"Going There" as Writers and Producers
There’s a truth in music production and songwriting that we can sometimes forget: if we, as creators, don’t fully dive into the emotional core of a song, how can we ever expect our listeners to do the same? In other words… If we don’t vibe it, neither will our audience.
It’s easy to get caught up in technical nonsense — hitting every note just right in just a pitch sense, EQing the vocal to death, but at the heart of a great song should be something much more raw and human: feeling.
Performance is King: Energy is Everything
One of the biggest challenges we face in the studio is capturing the energy of a performance.
It’s not just about “does the mic sound nice”. That’s actually secondary.
As much as microphones are essential to recording, they have a downside (which I think is often not considered) — mics tend to make things sound smaller than they really are. They capture the sound, but sometimes, they don’t fully capture the vibe.
That’s why, when you’re recording, whether you’re a singer, musician, or producer encouraging an artist, you need to bring more than just the notes—you need to bring energy. We gotta perform. If we aren’t larger than life, our recording definitely won’t be.
You can’t hold back in the booth. Even if the song is slow or intimate, the performance has to be felt.
So, push your comfort zone. Give 120%! Listeners aren’t in the room with you — they won’t feel the intensity unless you deliver it. This doesn’t only apply to vocals. This goes for anything that’s in the song; guitar, bass, the beat, backing vocals, etc.
Feel the Emotion
To continue from the point above… Music is a language of emotion. If we’re not feeling the emotions of the song as writers and producers, we’re missing the point entirely.
Every lyric, every melody, every beat should come from a place that stirs something inside. But it’s not enough to just write or produce something you think is “cool” or “catchy.” You have to feel it, and you have to mean it.
I’m talking goosebumps. I’m talking tears. I’m talking “LETS GO”. Any of the above, you name it.
When you're in the studio, take a step back and ask yourself:
Does this song move me?
Am I connecting with it?
Is the vibe right?
If the answer is no, how can you expect anyone else to? Take the time to get into the emotional headspace of the song and connect with what you're trying to say.
Delivering the Message
Each song is a conversation. Think of each song like a letter to your listeners. You’ve got something important to say, but it won’t land if you don’t make sure your message is clear and genuine. Whether the song is about heartbreak, joy, resilience, or confusion, it’s your job as the creator to deliver that message with conviction.
Again, the onus is on us to “go there” if we want our audience to “go there” too.
This applies to everything, not just lyrics. How does the music complement the vocal?
If you’re producing, consider how each sonic choice you make either enhances or distracts from the message. That lush pad might sound dope, but does it help drive the song home? Every decision counts.
Create Expectation
Don’t overfeed your audience. To use hunger as an analogy, we don’t want to stuff their faces. We actually don’t even want them to be full. We want them to have juuust enough to still be a little bit hungry again when the song is over. That’s how you get the repeat.
Great music keeps us hooked because it creates and directs our expectations.
The tension before a drop, the way a melody resolves, or doesn’t resolve — it’s all part of going on a journey. But to create that journey, you have to understand it first.
When you’re in the studio, you need to consider (or even anticipate) how your listeners will react to every moment. You need to feel those moments yourself—get excited by them! If you’re crafting a buildup, and you don’t feel your own pulse quicken with anticipation, then why would your audience?
This is where it gets exciting as a writer or producer. You’re not just making music; you’re telling a story in real-time, keeping your listener on their toes, and rewarding them with the payoff.
Feeling Excited: The Litmus Test
Here’s the thing: if you’re not excited about your track in the studio, it’s unlikely that anyone else will be when they hear it. Huge chance that something might be missing. We are our own best litmus tests to see if the song is bumping.
That emotion we feel while listening in the studio will be the same energy listeners feel when they hear it on the radio, streaming, or wherever.
Trust your gut. If you're bouncing in your seat, involuntarily tapping your foot, losing yourself in the track — your listeners will, too. That feeling is contagious. If it’s not happening, the song isn’t done.
A couple of good questions to ask yourself:
Is the emotion real?
Is the performance big enough?
Are we taking enough risks in the arrangement?
Pro tip to save you some time and heartache: If you’re having to convince yourself, then it’s not done.
Wrapping Up
In the end, music is about connection. As writers and producers, it’s our job to lead the way. If we don’t go there emotionally, creatively, and energetically, we can’t expect our listeners to follow us. So, push yourself. Go all in. Be bold. Because when you do, the magic happens. And, that’s what brings people back to your music again and again.