Why 80s music sound so good

Музыка

Have you ever wondered why 80s pop music sounds so different from pop music made today?
I show you why and I explain how you can make your own tracks the same way.
A day in the life of a Nordic synth artist and KZreadr: • A day in the life of a...
* Since my use of the chord lettering "H" has caused so much confusion, a little explanation is in order:
This originates many hundreds of years ago when some sheet music arrived from Italy into Germany. They mistook the letter "b" for "h" and thus the confusion begun.
Many countries in Europe, not only Germany use the letter "H" where many other countries, among them USA would use the letter "B".
I come from Scandinavia and we've always used the letter "H" for this chord and note.
If I'd known at the time I made this video that so many from other countries would watch the video, I would have used "B" and I have been doing so in every other video coming after this.
In short, just use "B" where I say "H" and you"re good to go. "Hm7=Bm7 etc.. *
This is primarily a tutorial for beginners in the world of composition and for those who do not yet fully understand the importance of more complex chords and chord progression. I've simplified some chords and theory for this very reason. :)
espenkraft.bandcamp.com/
Although "If you leave me now" was written in the 70s (as is the original "Greatest love of all") the tradition in which the song is written was well carried over into the 80s and in Europe that Chicago song was a hit in the early 80s as well.)

Пікірлер: 4 100

  • @idemditto
    @idemditto Жыл бұрын

    For me the 80s was the time when music was still made with feeling and where you also had to put your feeling in to make something beautiful. Nowadays everyone can make music with a computer, yes with emotion but also without and that's why I miss the 80s so much.

  • @melluzi
    @melluzi3 жыл бұрын

    80s music was so good because there was a lot of music in it.

  • @HaharuRecords

    @HaharuRecords

    3 жыл бұрын

    Also, in the studio there were musicians not soccar players and scuba divers to play instruments

  • @zxbryc

    @zxbryc

    2 жыл бұрын

    so to sum things up, 80s music was good because it had a lot of music in it and the musicians didn't play soccer or scuba dive. good to know

  • @mrmarmellow563

    @mrmarmellow563

    2 жыл бұрын

    SIMPLE TECH OF SCUBA IN &POP💯

  • @Sarahbuildsstepsequencers

    @Sarahbuildsstepsequencers

    2 жыл бұрын

    80’s music, like previous decades was still rooted in melody. Todays Pop is more about “beats,” and it sucks. 80’s was special for music because of emerging synth technologies. The music literally changed with newer keyboards with new features. I’m sure Espen can identify music both by year as well as the synthesizers for that year. I for one am very thankful for Espen. He’s really like a bridge back in time; more so than a DeLorean DMC-12!

  • @SMGJohn

    @SMGJohn

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers Yes, music used to tell stories in the past, and music in 60s - 80s as you say melodies, still based themselves on telling a story through the sound of music, late 80s and mid 90s is when we start seeing a lot of experimentation in what you say "beats" kind of music, even in rock they do this and its disgusting, Japan still produces strange hybrid of melodies even to this day and a lot of indie musicians in the west still play music the old way.

  • @Keyboardman88
    @Keyboardman883 жыл бұрын

    Don't forget that the 80's were the decades of the synthesizers.

  • @guayabito6946

    @guayabito6946

    2 жыл бұрын

    That was more 70s.

  • @Keyboardman88

    @Keyboardman88

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@guayabito6946 70's, or mid to late 70's the synth was used more in Jazz - like Herbie Hancock. In the 80's it was the foundation for a lot of Pop music.

  • @peadookie

    @peadookie

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm not convinced that the 2020's aren't the decade of synth...

  • @sandik964

    @sandik964

    Жыл бұрын

    @@peadookie More like the decade of how to use synths the boring way

  • @rpcheesman

    @rpcheesman

    Жыл бұрын

    70's - decade of the analogue synth, 80's - decade of the digital synth. In the 70's you had people using the monolithic modular mono synths and the like. During the 80's we got into preset territory and the rise of the DX7 and D50 synths in particular.

  • @drexlspivey5828
    @drexlspivey58285 жыл бұрын

    In the 80's there was a huge emphasis on the relationship between chord progressions and melody, almost like an orchestra, and how a small change in a chord (as demonstrated here) could affect the emotion of the melody, it really was true composing. Nowadays I don't think artists know what a chord progression is let alone how to write one, music has become simplistic in a bad way (a beat and a couple of 'blip' sounds)

  • @SquierMarr

    @SquierMarr

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@droopy_eyes Thank you for defending modern pop. There is definitely more of an emphasis on rythyms and that is not inherently bad it's just different. I like both 80s music and modern music for different things. 80s music definitely has an elegance to it because of it's focus on the things explained in the video. But modern pop music can be a lot more hard hitting and bring about emotion in a more aggressive less elegant way due to the way it uses rythym. This is just a different feeling and is not inferior in some way. Of course there is a lot of pop music these days that does not utilise this to the fullest and is very uncreative. But I generally listen to music from producers that originate from PC Music and they do a lot with the modern style in more experimental ways. I will happily listen to SOPHIE and Depeche Mode on the same day for different reasons.

  • @MrMeeseeksPiano

    @MrMeeseeksPiano

    Жыл бұрын

    yes, let's generalize all 21st century music to what you hear on TikTok

  • @Kevinschart

    @Kevinschart

    Жыл бұрын

    What an ignorant comment. Artists today don't know what a chord progressions is? Musicians have a far better understanding of music theory and concepts today than ever before. Musical tastes have simply changed.

