Infectiously catchy melodies have the uncanny ability to sink their teeth into our brains, refusing to let go no matter how much we try. So what exactly gives these notorious "earworms" their power? As dance music producer BNYX reveals in his signature melody design masterclass for FL Studio, the science behind crafting the perfect melodic recipe is intricate yet attainable with some knowledge and finesse. Let‘s break down the method to BNYX‘s contagious melodic madness.
The Neuroscience of Catchy Melodies
Over 100 years of research has investigated what musical factors cause certain melodies to "stick" in our minds as earworms. In recent decades, neuroscientists have zeroed in on key ingredients [1]:
Repetition
Familiarity breeds addiction. Refrains repeated enough imprint onto our neural pathways. Quantitatively, melodies repeated 2-10 times cement memorability.
Rhythmic predictability
Our brains crave pattern recognition to anticipate what comes next. Dance music historically leverages rhythmic consistency through steady 4/4 time signatures and recurring 1/8th note hi hat patterns.
Interval variance
A melody that ascends/descends through entirely predictable adjacent scale intervals quickly bores us. Optimal melodies feature occasional surprising jumps that deviate from the anticipated next note – though not excessively.
Pentatonic scales
The ubiquitous five note major/minor pentatonic scales innately appeal to our sensibilities, transcending cultures worldwide. Pentatonic melodies also allow flexible improvisation as all scale tones "fit".
Harmonic ambiguity
Mystery keeps us engaged. Melodies that emphasize melodic intervals over clearly defined chords postpone full harmonic resolution. This lingering feeling magnetically pulls our interest further in hopes of an eventual cadence.
So in summary, our brains are essentially pattern recognition machines seeking balance between enough repetition for familiarity yet variance to remain surprising. BNYX leverages this science, as we‘ll dissect next.
Technical Composition: Constructing Catchy Melodic Layers
Deconstructing BNYX‘s melodies first requires understanding basic terminology for the constituent layers and compositional techniques leveraged in electronic dance music [2]:
Chords: Series of >= 3 notes from scales played harmonically
Arpeggios: Broken chords played sequentially
Basslines: Anchor rhythmic foundation both harmonically and in low register
Leads: Primary catchy melodic hooks
Pads: Sustained background chords/drones
Plucks: Short staccato melodic phrases
Stabs: Multinote ornamental bursts
Riffs: Distinctive repeated melodic motifs
Harmony: Chords/intervals supporting the melody
Skilled producers intuitively integrate these layers to construct earworm melodies. Analyzing BNYX‘s formula within this framework reveals his artistry:
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| Layer | BNYX Implementation |
|---|---|
| Chords | Drifting minor key chord progressions (Am, Dm) every 2 bars providing harmonic foundation |
| Bass | Sub bass + distorted mid bass in call/response patterns |
| Leads | High register bell/keys riffs repetitively outlining chord tones |
| Plucks | Stuttering rhythmic organ/bell plucks of 2-3 notes landing off grid |
| Pads | None – harmonic ambiguity preferred |
| Stabs | Gliding 808 note stabs accenting pluck back beats |
This interplay of layers—coupled with modular deviation every 4 bars—creates anticipation as our minds subconsciously predict resolutions. The compositions masterfully toe the line of satisfying expectations while introducing occasional ideas that exceed them.
Range of Emotions: Moods and Feelings Evoked
Beyond technical wizardry, BNYX distinguishes himself by conveying specific moods and emotions through his progressive melodies that unfold over time. Dance music aims not only to make bodies move but to move minds and hearts in the process.
As both producer and avid fan, the feelings, images, and memories BNYX‘s tracks invoke for me personally include:
- Playfulness
- Levity
- Tongue-in-cheek humor
- Spontaneity
- Welcoming warmth
- Nostalgia
- Childlike wonder
- Video game characters/settings
I close my eyes listening and distinctly envision joyful characters bouncing around fantasy worlds. BNYX‘s leads dance around with infectious energy while the plucks chuckle mischievously. The melodies tell a story just open to interpretation based on each listener‘s own imagination.
