Stargate's Tor Hermansen (left) and Mikkel Eriksen
Stargate has made hits with the biggest artists on the charts such as Katy Perry ("Firework"), Beyoncé ("Irreplaceable"), Ne-Yo ("So Sick," "Sexy Love," "Miss Independent" & "Closer"), and Rihanna ("Unfaithful," "Hate That I Love You," "Please Don't Stop the Music," "What's My Name," "Only Girl (in the World)," "S&M," "Rude Boy," "Talk That Talk") and many more. Not only did Mikkel and Tor of Stargate talk about their proven hit songwriting process on their ASCAP EXPO Master Session, they broke down two of their hit songs, "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa and "Firework" by Katy Perry. They opened up Pro Tools on their computer to show the attendees exactly the instruments and the patterns they used!
Another part of the panel I really enjoyed was Stargate recounting their journey. They talked about their struggles as beginning songwriter/producers, both financially and trying to get their foot in the door. I think this is a story that all up and coming songwriters like hearing from hitmakers, because it lets us know that just doing what it takes is part of the process.
Stargate also went on to tell the attendees that beginning songwriters need to practice their songwriting skills by writing a lot of songs. They gave an example of a conversation they had with a new songwriter who claimed his catalogue consisted of 12 songs. Stargate continued to say that it will take about 200 songs before a songwriter has written enough songs and had enough practice writing songs to start being good at their craft.
This panel was great for me because now I have a specific number to shoot for. I've already met so many people to collaborate with from this EXPO. I can't wait to get in the studio!
If you'd like to collaborate with Rose Jay, contact her on Twitter or Instagram @RoseJayMusic.
