We got to know Signs of Progress back in January when they released their infectious single, “Bones Exposed”.
I always love supporting a band from my home state of Florida, and it helps when they make such great music with that perfect hint of nostalgia.
The band just put out their newest single, “Autopilot” accompanied by a super creative video game themed video:
The fast paced riffs and relentless drums remind me a lot of one of my favorite bands, Tsunami Bomb.
Signs of Progress make sure that their songs get stuck in your head. Inevitably, I knew that this band would have some valuable input on songwriting:
#1. Don’t Limit Yourself
“Don’t limit yourself to what you know – there is so much out there to explore musically. You might continue to play everything you already know how to play and as a result, your compositions will blend together or, in other words, start to sound similar. Give yourself time to experiment with your instrument and go out of your way to try things without knowing exactly what will happen (ex: hand positioning, tuning, genre-bending etc.).” – Jarred McKinney
#2. Don’t Get Attached
“”When writing music, don’t get too attached to any single instrumental part you come up with. One of the frequent issues I run into is writing a riff I really enjoy, but then structuring the whole song around that one riff. It works in some ways, but I often feel a song turns out more cohesive if I go back and alter the original piece I was working with. Since I loved that initial component so much, I’ll treat it as if it is untouchable when – in reality – changing certain nuances can make it flow better once you reach the end product.” – Justin Burger
#3. Write About Something Personal
“As far as lyrics go, I always try to write about something personal I’ve experienced. Pop punk has this reputation of dishing out songs that are only about a love interest or getting out of your town, which is fine if that’s what you’re into; a lot of genres have similar themes. In a musical world where everything has been done, I find it more beneficial and rewarding to write about something I know people can still relate to without it being translated so literally. I would advise any budding songwriter to just go with their heart rather than write something that they think is going to follow a certain formula. The rhyming part could be tricky, but there are plenty of resources online that come in handy!” – Sage Viscovi
#4. Step Away From the Music!
“One thing I always do when writing is step away from the music. Oftentimes, people will bang their head against the wall trying to force something to work. Chances are you already know what the solution to the problem is! It was just meant to be solved in a different way than you may have intended. If you get frustrated, sometimes the best thing you can do is leave it overnight and it allows you to come back and see it in a new light.” – Justin Burger
#5. Don’t Rely Too Heavily on Your Influences
“Finally, try your earnest not to rely too heavily on your influences. Figure out what your sound is or what you want it to be if you haven’t already.” – Jarred McKinney
“Learn how to express yourself through your music, don’t be afraid to be a little freaky!” – Justin Burger
*Music Video credits:
Directed and Edited by: Patrikk Hammer *Video done in collaboration for school video project.
*Song Credits:
Written by: Signs of Progress
Recorded, Mixed and Produced by: Lee Dyess @ Earthsound Recordings
Listen to Signs of Progress’ debut EP below:
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