Songwriting Structure Analysis
- May 6
- 1 min read
SESSIONS 4/16/25 Bad Omens, NU_HAVEN, Vulfpeck
In this first roundtable episode, Jason Hartley and Marcia Zeledon joined me to explore three compelling tracks, each uniquely exemplifying how intentional songwritin choices shape listener experience. Bad Omens' "V.A.N." initially seemed elusive until Marcia revealed its conceptual underpinnings—a robotic voice confronting humanity's audacity to "play God." This track exemplifies how narrative context enhances emotional resonance, with structural breakdowns mirroring thematic intensity. In the episode, we go into a thorough songwriting structure analysis of the song, breaking down the various elements that help tell the song's story.
Jason's personal anecdote introduced NU_HAVEN's "VAPORIZE," underscoring how a composer's narrative vision and emotional depth transform EDM beyond dance floor entertainment into immersive storytelling. The songwriting structure analysis of this track was a bit more challenging, as Jason points out how it was "through-composed," or written without distinctly repeating sections. Marcia's vivid visualization of the performance—lasers, chrome stages, dynamic lighting—underscores how live translation of music elevates audience connection.
Our final selection, Vulfpeck's "Can You Tell," demonstrated subtler craftsmanship in terms of songwriting structure, which made the analysis more accessible. Traditional at first glance, the track's true innovation lies in nuanced manipulations of familiar forms and harmonic modulations that deliver emotional catharsis. This subtly reinforces that structural creativity need not abandon tradition entirely but rather redefine its boundaries.
These three songs collectively remind us of music's profound ability to encapsulate complex emotional landscapes, engage deeply with technological shifts, and challenge our perceptions of musical norms. As artists and listeners, embracing and dissecting these layers allows us to appreciate music's diverse communicative power fully.
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