  • @billmcnelis5999

    @billmcnelis5999

    10 ай бұрын

    And more diverse subjects lyrically, arrangement, it goes on and on

  • @stoltobot
    @stoltobot3 жыл бұрын

    Perhaps it’s simply nostalgia due to the age I was at the time but I find the combination of composition, melody, FM synths, guitar production and gated reverb drums that constitute 80s pop music really emotionally evocative.

  • @nocturnal7345

    @nocturnal7345

    2 жыл бұрын

    Don't forget the Sax!

  • @AbhinavSrivastava11

    @AbhinavSrivastava11

    Жыл бұрын

    It’s not only that I was born in 1998 and still thinks 80s music are the best and its not confirmation bias

  • @billmcnelis5999

    @billmcnelis5999

    10 ай бұрын

    Composition and melody have always been compelling and always will be.

  • @Moridin69

    @Moridin69

    3 ай бұрын

    It's not nostalgia. I only got into the 80s hits a few years ago but I still think they kick ass

  • @shinekibera655

    @shinekibera655

    3 ай бұрын

    It’s the nostalgia. Most of the clubs in Kenya will play 80s and 90s music all night and nobody will complain.

  • @djfredmiami
    @djfredmiami5 жыл бұрын

    I wish I had the knowledge to understand his explanation, but yes - there is something about the 80’s synth pop that fascinates me, something I cannot find in almost any of today’s songs

  • @sirdetmist3204

    @sirdetmist3204

    2 ай бұрын

    I think part of it is that a lot of the people who were in their "musical prime" in the 80s were born anytime from the 30s to the 60s. These people had to learn to make music the old fashioned way. They had some real limitations that they had to get around. Once you bring computing into it and now you can mix anything you want with anything you, you are essentially giving music gods an endless toolkit. That will produce something crazy. These people had to learn to be musicians first. A lot of modern artists are just glorified DJs, they don't need to be able to play anything because a machine can do it for them. And I think when power like that is acquired so easily, you lose respect of the craft itself.

  • @troycharbonneau8643
    @troycharbonneau86432 жыл бұрын

    Also lots of reverb, and gated snare. And the synths of the time that were transitioning to digital and attempting to sound like real instruments, but due to tech limitations they ended up being a beautiful sound all their own. Also need the saxophone, nobody does that anymore.

  • @forbiddenforest5327

    @forbiddenforest5327

    2 жыл бұрын

    yeah sax is so damned 80s - every movie had a sleazy sax solo

  • @kommentierer2707

    @kommentierer2707

    Жыл бұрын

    Baker Street🙏

  • @adamsansom4822
    @adamsansom4822 Жыл бұрын

    There was so much sound that defined the 80's. The main ones I think are gated reverb on snares. 727s and 808s. Synths with bass pluking. Incredibly over the top guitar riffs and solos drenched with reverb and chorus!

  • @kmelodic4545
    @kmelodic45455 жыл бұрын

    Love 80s music...was fortunate to have been born in the late 60s and enjoy 60s 70s 80s 90s music as a musician songwriter and producer I write a lot of music with that 80's sound... nothing like the funk pop R&B sound of that era

  • @louiedelatorre1667

    @louiedelatorre1667

    5 жыл бұрын

    K melodic do you sell your instrumentals or produce for others? I write chill synthy music but love the 80s style with funky basslines

  • @Shred_The_Weapon

    @Shred_The_Weapon

    4 жыл бұрын

    I was born in 1980 myself and kind of absorbed the 60s and 70s at the same time that the 80s were unfolding. They all complimented each other brilliantly in my ears.

  • @Shred_The_Weapon

    @Shred_The_Weapon

    4 жыл бұрын

    The change was sooner than that, by 8-10 years.

  • @djscott9207

    @djscott9207

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Shred_The_Weapon My comment was deleted by YT. Figures.

  • @darrenhirst9900
    @darrenhirst99003 жыл бұрын

    The eighties music was just magical and its very fondly remembered. The tutorial was very good. Thanks

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks! :)

  • @marks2807
    @marks28073 жыл бұрын

    Maybe because every singer was not autotuned with a computer. So good singers stood out.

  • @frostwise87
    @frostwise873 жыл бұрын

    "Why does 80s pop music sound so good?" A quote 10 years ago I would never expect to hear :) Great video

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @SethJohn
    @SethJohn6 жыл бұрын

    One of the more elaborate Rick Rolls I've seen

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Rick will never die! :D

  • @cahenglish

    @cahenglish

    6 жыл бұрын

    Hip hip hooray!

  • @ericjohnson1811

    @ericjohnson1811

    5 жыл бұрын

    Indeed it was!

  • @winesoup6907

    @winesoup6907

    5 жыл бұрын

    ​and he will never desert you!

  • @friend_xtra

    @friend_xtra

    5 жыл бұрын

    that's not how a Rick Roll works

  • @daspicybirb9356
    @daspicybirb93565 жыл бұрын

    As a 14 year old, I still prefer 80s, 90s music. The artist really know what the real music sounds like! I know some of my friends don’t really pay attention to my favourite genre, but I still, I really like these music!

  • @lucifer_5614

    @lucifer_5614

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree, I also enjoy 80’s and 90’s music. Basically older songs. New ones.. eh, they are fine but not my style

  • @Batman-hb9dh

    @Batman-hb9dh

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea same

  • @MrMeeseeksPiano

    @MrMeeseeksPiano

    Жыл бұрын

    wow, you are so special, man

  • @prioryjonesofficial5292
    @prioryjonesofficial52925 жыл бұрын

    I love 80's music and the sounds of the synth of the era are the best.

