I Figured Out Jon Bellion's Secret Formula

Summary

In this video, the creator dives deep into the production and songwriting techniques of John Bellion, aiming to uncover the secrets behind his musical success. Through research and experimentation, they highlight key elements such as beatboxing, humanized drums, unique vocal samples, minimalistic keys, and catchy hooks that define Bellion’s sound. By applying these techniques to their own music, the creator tests if they can replicate Bellion's style, while emphasizing the importance of hard work, creativity, and finding one’s unique voice in music production. The video offers valuable insights for aspiring producers and songwriters.

Takeaways

• 😀 John Bellion's music is characterized by unique production techniques that can be learned and applied to your own music-making process.
• 🎵 Bellion uses a combination of five core elements that contribute to his sound: beatboxing, drums with feel, weird vocal samples, keys (often organ), and catchy hooks.
• 🧑‍🎤 His production style includes adding space in the music, creating a sense of groove and room for each element to breathe.
• 🎤 Beatboxing is a key element in Bellion's music, often used to build rhythm and texture in a way that keeps the track engaging and dynamic.
• 🥁 Bellion humanizes drum patterns by playing them on a drum pad, which adds a more natural, 'feel-good' quality to his beats.
• 🎧 John Bellion often uses vocal samples in unconventional ways—these samples function more like percussion or sound design elements than traditional singing.
• 🎹 Bellion’s use of organ sounds and simple chords creates an atmospheric, spacious quality that underpins his production.
• 🎶 A strong, memorable hook is essential to Bellion's songwriting, and it's something he emphasizes in every song he writes.
• 📝 To achieve a sound like Bellion’s, you need to put in the effort and time—he spent years writing and producing, and his success is the result of hard work.
• 🛠️ Music production is as much about the process and experimentation as it is about the final product—repeating techniques and finding your personal voice is key to developing your own sound.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The main purpose of the video script is to analyze John Bellion's songwriting and production techniques to uncover the elements that make his music unique and how these elements can be applied by others to improve their own music production and songwriting.

What are the five key elements of John Bellion's music identified in the script?

The five key elements of John Bellion's music are: 1) Beatboxing, 2) Drums with feel, 3) Weird vocal samples, 4) Keys (often with space), and 5) The catchiest hooks ever.

Why does the speaker emphasize the use of space in Bellion’s key elements?

The speaker emphasizes the use of space in Bellion’s key elements because John Bellion often leaves space in his keys and arrangements, which helps other elements stand out and prevents the music from feeling overcrowded. This creates a more impactful listening experience.

How does John Bellion’s use of beatboxing contribute to his sound?

John Bellion’s use of beatboxing adds a unique rhythmic layer to his tracks. By layering multiple beatboxing sounds in different positions and panning them left and right, Bellion creates a dynamic, interesting rhythm that sets his songs apart from others.

What is meant by 'drums with feel' in Bellion's production style?

Drums with feel refers to creating drum parts that feel more organic and human, rather than perfectly quantized. John Bellion often plays his drums with a drum pad to capture a natural, humanized rhythm, but if that’s not available, the speaker recommends subtly adjusting the timing of drum hits to create a more natural feel.

Why does John Bellion use 'weird vocal samples' in his music?

John Bellion uses weird vocal samples to add texture and interest to his tracks. These vocal snippets act almost like sound design elements, contributing to the overall atmosphere and adding a unique, experimental touch to his music.

What is the significance of the catchy hook in John Bellion's music?

The catchy hook is a central element of John Bellion's music because it creates a memorable, singable part of the song that draws listeners in and sticks in their heads. It’s one of the main factors that contribute to the lasting appeal of his songs.

What role does humanizing the drums play in creating the John Bellion sound?

Humanizing the drums is crucial to achieving the John Bellion sound because it gives the track a more organic, less mechanical feel. This can make the music more engaging and groove-oriented, which contributes to the overall vibe and energy of his songs.

How does the speaker approach writing a song in the style of John Bellion?

The speaker tries to write a John Bellion-style song by incorporating the five identified elements: beatboxing, humanized drums, weird vocal samples, keys with space, and a catchy hook. They also attempt to capture the essence of Bellion's songwriting techniques, focusing on melody and lyricism to create something both memorable and unique.

What is the key takeaway about why John Bellion's music is so good?

The key takeaway is that John Bellion's music is so good because he puts in the work—both in terms of songwriting and production—and because of his unique approach to music creation. His success is rooted in years of practice, experimentation, and dedication to his craft. The speaker encourages others to put in the effort and discover their own artistic voice.