#6 How to Write a Song

Hey Guys so a "How To" I haven't really seen too much about is How to Write a Song. Luckily for you I happen to know an up and coming R&B/ Pop singer songwriter, Ashley Martinez, and she gave me an interview about what she does when its time to write a hit song.

From a very young age Ashley, now 23, was interested in music and singing. She was singing since she was 5 but has been writing songs since she was 13, which makes her a great go to person for this how to.

The interview is as follows:

Ellie: What do you do to prepare before you write a song?

Ashley: Well, before I even sit to write I have to first be in the mood to write, otherwise the song sounds forced. I make sure that I have a quiet place where I can be free to just write and explore the music. Oh, I can't be dressed up. I'm usually in track pants with my hair in a bun and no makeup. haha

Ellie: So once you find the perfect place to write and are comfortable do you just write things down?

Ashley: No, before I even pick up a pen I just listen to the beat. I imagine a situation where the music will fit, and how I see myself in the song.  Once I get into the feel of song I start putting melodies to the beat. Once I have a melody down, THATs when I start writing. 

Ellie: Before we go into the content of the song or your inspiration, what are the different parts that make up a song, and which part do you think is the most important. 

Ashley: There are 6 different parts of a song

• Intro: I usually start off without words, basically I introduce the melody and lead into the words with just my voice

• Verse: There are two verses in a song; the first is after the intro, the second between the chorus and the bridge. This is the real meat of the song, where you tell a story. 

• Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus is usually the catchy build up to the chorus. It's where you grab peoples attention

• Chorus: The chorus is where you show the theme of the song. This is the part that sticks in your head, and what most people like or remember of the song. The chorus is sung twice, here and after the bridge. 

• Bridge: Usually the bridge is after the second chorus, but this depends on the song. Use your own creative feel to find the right place to put this. I think its the most important part because its the part that stands out because it has to be totally different from everything else

• Out-tro: This is just where you fade out of the song, just something to show that the song is done.  Sometimes you use the chorus to fade out, and sometimes you don't have to use any words at all. 

Ellie: Now that we know the form of a song, how do you decide what to write about? What do you use to draw inspiration?

Ashley: For me, I use my personal experiences, and feelings to find the words. The words you choose are used to tell the story of the music.  

Ellie: A lot of people get stuck in trying to find rhyming words to write a song, and get stuck because they can't find the right words to rhyme. What are your thoughts on rhyming?

Ashley: Well I rhyme in all my songs, it just helps the song flow better. Try not to get stuck in which specific words to use, or if they can't rhyme. Play around with the words and you will find that your first choice was not the best or only option.

Ellie: What do you think is the most important part of writing a song?

Ashley:  

"The most important part of writing a song is to have a creative mind and take risks"

Ellie: So have you had writers block, and if so what do you do to get out of it?

Ashley:  Oh..I hate when that happens, but I usually get up, walk around, clear my mind and come back to it after 10 min. If that doesn't work I usually just freestyle with the beat and it usually gets me back on track

Ellie: If you could give advice to beginner songwriters what would you say? 

Ashley:  

• Write the song more than once (different melody, words etc.) you will be surprised that the way you wrote it the first time isn't always the best 

•  Work with other songwriters, you will be shocked about how much you can learn by working with other artists  

•  Get into a creative mind, out of the box thinking, and just be free with your music 

•  "When you song write you CAN'T be SHY" 

Ellie: So I hear you have been really busy lately; what have you been doing in the music world?

Ashley: I have been so busy during the last year. Currently I am working with two different producers, J. Staffz and Baby Paul, just working on some songs, in the studio and writing like crazy. I have been featured by Hip Set, which is awesome. What I am really excited about is collaborating on a song with Mike Baggz which is going to be HOT. Look out for it! 

Ellie: What's with all the activity on your social media about having a chance to go to the Grammys?

Ashley: Yeah! basically I came across Akon's twitter page, where he has an emerging artist competition where the winner could go and perform at the Grammys. I submitted my song and out of about 30, 000 people I got picked for top 10. 

Ellie: So how do we get you there? 

Ashley: Well to go hitlab.com, click on the Emerging Artist Competition, find me there, Ashley Martinez, listen to my songs and vote. All you need to do is sign in through a social media account click vote and you are done. Remember, you can vote every day so please vote and please tell your friends and family.

Ellie: So has the added exposure of this opportunity helped you in any way?

Ashley: For sure, I actually got contacted by Chris from B101 radio station to do an interview about this opportunity, because he saw my posts on Facebook asking people to vote for me. (Full interview here)

Well there you have it, expert advice from someone who has been doing this for 10 years.

If you want to know more about Ashley or listen to her music:

Find her Facebook here

Find her Twitter here

Find her Music here

But most importantly vote for her here! She will love you for it!

#5 How to tell if your cat is plotting to kill you

When it comes to cats, its either you love them, or hate them. If you are a cat owner it is sometimes hard to tell if they love or hate YOU. I came across this poster that will inform you if your cat is secretly plotting your demise. Enjoy.

The above warning is actually a pull out poster from a book titled "How to tell if your cat is plotting to kill you" by The Oatmeal. It is a collection of cat comics, facts and instructional guides that are sure to enlighten you to the cat world.  