  • @djdigital3806

    @djdigital3806

    4 жыл бұрын

    The 80's synthenziers was the best. The Yamaha DX7 was the first digital keyboard synthenzier 🎹 released in 1979.

  • @Shred_The_Weapon

    @Shred_The_Weapon

    4 жыл бұрын

    No, it was from ‘83.

  • @kjemradio
    @kjemradio4 жыл бұрын

    Well the other big reason for the 80s pop sound was the synths used in the day. They were really unique sounding. I think the first time I really heard synth as a child was on Sesame Street with the 3 stripped balls and 1 polkadot ball where the Moog is the dominate instrument. The Who and Pink Floyd experimented a lot with very early synths, but pads had not come out yet. Plus most of the artist of the 80s were piano players so the musicianship was already there. As a child of the 80s I never really appreciated this type of sound. I was strictly rock, hard rock, metal, sped and thrash metal. I couldn't tolerate any synth sounds. Now in my mid 40s, I have a deep appreciation for the synth wave of the 80s sound.

  • @jameshhenderson8243

    @jameshhenderson8243

    4 жыл бұрын

    kjemradio They were real musicians not cut and paste artists.

  • @ytyt3922
    @ytyt39225 жыл бұрын

    I could never figure out why even a band like Erasure, never taken seriously and ridiculed in its day, seemed to produce such ethereal, catchy, and interesting music and why I never hear anything close to it from modern groups. Ditto Petshop Boys, Depeche Mode, etc. This video helped explain it a bit.

  • @MrMikomi

    @MrMikomi

    2 жыл бұрын

    I never saw or heard this ridicule of Erasure that you speak of. They were individually and collectively serious artists; pretty much everyone knew that.

  • @stickyfox

    @stickyfox

    9 ай бұрын

    @@MrMikomiI was never able to take the video for "A Little Respect" seriously but that didn't mean it wasn't a banger of a hit!

  • @David.L291

    @David.L291

    6 ай бұрын

    Erasure was great I really liked them

  • @TheBorderlineWarrior

    @TheBorderlineWarrior

    6 ай бұрын

    @@MrMikomitell that to metal heads

  • @TheNagualZone
    @TheNagualZone4 жыл бұрын

    wow! when you sang and played Whitney Houston - it actually sounded amazing & all the other bits of singing too! who else thinks so? your keyboard sounds are also beautiful to listen to. excellent video! x greetings from London x

  • @Jacqueal
    @Jacqueal4 жыл бұрын

    Modulation and modal interchange has always made music interesting. However, newer Pop relies more on being danceable rather than its musicality, in my opinion.

  • @QueenCelebrationLive
    @QueenCelebrationLive4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome voice and your voice is magic. Yes, some Pet Shop Boys vibe, but so much more!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! :)

  • @kaysha
    @kaysha6 жыл бұрын

    Lots of great tricks to use in my next new retro wave ep 😊😊😊💯

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Do it! Thanks for watching :)

  • @JohanBakkeMusik
    @JohanBakkeMusik5 жыл бұрын

    All the synth sounds are awesome, I recently subscribed to Roland Cloud and have started producing many old songs. In the eighties and nineties I couldn't afford the instruments so I'm taking it back now! 😎

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Emulations can go a long way :)

  • @Kawsaki
    @Kawsaki4 жыл бұрын

    What a great break down of the components of 80s music Espen! I especially loved how you explained the effective chord changes. Great video!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks man! :)

  • @NickSBailey
    @NickSBailey4 жыл бұрын

    I think musicians in those days didn't always know their music theory it was almost by accident that chords and melodies were more complex and interesting, a byproduct of their enthusiasm for doing what they wanted to do lol it definitely also helped that there was an explosion of new sounds from synthesizers and samplers as well. I think people were more likely to get into making music because they appreciated other people's music and wanted to do the same. These days people get into it to be famous the music is almost secondary.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    You're both right and wrong. Most artists back then wouldn't get a record deal unless they'd toured and shown their skills at playing and singing. Some of course got their deals by the looks and the record companies had lined up writers and producers etc. I any case, many of the songs that became hits were written with knowledge of chords and melody, but of course not all. But they all had one thing in common compared to today, they WERE full of chords and melody, not just meaningless grooves and stale melody, like much of the chart music today. ;-)

  • @Kevinschart

    @Kevinschart

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow you guys really are confused. You think the majority of hit music was written by people goofing around on their instruments? Of course not, they had a strong understanding of what they were doing. Perhaps there was more freedom to experiment back then before analytics and streaming, but to say they didn't know their theory is nuts.

  • @billmcnelis5999

    @billmcnelis5999

    10 ай бұрын

    The order: 1. I'm a fabulous star living my best life, 2. Followers and views, 3. Collabs brah, 4. Music

  • @dominikkarkowski
    @dominikkarkowski4 жыл бұрын

    You should make a tutorial about 80’S mastering

  • @axelfiedel3793

    @axelfiedel3793

    3 жыл бұрын

    I highly bet that it's highly analog but that is the beauty of analog.

  • @MrMikomi

    @MrMikomi

    2 жыл бұрын

    Why? You're missing the point here.