This emotional resonance and imagery demonstrates BNYX‘s brilliance – his melodies speak to our hearts even devoid of lyrics. Catchiness alone fails to fully explain the job great music does on our psyches. Neuroimaging reveals our brains literally light up recognizably reacting to preferred music [3], uncovering foundations for shared emotional experiences.
Performance Techniques: Humanizing Computerized Music
A common critique of electronic music is the perceived cold, robotic, impersonal feel compared to traditional instruments. However, techniques do exist for producers to impart "humanized" groove and rhythmic sway. As BNYX notes, it‘s vital to avoid overt quantization when aiming for fluid, life-like musicality.
Velocity
By dynamically varying the volume of individual hits within melodic phrases, dynamic accents emulate a real musician emphasizing certain notes.
Timing
Even minuscule delays or rushes (+/- 5-10 ms) of particular notes effectively mimic human imprecision.
Pitch
Subtly detuning notes/chords several cents sharp/flat conveys natural variability in instrumental tuning.
Tension & release
Swelling sounds in/out with volume, filter, distortion effects heightens phrasing impact.
BNYX harnesses all the above plus advanced methods like groove templates—altering the entire drum grid timing—and random modulation mapped to knobs. This frees melodies from the mathematic perfection of MIDI sequencing towards performances with true soul.
Arrangement: Song Structure Framework
The skeleton arranging instrumental layers into a complete composition requires its own careful choreography [4]:
-
Intro: 16-32 bars gradually introducing melodic elements
-
Drop: Full melodic layers crash together in euphoric event
-
Breakdown: Stripping away layers builds anticipation of…
-
Build-up: Layering and effects intensify towards next drop
-
Bridge: Contrasting chord progressions and/or melodic motifs
-
Outro: Resolution through fading out layers
BNYX shares a general arranging schematic commonly utilized:
Intro (16b)
Drop A (16b)
Breakdown (8b)
Buildup (8b)
Drop B (16b)
Bridge (8b)
Breakdown (8b)
Buildup (8b)
Drop A (16b)
Outro (16b)This roadmap endlessly allows for improvisation. Comparing BNYX‘s arrangements against other hit melodic tracks confirms shared DNA. Master producers stick to proven templates for good reason – we expect satisfying payoff listening to tension build and release. When executed effectively our pleasure centers light up.
Case Study Comparisons
How else does BNYX melody production differentiate from other renowned dance producers? Below case study comparisons of signature tracks provide context:
*REZZ – Alien
- Key Melodic Components: Screeching lead, alien vocal samples, rhythmic arpeggios, pounding sub bass
- Emotional Tenor: Dark, hypnotic, exotic, otherworldly, ominous
- Signature Element: Heavily gated leads/arps creating rhythmic interest
*Illenium – Take You Down
- Key Components: Euphoric female vocals, uplifting chord progressions, angelic pads/plucks
- Emotional Tenor: Dramatic, romantic, cathartic
- Signature Element: Vocal chops punctuating drops
*San Holo – They Just Haven‘t Seen It
- Key Components: Nostalgic guitar plucks/riffs, pitched vocals, sparkling pads/keys
- Emotional Tenor: Bittersweet, anthemic, youthful
- Signature Element: Guitar serving as lead melodic layer
The comparative analysis reveals BNYX occupies his own creative niche both technically and aesthetically. Producers seeking mainstream success therefore benefit greatly understanding where their sounds fit within the competitive market landscape to appropriately position and market themselves.
In Closing
Inspecting melodic composition under the microscope unveils the sheer complexity producers like BNYX deftly balance to engage listeners. By examining relevant neurological and technical research on catchy songwriting along with planning structurally cohesive arrangements, we demystify the melodic madness.
Synthesizing insights across scientific studies, music theory principles, sound design best practices, and case study comparisons empowers aspiring producers to emulate such ingenious infectious songwriting. Comprehensive understanding of how our brains respond to specific melodic triggers unlocks enormous potential.
The next iconic earworm awaits those willing to meticulously analyze and incorporate elements covered here. Now beautifully bouncing melodies can bloom from sterile silence given proper care and feeding. Let BNYX guide your planting through versatile techniques covered to yield your own signature sound.
Happy harvesting melodic magic!