Song Club #69: Slow Burn

Slow burn songs tend to be kinda sexy—but not always.

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‘You’ve got time and I’ve got money’ by Smerz is a classic slow burn song. At over four and a half minutes long and with a tempo of 66bpm, it simply smolders.

Slow burn songs tend to be kinda sexy—but not always. Kacey Musgraves’ track ‘Slow Burn’ is warm and contemplative. ‘Switching Off’ by Elbow is achingly sad.

In my experience, writing and performing slow burn songs is more difficult than mid or high tempo songs. Finding a propulsive groove or a consistent pulse is harder when you’re playing slowly. Holding your listeners’ interest is harder too.

This should not deter you though. It’s an exploration that will make you a stronger writer and musician all round.

This week, I’m sharing five ‘Entry Points’ for writing slow burn songs.

Burn as slow as you can,
Lucy

‘Entry Points’