Is there a science to musical hooks?

All morning, I've been singing The Decemberists' new single, Calamity Song. Here's the thing: I don't even like this song. It annoys me. But it gets so stuck in my head, that at a certain point, I'm actually craving hearing it.

I'm sure you've all been here..... The Proclaimers' 500 miles... Cee-Lo's Crazy (yes it's a great song, but overplayed)... anything by Adele right now.

So I've been wondering What Makes a Hook?

   Now I know you can't exactly program a hook... good music is art, meaning it gets its power from life experience, spontaneity, there's an X factor. I know hooks come from a greater purpose than making some fat-cat artist, record exec, or radio promoter a shit ton of money. How else do you explain all those songs that technically have hooks, but make you feel nothing?

Still, I remember a Rolling Stone review of Tristen, one of my fav rising arteestes, that said she'd spent a year dissecting her fav old pop songs before writing her record. (Her song Baby Drugs has got it!) And I bet scientifically, according to the laws of music theory -- which is really just the math of music -- you can find some common elements to hooks.

The Decemberists' hooky Calamity Song -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJpfK7l404I

Cee Lo's Crazy-- http://youtu.be/bd2B6SjMh_w

Has anyone seen any stuff out there breaking down hooks?

        Stuff that examines the intervals they use, what chords they start on, or what notes in a chord tend to be the sweet spots. And let's not forget rhythm -- most of my hooks have a swagger to them that ain't about the notes but where you place them.

I did not go to a music conservatory, but I am constantly finding ways to learn this shit -- and right away, I know the first three notes in Calamity Song land in a cool, weird place. (i'm guessing the 7th, but need an instrument, not just my head to confirm this.) I bet you can't find a tonic note in that whole verse melody.

And don't worry, I am not going to use this information to try to generate some great pop machine. More so that, when I am knee-deep in a half-written song & chasing a feeling, I can stay on track better... I can find my way back faster when I start to get stuck.

How do you know a hook? When you hear it.

To quote another pop guy, our own Bob Schneider.... None of it matters, "'til someone catches a feeling." Bob Schneider, 'Til Someone Catches a Feeling -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O991CGNvCfc

If you find any resources, hit me! thanks. 

~jessie 

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WHAT IS IT ABOUT CINCINNATI?

I know that artists have this habit of closing every show by outing, over rollicking drums and guitar fuzz, “We LOVE you Wichita/Waco/Cleveland/Detroit.”

But really, truly, after my 4^th pass through, I gotta tell you…. I LOVE Cincinnati.

Exhibit A – driving 19 hours there, and then back in one weekend to play their Midpoint Festival.

I really really love this place. I’ve heard people say it’s rundown or “ghetto” or a has been place. But screw ‘em. They just don’t get it. It’s under my skin, it’s the feel of my feet on the pavement, it’s the unintimidating but awesome hipster vegan indie rock cafes. And the way 20-somethings and middle-aged folks alike could give a shit about Fader and Pitchfork, but come OUT for shows.

I’ve been trying to pin it down, turn it inside out. So here it is… my list of reasons Cincinnati is the bomb!

1) The old brick buildings. I live in Texas, but as I don’t told, “You don’t seem like a Texan.” The wave of relief that hits me when I see the clock towers, old brick buildings, I feel this wave of relief. Like COMING HOME.

2) Findlay Market – a bustling historic market where you can buy the world’s best waffles, beer, organic teas, leg of lamb, fancy candles…. It’s not the stuff, but the feeling that this is a place where you come to people watch, and on a lucky Saturday, jam out with the Please, Please Me.

3) Midpoint Fest….. which is like South by Southwest. But way smaller & way more fun. 15 or so venues stacked w/ great indie bands & plenty of carousing, dancing, socializing in the middle of sidewalks as you go from show to show. Kicking myself for missing Tristen & Jessica Lea Mayfield… but Asobi Seksu’s drummer is my new archangel. (Baby, remove that loveless tattoo off your back… I love you.) And glad we finally got to check out Bright Light Social Hour. (team Austin, you make us proud!)

4) There’s something in the water – & by water, I mean the attitude of the people we meet. Of the festivals, we play, this was the first & is still my fav! It feels light & free & raw & simple like rock ‘n roll is supposed to be… which is why Douglas & I were easily cajoled into wearing wigs for our showcase. Pictures puhlease (Thanks to E PayneArts Photography for this great shot)

5) A special shout out to Dan McCabe, who makes Midpoint happen, whose club MOTR is awesome (& serves amazing veggie food), who sends you to his family mechanic when your van shakes & happens to be at the front of the stage just as we pushed our way to see Asobi Seksu. And Sara Beiting, Tracy Walker…. All testaments to the fact that, it’s never too late to make a city cool, or cool again. If people want culture, art, food, diversity, a city that feels alive as you strut down the streets, they can make it happen!

6) Last but not least, JT & Amanda – the awesome dancing couple in the front row of our showcase.

‘Til we meet again. Which is looking like December. We’ll bring our space heaters if you bring your swagger.

Xxx oo Ohio

~jessie & the please, please me

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