One of the quickest paths to success in music is modelling. No, I’m not talking about getting out on the catwalk but if you want to strut your stuff, then fire away!
I’m using the term “modelling” in reference to the idea of role models or people who have done what we want to do.
When you examine the greats, it’s often easy to see the decisions they made to reach the pinnacle of the industry. In some cases, it can also be clear to see what you should not do.
Scott Storch is one of the greatest music producers of all time and he is the perfect example of what to do and what not to do.
As a direct result of writing some of greatest songs in the history of hip hop and pop music, he had an estimated net worth of over $100 million but lost it all.
Scott started his professional music career by joining The Roots as their keyboard player… definitely not a bad start! He didn’t enjoy touring, so he decided to focus on studio life and producing for artists.
From there, he went on to work with Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Beyoncé, Eve and many more.
As his career progressed, so did his spending. You can look up the details of his legal and drug problems if you’d like, but I won’t focus too much on the negative. By 2015, Storch had filed for bankruptcy.
Since then, he has staged an unbelievable personal and professional comeback to create songs for Post Malone, T.I., The Game, Chris Brown, DJ Khaled and a growing list of more.
There are so many things to learn from his story but I want to focus on his incredible musical talent and how you can adapt some of his amazing production and writing techniques into your own style.
So, I’m going to share “10 of the best” skills, techniques and Scott Storch songs with you right now…
1) Piano playing style
As a self-taught pianist, the Scott Storch piano style is unique. It’s highly percussive, yet very melodic.
2) Incredible musical ear
One of the outstanding benefits of teaching yourself an instrument is that there’s no safety net. You have to figure it out yourself and you’re training your ears. Storch’s ear for a melody and a hook is hard to compete with.
3) Hooks
Scott Storch’s songs are full of hooks. The beautiful vocal melody in ‘You Got Me’ by The Roots; the 808 and clap combo in ‘Let Me Love You’ by Mario.. The list is endless. Hooks = $ … it really is that simple.
4) Repetition
Having an incredibly “hooky” style of writing means that Storch uses repetition to perfection. As listeners, we crave repetition. That’s where the word “hook’ comes from. They pull you in and captivate you. The piano intro in ‘Still D.R.E.’ is a perfect example of that. It runs for the entire duration of the song and never gets old.
5) Commitment
It goes without saying that Scott Storch has commitment. His rise, fall and comeback makes it clear that he has dedication in spades but that commitment is also clear in his musical style. As with the idea above in ‘Still D.R.E.’, if he likes an idea, he will commit to it and make it the focal point of a production.
6) Speed
That commitment and decisiveness allows him to work fast and be prolific. There is a reason why he has created so many successful hits and will continue to do so.
7) Call and answer
Scott Storch songs are full of call and answer. If you listen to the arpeggiated opening of ‘Cry Me A River’ by Justin Timberlake, you’ll hear a series of musical phrases that ask a question and then get an answer. Those hooks then create the chorus of the song a little later.
8) Eastern influences
Quite of a few of Storch’s productions feature Eastern and Middle Eastern influences. ‘Naughty Girl’ by Beyoncé and 50 Cent’s ‘Candy Shop’ are perfect examples of this. There are many producers who have used similar influences in big productions. Timbaland is a perfect example of this.
9) Collaboration
Speaking of Timbaland… one of Storch’s most successful collaborations was with Timbaland on Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me A River’ but a debate over the credits on that song seems to have led to a feud between the two. Timbaland eventually called Storch “just a piano man” in his song ‘Give It To Me’. Harsh!
10) Producer and Songwriter
Another of Storch’s great collaborations was with The Roots on ‘You Got Me’. It shows that he had mastered the art of being both a producer and songwriter at an early stage in his career.
Scott Storch is an incredible self-styled musician who has now recovered a lot of his success and wealth through hard work and immense talent. His story can teach us a lot about mastering our craft, collaborating with others and maintaining relationships over the years.
He has shown that using your taste, your story and incorporating your influences into your style will get you noticed.
If you want to know more about his life, I recommend you watch a great documentary about him, called ‘Still Storch’. His Instagram is also worth checking out!
Before you move on to the next part of this article, leave a comment down below and let me know who your favourite producer/songwriter is and why?
For now, I’ve put together a selection of 10 Scott Storch songs for you to listen to. Check them out and see if you can hear the influences, skills and characteristic techniques I spoke about above.
Here’s the YouTube version:
(Please note that the tracks listed above are part of a live Spotify playlist and are updated weekly. They might not match the information below!)
Now, I’d love to know…
Who is your favourite producer/songwriter and why?
Leave a comment below!
professional sounding mix every time...
I do not have a producer or manager. I retired a few years ago and because I have a musical background I started doing this Karaoke for the fun of it. I uploaded a few videos so my friend could see them and I continue to do so. I have no idea of how I may be able to get into the money side of it.