  • @dominikkarkowski

    @dominikkarkowski

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@MrMikomi well, why am I missing the point? that's one important element of 80s music

  • @wahyung9669

    @wahyung9669

    Жыл бұрын

    i recall waves were promoting their Plugins and were advertising well esteemed producers and musicians who knew what they were doing . i never liked hearing the concert version but loved the radio broadcast version due to the magic of mixing, where a lot of hours were spent. I’m not talking about remastering how they kill the dynamics but the talent to sculpt raw input into glossy ear candy. Takes artistic talent just as some people can draw a realistic portriat using graphite and others stick men. Seen some fine examples on youtube, amazed how much work is been put into a song, as an example in particular how i heard the stems of a Michael Jackson song been redone the original engineer and realise how complex. (I’m sure you can KZread that for yourself.) Often the end result we can miss, as some are subltly burried deep in the mix but gives the track the extra ooomph in variation. I’m no expert in this art / science but appreciate of such lengths engineers go through to create these variations. Another good example not in mixing but in sound design is the Song FlireFlies by Owl City, I known this is not 80’s but the concept is much like it, just as we love synths to make music sound intresting, i do love real physical musical instruments mixed and not really into 100% synth generated stuff (Yes I known these days sampling plays a big role in particular orcastral instruments), but you get my drift in a bit of artificial mix with natraul sounds. Well search for Track by track break down of flreflies with Adam Young of Owl City, and appreciate what went through his mind, see the tradmendous amount of work. It’s certainly not one of those 1hr work out behind a 1 octave keyboard with premade tracks got of the internet. I love true musicians like Adam and wonderful owner of this channel, they rock and they share, contributing to the community. Music is not my craft, as Im not good at playing in real time, rely heavily on the sequencer for those 2 handed difficult timing sections, I take my hat of those can sight read and changes scales on the fly / improvise / reharmonize in real time or cocktail piano with a cheat sheet. Cheers i learn alot, love what been reveal at this wonderful channel, find the odd gem from the hidden secrets, the channel owner seems to have no fear. Try watching “How a recording studio mishap shaped the 80’s music” and “Why does @TheWeeknd Sound more than 80’s music?’

  • @LFC-Star
    @LFC-Star4 жыл бұрын

    "The Greatest Love Of All" was written by George Benson he released it himself.. Whitney Houston covered it and had a huge hit with it.

  • @ronpatton9424

    @ronpatton9424

    4 жыл бұрын

    Actually, the song was written by Michael Masser, who composed the music, and Linda Creed, who wrote the lyrics. Creed also wrote the lyrics for many of the Stylistics hits, including "Betcha By Golly Wow", "You Make Me Feel Brand New" and "You Are Everything."

  • @xaniiu

    @xaniiu

    4 жыл бұрын

    Saving all my love for you was a cover also.

  • @davidcogan9936
    @davidcogan99364 жыл бұрын

    Great at showing examples after and reiterating so well

  • @Langostagigante
    @Langostagigante4 жыл бұрын

    You are awesome! I love using modulation for my tracks. I really appreciate you breaking down the process for 80's tracks, I always felt the 80's had more substance to their chord progressions and overall writing than past 90's top 40 music.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! I believe so too. :)

  • @Pettemusic
    @Pettemusic5 жыл бұрын

    The Most Important 24 min of Music theory i have ever had

  • @officialWWM

    @officialWWM

    4 жыл бұрын

    Knautschke except, what the hell is an "H" note?

  • @norahidvegi846

    @norahidvegi846

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@officialWWM read updated description

  • @JamesWilliams-ki7im

    @JamesWilliams-ki7im

    4 жыл бұрын

    Go get some lessons... 😃

  • @MarsAlexandre

    @MarsAlexandre

    3 жыл бұрын

    X2

  • @fiaskolo
    @fiaskolo6 жыл бұрын

    Music from the 80s emphasis melody.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Agreed. Thanks for watching! :)

  • @musicismyreligion5213

    @musicismyreligion5213

    4 жыл бұрын

    Actually melody was at its peak long before...in the 40s. Listen to old standards...the melody was the magic.

  • @FinSynthMusic

    @FinSynthMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@musicismyreligion5213 How about classical music then? Or romantic era? Endless debate...

  • @sacredgeometry

    @sacredgeometry

    4 жыл бұрын

    No it emphasises music. Melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation etc. Popular music today is barely musical even if its interesting in its lack of music.

  • @woden198

    @woden198

    4 жыл бұрын

    Music died in the 2010s, all the good music and songs came before early 2000s, after that is it all crap and easily forgettable. Today so called artist have very melodic IQ.

  • @JanetWilliams01
    @JanetWilliams014 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the explanation of "H". It definitely woke me up when I saw it there, but your explanation is good and sufficient. Also, btw, you have a lovely singing voice. Thanks for this video. Very helpful!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for saying Janet! :)

  • @edilsonarruda210
    @edilsonarruda2104 жыл бұрын

    Mr. Espen Kraft, you're the best! Thanks for leading us through the magic of the chord progressions and harmonies of the amazing 80s' music.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks man! :)

  • @wouterdesmedt1736
    @wouterdesmedt17366 жыл бұрын

    Gonna learn to play all of these tomorrow! Please make more of these videos, super informative!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I will continue my quest! :)

  • @DJ_PROMO_PR
    @DJ_PROMO_PR5 жыл бұрын

    This video makes so much sense. I knew there was something in music arrangements from the 80's that made music so special. Thank you for this.

  • @kevinsturges6957
    @kevinsturges69572 жыл бұрын

    This is so revealing. Thank you so much Espen for sharing this.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @mieszkogulinski168
    @mieszkogulinski1682 жыл бұрын

    This video helped me to get outside "regular" major and minor chords when creating music. Thanks a lot!

  • @dopiaza2006
    @dopiaza20064 жыл бұрын

    A huge part of it is the mastering. Dynamic range makes/breaks music.