Enjoy and beware when your cat does seemingly harmless activities. 

#4 How to draw a manga character

I don't know about you guys but when I think of modern Japanese culture I think of Manga or Anime. As a kid I would try and try to draw a Manga character and could never succeed as much as I would hope. As I grew older I would try to follow numerous "how to" videos or articles but none have really helped me, until now.

Today I came across a YouTube channel by Mark Crilley that has a large array of "how to draw manga" videos. I found them really helpful and brought up points that novice artists would primarily have questions about.


Today I tried out two of his videos.

#1 How to Draw a Chibi: Winking, Peace Sign

Below is my representation of the Chibi girl. Its not perfect (especially the hand) but it is much farther than I was every able to go by myself.

#2 How to Draw a "Big-Eyed" Manga Girl

This next one was a moment for me because never to this point was I able to create a manga character that looked so true to the style. I didn't really focus too much into the shading but you can get the idea. 

If you like this style and want to try it out I urge you to try out one of Mark Crilley's videos. Peace out and happy drawing. 

#3 How to Pick up a Chick

A picture says a thousand words

sources: How to Pick up a Chick on No Newz

#2 How to tell if your designer hand bag is real

Every girl loves the idea of having a designer bag, however in many people's case they just don't have the funds to purchase one in which case they search the internet. How do you know if the designer bag you purchased is real or you just bought a counterfeit product. There are several tell-tale signs that your bag is fake.

The Stitching and seams:

• Look closely at the stitching of the bag. If you see that the stitching is uneven, angled strangely, or just seems off there is a very good chance the bag is fake, because every aspect of a designer bag has to be of the highest quality or their reputation will diminish. 
• Check to see if you see any fraying in the handles or the seams, if you see that your bag is frayed, even after normal use there is a good chance it is a fake.
• Check all seams carefully. Designer bags are made from one piece of material and if there is a monogram or specific pattern it should always continue flawlessly even after a seam 

Tags, Labels, and Logos 

• Check the inside tags including the "made in" tag. this is where the most mistakes are made. 
• Now keep in mind that just because the tag says "make in China" it does not necessarily mean that it is fake, just look up where the bags are made and compare; if there is a discrepancy the bag is fake
• Inside tags that show the logo of the designer are usually stamped right into the leather, or are hand stitched. 
• An obvious fake usually does not even have a logo on the inside tags
• The logo is usually a dead give away. In many cases it is spelled wrong, is fastened with glue, or is put on crooked  
• Any engraving or embossing should be neat and accurate, if its not to the quality that the designer needs to keep be wary

Material

• If it's supposed to be leather, it should smell like leather not like glue or other chemicals
• If the bag is a colour or material that is not used by the manufacturer do not trust that it is real
• Be sure to check the lining of the bag as well, many designer bags have patterned high quality material or leather for their lining. Do you research if you see anything that is not up to par you may be in for a surprise
• Please note: not all designer bags are supposed to have leather or patterned lining, do some research and see what yours is supposed to have

(note: the left image is authentic, the right is fake. observe the colouring and the seams of the material)

Hardware

• Zippers, clasps and closures should all have the same colour and finish, unless designed to be different 
• Many designers have "signature" hardware where everything is stamped with a monogram or logo
• Zippers should open and close smoothly, and if the pull tab of the zipper easily comes off it is likely fake

(note the hardware on the left if fake and the hardware on the right is authentic)

These are some tell-tale signs, but keep in mind in many cases you do not need to follow these steps, just use common sense. 

"IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT LIKELY ISN'T"

sources: 

•  How to Tell if a Designer Bag is Fake
• Spotting Fakes
• Designer handbags - real or fake?

#1 How to Pour a Perfect Pint of Beer

We have all gone to a bar, felt the judging stares of friends or family as you pour everyone their pint from a pitcher of beer. If it is not poured properly, if there is too much, or too little head, the multitude of how to comments start. But, how DO you pour the perfect pint of beer. Well this is how in just four easy steps.

STEP 1:
Ensure that the glass is clean, for best results ask if the bar has cooled glasses, and if not ensure that the glass was not just taken out of the washer in which case it is warm. No one wants warm beer.

STEP 2:
Once you decide the glasses are to your liking it is time to pour. First figure out if you are right or left handed to pour the pitcher. (in my case it is right so I will hold the glass in my left hand) Hold the glass so it is parallel to the table, then tilt it to a 45 degree angle.

]

STEP 3:

Now it is your time to succeed, holding the pitcher in your preferred hand start to gradually pour the beer into your tilted glass. In some cases it is easier to rest the spout of the pitcher on the top of the glass. Begin to pour allowing the beer to flow down the side of the glass that is closest to the table. When the glass is about half way full begin to slowly tilt the glass back to its vertical position while still pouring. Once back into vertical position you should be left with the perfect amount of head, about 2 inches.

STEP 4:

Let stand for a moment. This will allow the foam to settle, and you can admire your handy work at the same time. For ideal results repeat steps 1 - 4 for the rest of the night. Remember to drink responsibly.

sources: Personal experience and "Pour the Perfect Pint" on Ask Men