Most artists would tell you that there is hardly a formula for a number one hit. But what if you could increase those odds, even marginally?
In an exploratory study merging the worlds of music and academia, the University of Oslo has revealed fascinating insights into the complexities behind some of streaming electronic dance music's biggest hits. The question led researchers to interview a handful of Spotify's top-performing artists to demystify their creative edge.
At the center of this study is the concept of microrhythmic nuances. Take Seeb's hit remix of Mike Posner's “I Took A Pill In Ibiza,” which was released in 2015. When creating the song, the duo discovered that a swing between 22% and 40% created the most engaging beat. The technique slightly displaces rhythms from a rigid grid, introducing a sense of nuance to the rhythm that is barely noticeable, although it can be powerfully engaging.
“If you change the rhythm slightly, it can be so minimal that we don't perceive it as a difference in time, but instead experience it as a change in sound.” explainedProfessor Ragnhild Brøvig. “In some cases, the sound modification can be perceived as a change of rhythm.”
The scientists also concluded that layering sounds can also lead to huge success in the world of streaming. Layering different percussive elements, for example, can distort the typical sense of rhythmic perception, leading to a more engaged listener.
While mainstream labels of specific genres typically encourage listeners of electronic dance music to think and perceive within specific frameworks, the University of Oslo's findings suggest that perhaps there is a net benefit as a producer in stepping outside the lines.
You can read the full study, “A Grid in Flux: Sound and Timing in Electronic Dance Music.” here.
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