Originally Posted by Mark Kaufman



So I thought I'd post this as a discussion topic: have you thought much about your song's length?



I NEVER have to think about it all and haven't for years. At least that's one thing off my list smile

But I often remind others who come to the studio to do this.
LOOK at the clock... It usually tells you something.
When your song is feeling "not right" look at the time, Oh it's now at 5:26 mark? Oh that chorus started at 1:48 or 2:10... Hmmm
well that lead guitar intro for 30 seconds didn't help did it?

Felt good but did it help the song overall?

When you have a basic understanding for arrangements your songs naturally fall into the right time frame. But what Jim said was a HUGE key.. what kinda song and situation are you talking about? Most Rock songs even today are tad longer than regular poppy pop. You'll see many 4:26 - 4:38 etc.... om a Fuel or Nickelback record. And yes dance music is the longest...

The real trouble is making a song NOT feel like it's 10 minutes long lol.. Again arrangement and what you do musically makes all the difference in the world.

I have catchy songs and they all fall in the same time frames.
Once in a while they will stretch out a tad to make them more interesting and a bit more involved musically.
The difference is knowing the difference and the ability to do both and know when to do it.. "it's a feel. Each song tells you.

Also ballads tend to be a little longer.... Make a Slooooow tempo and what is that gonna do to the clock?

One other thing, it is VERY hard to make a really good LONG song.
Most of us starting with me do not have what it takes to make a "Roundabout" or a Bohemiam Rhapsody..
And drugs have ZERO to do with that....

Thanks!
Peace Mike
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