  • @christopherkahn6522
    @christopherkahn65225 жыл бұрын

    This was so educational. Thank you for sharing your insight. You have great musical sense and that is probably why all your songs sound so good.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much! :)

  • @catloverextreme
    @catloverextreme5 жыл бұрын

    Really great video. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it. I’ve played piano for many years but could never afford professional lessons, you’re teaching style has helped me put theory and names behind the chords I’ve stumbled around for years. Also, the 80’s are the best! Just got a Yamaha dx-7 and I don’t think I’ll ever leave my studio now! Keep up the good work and thanks again!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for saying! If my videos can inspire that's awesome. The DX7 is a classic so enjoy that! :)

  • @asciisynth
    @asciisynth4 жыл бұрын

    Only Europeans can hear the H chord.

  • @Bonbon1948

    @Bonbon1948

    4 жыл бұрын

    lol WTF is H?

  • @jeppegrndahl8284

    @jeppegrndahl8284

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Bonbon1948 instead of using B some people in Europe use H which is really annoying because you never know which to use haha

  • @jingle1161

    @jingle1161

    4 жыл бұрын

    In the Netherlands we use B. I always thought the H was only used in Germany but apparently in Scandinavia this (weird) notation is also common.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    No, I've worked with musicians over the last 25 years here in Norway and it's very common to use the "H" here. When I score sheet music and hand these out to pro musicians, not ONE ever questions the use of "H". Still.

  • @leerv.

    @leerv.

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@EspenKraft Hmmm that's really interesting! I'm in the southwest U.S myself, and I have never heard of a note named "H". That's so different to me! Cool!

  • @MrMikomi
    @MrMikomi2 жыл бұрын

    This is a very good, very useful, and very valuable exposition of the importance and value of creative harmony in pop songwriting. Forget having the "best" plug-ins....this is where the real value is added. It's a reminder that I really must spend more time learning and analyzing more songs from my piano pop songbooks. One caveat is that not everything always has to be complex...I remember a great phrase I heard once on a Jazz dude's channel: in music, sometimes too many chords spoil the broth. Whoops, forgot to say thanks.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @merlynscave
    @merlynscave4 жыл бұрын

    First time I have watched one of your videos. Very informative and thorough. I am working on an album at the moment and am using multi chord patterns and key changes and it is encouraging that someone like yourself is using and praising the people from decades past who used clever musical tricks to make great records. Well done.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks man! :)

  • @ronplucksstrings7112
    @ronplucksstrings71124 жыл бұрын

    ...spoken as a string player: What an interesting keyboard presentation...your relaxed manner and charming accent make it a pleasure to watch and follow your dissection and explanation of the 80' pop genre! Cheers from Connecticut!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks man! I appreciate these comments. :)

  • @Rondaris1946
    @Rondaris19464 жыл бұрын

    Wow! "Those Days", that's another incredible song. I really loved the 80s pop songs. You have a true gift. The 2 songs that you created yourself are fantastic and take me back to that time when I was growing up and enjoyed that type of music. In love with this music, great job!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! :)

  • @nuckinfuts7610
    @nuckinfuts76104 жыл бұрын

    Damn, you have a remarkable talent. Bad ass. Your taste in music is also amazing. I'm so darn glad I bumped into your channel. 👍🎹🎼🎶🙂

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hey, sweet man. Thanks! :)

  • @danwhite7629
    @danwhite76296 жыл бұрын

    Came for the synths, stayed for the singing.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Sweet Dan! Thanks for watching! :)

  • @jeffconley819

    @jeffconley819

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ditto dan

  • @iraklisgrigoriou2760

    @iraklisgrigoriou2760

    4 жыл бұрын

    Same here 🤓!!

  • @forbiddenforest5327

    @forbiddenforest5327

    2 жыл бұрын

    love hearing espen sing. makes me want currywurst mit pomme frites back in berlin!

  • @djajtechnolicious4254
    @djajtechnolicious42544 жыл бұрын

    Really cool! Makes me feel like a kid again growing up! You make me appreciate the 80s sound in a new way. Cheers!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sweet man, thanks! :)

  • @Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown
    @Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown2 жыл бұрын

    I’m loving this Video. Make a part 2 at some point. If you can!! I am hooked on the 80s sound. And more 80s type tricks. This to me was the “most impressive” video on KZread no joke.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    2 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks for saying. Many of my other videos on my channel are made in the same way, where I break down the chords and melody. ;-)

  • @macronencer
    @macronencer4 жыл бұрын

    In Germany, it's also true that "B" means "Bb"; Bach used to weave his name into his melodies that way. I always assumed the reason for the "H" was this: the original "natural" scales (e.g. those used for folk music) tend to be Mixolydian, i.e. they have a flattened 7th - for more information, see the bagpipes :) When the leading tone (major 7th) became popular as a way of creating tension and resolution, a new letter was needed for this important scale degree (the next available one was "H"). Of course, all of that applies only to the key of C, so I could be completely wrong. Better music scholars than I, please feel free to correct me!

  • @83Anokafootball
    @83Anokafootball4 жыл бұрын

    I’m 15, and 80’s music is basically the only music I listen to. It’s sooo much better than music nowadays, and nothing can compare to it. Thanks for the video. :)

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Happy you liked it. You should find plenty more on on my channel. ;-)

  • @hanfi-music3589

    @hanfi-music3589

    3 жыл бұрын

    Surprisingly many young people I meet actually love 80s music.

