Changing up the Tempo
When you drive the roads in Bend, Oregon you’ll notice that there is a groove in the lane from the other wheels that have ground their winter studs into the street. You either find yourself driving in the pre-carved path or striving to stay out of it.
I’m finding that the same thing is happening to my tempo during my songwriting process. I’m noticing that repertoire I’m currently composing hovers around 130-138 BPMs. Now that’s a little annoying…
I ended up at the studio today to hash out a couple new tunes and the drummer I work with, Meesh, was there designing his drums. He brought up a good point that I should always practice with a metronome. With that in mind I’ve determined that even though there are no lyrics yet, nor a clear idea where to put the bridge and lead section, it’s a good idea to begin with a tempo that fits with the tune you are writing. That way you are not locked into the tire groove thing.
