Mastering Metal Songwriting

It’s easy for musicians to get so caught up in the latest gear, plugins, and presets, and forget that ultimately, it’s all about the music. Join Eyal Levi and special guests Ryan Clark (Demon Hunter), Todd Jones (Nails, Terror), and John Browne (Monuments) for an in-depth exploration of what it takes to craft great songs.

Eyal will share the tricks of the songwriting trade he’s learned over years of experience as a producer at Audiohammer Studios (The Black Dahlia Murder, August Burns Red, Whitechapel) and guitarist for Century Media/Roadrunner artists Daath. Throughout this two-day course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the three core components of metal/rock songwriting. You’ll learn about basic song structure and riff-writing; melodies, leads, and vocals; and fine-tuning the arrangement to take your song from good to great. Eyal will be joined by special guests -- from musicians to producers and more -- who will empower you to take your songwriting to new heights.

• Day 1 Pre-Show
• Course Introduction
• Be Self Critical
• Remove Creative Barriers
• Warming Up Your Brain
• Defining a Riff with Todd Jones
• Using Key Changes
• The Right Album Lineup
• Inspiration with Ryan Clark
• The Right Hook
• Influences VS Stealing
• Metal Underground Submission Critiques
• Busting Writer's Block
• Making Transitions
• Day 1 Wrap-Up
• Day 2 Pre-Show
• EZKEYS: Basics
• Refine Your Writing with Pat Lukens
• Demo Arrangement Notes
• Rhythmic Variations Exercise
• Chord Colors Exercise
• Chord Progression Exercise
• Theme and Variations: Intro and Chorus
• Theme and Variations: Bridge and Outro
• Song Critiques With John Browne
• Theme and Variations Breakdown
• Polyrhythms and Layering
• Day 2 Wrap-Up