  • @OriginNowSound
    @OriginNowSound4 жыл бұрын

    great work! glad I found our stuff :) thank you and i'm looking forward to hearing more, your a great musician!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sweet, I have lots of videos dedicated to the 80s.

  • @brokenegomusic
    @brokenegomusic5 жыл бұрын

    such an in-depth analysis of song structures. this is how musicians listen to music. thanks for sharing!

  • @tedmuss
    @tedmuss6 жыл бұрын

    I believe one of the reasons the 80's sounded so good is because there was such a high level of musicianship that got to embrace the new digital/synth era, whereas today...technology has made making music so accessible to everyone, you don't even need to be able to play an instrument, you just need to be good at programming software.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    I think you have a good point there! Thanks for watching! :)

  • @tedmuss

    @tedmuss

    6 жыл бұрын

    You have a great passion for music, I like that and nice video too, thank you!

  • @VanezArt

    @VanezArt

    6 жыл бұрын

    this.

  • @sevencostanza3883

    @sevencostanza3883

    6 жыл бұрын

    80s was cheesy af. Electronic musicianship has increased 100 fold since then, you're just stuck in the past.

  • @mieszkogulinski168

    @mieszkogulinski168

    6 жыл бұрын

    Don't forget that a computer synthesizer is only a tool, and it plays whatever you tell it to play. You can use computer synthesizer to make a song with hardly any melody, and a song with incredibly structured melody :)

  • @Sarahbuildsstepsequencers
    @Sarahbuildsstepsequencers2 жыл бұрын

    “True” is such a perfect 80’s song. I also love the saxophone break. ♥️🌸

  • @MrImarcus
    @MrImarcus3 жыл бұрын

    This is probably my favourite utube channel of all time. I feel like I've discovered another world! Thanks for sharing your epic talent with us!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sweet man, thanks! :)

  • @TheBorgCollective
    @TheBorgCollective4 жыл бұрын

    7:30 just makes me feel amazing. Love this stuff. Amazing video man

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks man! :-)

  • @Bigricky06
    @Bigricky064 жыл бұрын

    After watching this video to see the mastermind arrangements behind these beautiful melodies, i realized our music today ain't crap.....wow, no wonder these songs are timeless and never die. They always sound brand new everytime i hear them.

  • @FrankyGun
    @FrankyGun5 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the best instructional keyboard videos I have ever seen. Anyone who ever had you as a music teacher and/or mentor can call him/herself not only lucky but blessed. You really have figured it all out and your track "Those Days" is absolutely awesome. I myself was a kid of the 80s and music-wise are stuck in those days. Music back then was better, we were really free (no nanny states, no political correctness BS), colours were brighter, feelings were more intense, love really meant something, songs truly meant something to you and would later become the soundtrack of your life, everything back then felt more alive, innocent and more straightforward. I am grateful to the fact that I could spend most part of my teenage and early adult years in the 80s. It was the best time ever and - listening to the shallow and superficial pop music of today - I ray every day for a revival and that more musicians will find their way to do some real music again that is not just three chords and some empty computerised phrases... I, for myself, find comfort in synthwave and videos and songs like yours, when the 80s sentiment overwhelms me and I am thankful that there are people on this planet like you. Keep up the AWESOME work, Espen, and please please please keep your videos and tracks coming. Thanks from the bottom of my heart, Franky from Thailand

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for saying Franky! I have no immidiate plans to quit my stream of videos and music so hopefully I can provide more 80s nostalgia this year as well... ;-)

  • @FrankyGun

    @FrankyGun

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@EspenKraft - Awesome! Let me know if you need saxophone riffs or solos for songs. Would be an honor to play some tracks for you. I play alto and tenor, whereas tenor is the one I love the most. I'm not a pro and not perfect, but I know my way around the instrument and can improvise quite well. Love to jam and hate playing sheet music - in fact, I am very bad at reading notes. I just play by ear.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the opportunity Franky! I will definitely keep that in mind :)

  • @FrankyGun

    @FrankyGun

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@EspenKraft Cool !!!!

  • @cestmoi2681
    @cestmoi26814 жыл бұрын

    Espen Craft. Love to share your enthusiasm for the 80s !!

  • @Jo-ot6tk
    @Jo-ot6tk5 жыл бұрын

    I just discovered this great video. What an excellent tutorial. And the peace with which you explain all this is so pleasant. Great music. Thank you very much!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for saying! :)

  • @MrNaufan
    @MrNaufan3 жыл бұрын

    The combination of warm pad and FM piano voices sounds so awesome. I'm still listening to this video to this day.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome!

  • @MrNaufan

    @MrNaufan

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@EspenKraft anyway what sound module were you using for this video?

  • @teddymikefunk
    @teddymikefunk4 жыл бұрын

    The secret is in the pre-chorus, you know, just before the chorus, in my opinion always the best part of the song ! (never heard a pre chorus in the charts, nowadays)

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Good point! :)

  • @hybridous

    @hybridous

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes. Good observation. The writing now is just plain lazy.

  • @squeebbb

    @squeebbb

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@hybridous And always credited to 8-16 other people aside from the artist, funny enough.

  • @quizkitten9641

    @quizkitten9641

    4 жыл бұрын

    So well put.

