Songwriter:
https://www.holistic-songwriting.com/next-level-songwriter

In this episode, we break down Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song Man Child and uncover the songwriting and production choices that make it so effective. From its central theme and lyrical approach to its meticulously crafted production, we explore how the song balances sharp accusations with humor, creating a track that feels both playful and cutting.

Along the way, we analyze the song’s use of delayed resolution to build tension, its colorful melodic choices, and the subtle musical techniques that keep listeners engaged. We also discuss the cultural impact of Man Child, the craftsmanship behind its arrangement, and why its production feels so polished and complete.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, or simply a fan of great pop music, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes Man Child such a compelling listen.

Key Takeaways

• How delayed resolution creates tension and anticipation
• Why humor makes the song’s criticism more effective
• The relationship between melody and lyrical meaning
• Production techniques that elevate the track
• What makes a modern pop song feel “finished”