please define up tempo

[rdance]

question:

for a driving rock track, in your opinion, what is an acceptable range of bpm for "up-tempo" ?

i'm mostly concerned with the slower end of the range. i want to submit some songs for an rock up-tempo listing but afraid they might be too slow.

thanks!

[feaker66]

My guess would be 120

Only a guess?

Paul

[bobporri]

Seems like a very subjective thing. I did not see any bpm attached to the meaning on some searches. Probably the best definition I saw was in my Hal Leonard's Pocket Dictionary. All it said was "Fast". (Thanks Hal)

Use your judgement (which has seemed pretty spot on to me).

Bob P.

[Len911]

Hmmm, for a "driving" rock track, the notes per beat could make a difference. Assuming your songs are in 4/4, a quarter note per beat would sound slower than a sixteenth note per beat. So technically is it "upbeat" or "up tempo"?,lol, or are they virtually the same thing in musical slang?? Driving would be moving along, and it's hard to envision a whole note as a mover.

[funsongs]

If "up tempo" = "dance music"...probably not much slower than 115 bpm;
reference: I think Michael Jackson's iconic "Billy Jean" was/is about 117 bpm.
120, as suggested is pretty 'normal', as in, "snappy dance music".
Much over 125, you'll really start getting the ol' tickers pumpin'.

hth.
Cheers,
Peter R.
www.soundcloud.com/funsongs-1

[hummingbird]

Generally I'd probably go for 140-180 but I don't know rock from folk *grin* so take that with six grains of salt... I take my BPM from the ala's... I'd find a sample of driving rock and tap the beats into my keyboard to see what it might be.

[funsongs]

oh...in that case, "up-tempo" = "just shy of 'heart attack'..."
actual mileage may vary.

fun-fun-fun

[eeoo]

I'd say at least 130 but I think it also depends on the character of the track.

eo

[Casey H]

It's hard to define completely in BPM because many things affect the "feel" of a track. Also, you have to consider "up tempo" in terms of the rest of the wording of the listing, e.g. what the use will be. (Assuming the listing party isn't asking for a specific BPM range).

That being said, in rock music, it generally would be 120+ BPM with over 130-135 more likely. Best thing to do is consider your track in the context of what the listing party is asking for. Sometimes they are just saying they don't want slow ballads. Other times they want music that would work behind football highlights. Still other times behind motorcross racing...

If the music is intended for BG behind extreme sports, it should feel very fast paced and probably be over 140. Best thing to do is find examples of music used in similar applications to what the listing is asking for. Let your ears guide you.

Casey

[rdance]

thanks for the input everyone! i guess it would have been easier if i gave you the listing.

no specific era or ala's were given:

U131205RK

Up-Tempo GUITAR-DRIVEN ROCK SONGS with MALE or FEMALE vocals are needed by a Film/TV Music Publisher who's placing lots of tunes in some very popular shows. He's looking for Songs with strong riffs, high energy, and a kick ass, aggressive attitude that sound like they're performed by a real band.

Your Songs must be at least 2 minutes long. Don't go too far outside of the box for this pitch. He's not interested in anything that's trying to break the mold. Give him driving, ballsy guitars, killer bass, and powerful drums. It's okay if your song has some keyboards in it, as long as it still rocks!

Your vocal performance needs to be Top-Notch. Please keep your lyrics Universal. Avoid references to specific names, locations, dates, times, brands, etc.