  • @JustRacing101
    @JustRacing1015 жыл бұрын

    Goosebumps... Iconic Tracks. Thx for explanation.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, my pleasure! :)

  • @rubberduky1829
    @rubberduky18295 жыл бұрын

    YOU ARE SOOO RIGHT.... I was born in 72 and went through all the 80's here in the U.S. ALL of the synth pop, newwave, darkwave hits have stood the test of time. A long time favorite is ( The promise ) by When in Rome. They still play this every week here at retro clubs down here in Dallas Texas. I have 4 of the Roland Boutique series machines and have those linked up to Ableton live 10 and have found extreme joy in twisting little knobs and doing things the OLD SCHOOL way. Great channel Espen, love it. Keep going.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic, thanks! :)

  • @blanked3
    @blanked34 жыл бұрын

    This is the most enjoyable tutorial video I ever watched 😊

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sweet, thanks! :)

  • @TheOptimod
    @TheOptimod6 жыл бұрын

    80s music will become the future of music again when the current soul-less stuff being made nowadays hits rock-bottom.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    I certainly hope so.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    NRW has gone very darkwave lately and it's too EDM for my taste. I've already been featured in their channel and my track has gained tons of good feedback and it really pushed my music, but as a more 80s synth-pop guy with emphasis on classic build-up with verses, chorus, bridge and so I find NRW less interesting for me and for people like me. I wish for more new romantic stuff.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    I was a teenager in the 80s, I was 16 in 1985 and I vividly remember "shake the disease" with DM on the charts here and I've just gotten my first real synth and I was very inspired to to great things musically. A glorious time really. I love how you describe that roadtrip and the feelings connected to music. Thanks for following me and I have lots of exciting stuff coming this spring so we'll probably talk again. take care :)

  • @iqi616

    @iqi616

    6 жыл бұрын

    Espen Kraft you're just trying to make me feel old :) I'd love to know who inspired these people to compose that way. The sixties and early seventies in the UK had a strong church music and classical influence (so many former choirboys) then Punk and New Wave came along and shook things up. Then along came these guys.

  • @fender1000100

    @fender1000100

    6 жыл бұрын

    YOU ARE RIGHT. 90% of the music on my playlist is from the late 70s to the late 80s. As far as im concerned that was the golden era of popular music. Its fallen far since then.

  • @saschablock7795
    @saschablock77954 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the wonderful explanation, Espen 🙏🤟🏻😃

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! :)

  • @PeranMe
    @PeranMe2 жыл бұрын

    Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

  • @fightscience9104
    @fightscience91045 жыл бұрын

    So great as ever! The info, the music you make and you voice... man you are very good

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! :)

  • @derekjurovich
    @derekjurovich4 жыл бұрын

    I just have to say, I love the tone of your voice

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks for saying! :)

  • @lazlomattachine8334
    @lazlomattachine83344 жыл бұрын

    Great analysis! Thanks for sharing

  • @RobertHampton747
    @RobertHampton7474 жыл бұрын

    I love this video! Well done. I have always liked the songs of the 80's and you sing them well. Thanks.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks Robert! :)

  • @scottidog8912
    @scottidog89125 жыл бұрын

    The magic of the 80s lives on in the hearts of those who lived through it.

  • @ZenWorld
    @ZenWorld6 жыл бұрын

    Great Video. Really enjoyed it Espen!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Zen and Thanks for watching! :)

  • @adityaraj-jr8ph

    @adityaraj-jr8ph

    6 жыл бұрын

    Zen what r u doing here man u r really into all genre

  • @rayderrich
    @rayderrich2 жыл бұрын

    Too bad your camera stopped, this was a good video! And the first time I heard of the H chord too! I really liked your own songs used here, thanks for sharing.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @miguelrejas5034
    @miguelrejas5034 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video.. much information and thank you for explain the composition pf those chords. I used 7/9 but those..with more additions.. are really difficult to remember..

  • @TachyBunker
    @TachyBunker3 жыл бұрын

    Still sounds awesome, thanks man!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @DougGray-xf3hz
    @DougGray-xf3hz Жыл бұрын

    The DX7 has its footprint all over these decades. That sound and compression was fundamental to the success imho.

  • @admincuth6859
    @admincuth68592 жыл бұрын

    espen so grateful for this. you are a wonderful human x

  • @patlecat
    @patlecat11 ай бұрын

    Good explanation, thanks Espen.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @manofgore
    @manofgore6 жыл бұрын

    Neverending story! Nice choice. So nostalgic

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks bro! Yeah, it's a classic that tickles all the right emotions, but it's a superb example of genius songwriting in all it's simpleness. :)

  • @noursarhan8695

    @noursarhan8695

    6 жыл бұрын

    Danny Halfacre That lovely song and movie were my childhood

  • @MrLawrence0071
    @MrLawrence00715 жыл бұрын

    80's music was the best. I personally found the 80's the coolest year to be alive. :-D

  • @MrLawrence0071

    @MrLawrence0071

    5 жыл бұрын

    @Toby Lerone I know but thanks for pointing out my stupidity :-P

  • @RedWolf777SG

    @RedWolf777SG

    5 жыл бұрын

    I was born in the late 80s, and grew up through the 90s. Songs of the late 70s, 80s, and 90s were just wonderful to listen to. Music nowadays, sounded a bit lackluster and dead. Generic. Don't get me wrong there some great modern music and songs. But songs of those eras, was something special, it had that spark, that passion, and most of all, It had soul.

  • @Lvatopesado

    @Lvatopesado

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@RedWolf777SG -You forgot to include the 60s and 50s. The seventies was my decade, and early 70s were better than late 70's. Last great music year was 1988.

  • @Carlos-rr4wu

    @Carlos-rr4wu

    4 жыл бұрын

    @brandon could you give some examples sir?

  • @cosmic.spaceman8923

    @cosmic.spaceman8923

    4 жыл бұрын

    years* and yes, but i do not agree with people saying modern music nowadays suck, 😉

  • @dougcotter8523
    @dougcotter85234 жыл бұрын

    Very nice presentation Espen thank you!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Doug! :)

  • @andrewreynolds2647
    @andrewreynolds26474 жыл бұрын

    Hi. i thoroughly enjoyed this tutorial, thank you for sharing beautiful sounds brilliantly played.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks man! :)

  • @pennywiser9607
    @pennywiser96073 жыл бұрын

    Also why was it so damn exciting to walk into an instrument retail store like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Manny’s Music etc in the 80’s and see synths like the Yamaha DX7 Roland JP8, JX’s, Junos etc Oberheims Ensoniqs EMUs Akai Casio CZs As opposed to today with the all in one built in NASA music interface spaceship exploration workstations that bore me to death???

  • @GoneFishin610

    @GoneFishin610

    2 жыл бұрын

    Amen. I'm younger but DAWs are taking away from the industry. You don't learn how to record anything it's all just midi crap and digital samples.

  • @SMGJohn

    @SMGJohn

    2 жыл бұрын

    No love for Polivoks? It was the king of synths in the East, its still used today.

  • @cvader7
    @cvader73 жыл бұрын

    The 80's musician had totally different standards and understood or sought after the use of proper harmony and tasty modulations!

  • @Ryan-xy4dv
    @Ryan-xy4dv4 жыл бұрын

    Came here to learn, left falling in love with your music, Those Days is beautiful, added a Playlist on Spotify of your music!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Sweet man, thanks for that. I appreciate it! :)

  • @sideast
    @sideast5 жыл бұрын

    Man ...your channel is a wonderful trip down memory lane ...... :)

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! :)

  • @utubewillyman
    @utubewillyman5 жыл бұрын

    1st chord progression also used by Steve Winwood with these lyrics behind it: "While you see a chance take it. Find romance, fake it."

  • @marcelobaus
    @marcelobaus4 жыл бұрын

    Didn't understand anything but I love 80's songs.

  • @RandolfRichardson
    @RandolfRichardson4 жыл бұрын

    Wow! This is really excellent! Within the first few minutes of this video it begins to become obvious that real talent is necessary for people making 1980s music. I really enjoyed this highly educational tutorial, and I look forward to hearing more. Kudos to Espen Kraft for this excellent work!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks Randof, I appreciate your comment! :)

  • @ivanninkovic182
    @ivanninkovic1824 жыл бұрын

    You explain things in very simple and understandable way and have pleasant voice. Kudos.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hey, I appreciate you saying that! :)

  • @JP-yv2nq
    @JP-yv2nq4 жыл бұрын

    By the way ... I was in the United States a few years ago. In the restaurant, the waitress asked me where i came from. I said: Germany . She said : oh from Stockholm ? Me : no from Rome. She : oh nice place too. ;-)

  • @Statist0815

    @Statist0815

    4 жыл бұрын

    Wie wahr.

  • @megababy80

    @megababy80

    4 жыл бұрын

    so much for trying to be nice

  • @megababy80

    @megababy80

    4 жыл бұрын

    Stockholm klingt germanisch und ist nicht weit entfernt. Antworte ihr das nächste Mal, indem du ihr sagst, aus welcher Stadt in der Europäischen Union du tatsächlich kommst. Europäer haben sowieso keine Grenzen

  • @frakekibbe8443

    @frakekibbe8443

    4 жыл бұрын

    Die Amis sind Dumm!und das macht sie so gefährlich

  • @user-sq5xv6dr1v

    @user-sq5xv6dr1v

    4 жыл бұрын

    Once I convinced Americans to believe into existence of an African country Nuanga. That was quite a piece of fun.

  • @DrunkenElvis
    @DrunkenElvis4 жыл бұрын

    I like the "Pet Shop Boys" tembre in your songs. Great job!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! :)

  • @nickpritchard7130
    @nickpritchard71305 жыл бұрын

    Mr Kraft, your an inspiration. Great stuff again. Huge Thankyou !!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Nick! :)

  • @GurnBograt1986
    @GurnBograt19863 жыл бұрын

    This is good stuff!! Thanks Espen!

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks! :)

  • @puppetsnob
    @puppetsnob6 жыл бұрын

    You have great taste! Those us living through the 80s didn't know how good we had it! Saw a video of a breakdown of Toto's Roseanna and there's more going on in the intro than nearly all music of 2017. There's almost no nutrition in music nowadays. I love how almost no song sounded like one another back then.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    6 жыл бұрын

    I agree completely and you're spot on with that. Nutrition. Most pop songs today is so simple in chords and melody and very little to spin your brain! Thanks for watching! :)

  • @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823

    @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823

    5 жыл бұрын

    "Nearly all...?" I'll give you ALL the last decade just on Porcaro's drum.line alone. And it's not his. It's a modified (Bernard) Purdie half shuffle. See Purdie play it in "Home at Last" by Steely Dan. Or "Fool in the Rain" (Led Zeppelin). Again, slightly modified. You'll note if you see the JP vid on how to play it, Jeff charmingly says it one way and plays it another...

  • @jshaw5000
    @jshaw50004 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful demonstration of 80s pop theory.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! :)

  • @MrLawrence0071
    @MrLawrence00715 жыл бұрын

    Cool vid man. Thanks for doing this.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for saying! :)

  • @valzorin0
    @valzorin05 жыл бұрын

    Nice tutorial. Thanks, mr. Espen

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! :)

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