How do you guys write multiple genres? Need advice

[TLovato]

Hi guys,

As you can probably tell from the question, I'm new around here. I notice a lot of TAXI members get forwards in multiple genres of music, and I'm just wondering how you guys do it? Have you just been honing in your skills in multiple genres for years? Or is there an inherent "formula" that you can use to write music that sounds good in multiple genres?

The reason I'm asking -- I'm naturally a rock guy, and any time I try to write cues/songs in other genres, it always gets rejected for not sounding up to par. For example my last submission was a hip hop cue, and it got rejected for weak developmental arc. I'm pretty sure it turned out that way because I'm just unfamiliar with writing the style.

So how do you guys write in multiple genres so fluently? Do you have a "formula" you follow that allows you to create great music in virtually any genre, or have you just been writing/studying in multiple styles for long enough where you are able to competently write great music for several different types of listings? Thanks in advance!

[Casey H]

I wouldn't try to write in every genre. It's easy to get sucked into all the listings and want to try many of them. I would stick to what you do best and gradually branch out, starting with the more closely related genres. For example, if you do rock, singer-songwriter, folk, country, indie. The leap to hip-hop, jazz, Death Metal Melodic Polka etc. is a much bigger one.

However, a good way to get involved with other genres is to collaborate with others who have more experience in those genres.

Casey

[cosmicdolphin]

Hey T,

I've had TV placements in multiple genres, so I thought I’d chip in:

By myself:
Electronica, Pop, Future Funk, EDM, Hip Hop/Trap, Glitch Hop, Breakbeat, Dramedy, Tension, Trailer, Afrobeat, Future Bass, Solo Piano, Orchestral, UK Garage, Drift Phonk, Synthwave, Horror Trailer, 8-bit—the list goes on. I even wrote a Medieval track that’s been on TV!

With co-writers (who play guitar better than I can):
Stomp Rock, Metal, Indie Rock, Pop Rock, Flamenco, Funk, 50’s Pop, R&B, Swampy Blues, EDM Blues, Blues Rock, Retro Spy, Punk, Hick Hop… plus a bunch of songs.

Unlike Casey, I do try to write in almost every genre (well, almost… shoot me if you ever catch me doing Country ). For me, half the fun of this game is exploring different genres, and you’ll likely discover you’ve got a knack for some styles you didn’t expect.

I’m no virtuoso. I can strum a guitar and bang out some chords/melodies on the keyboard, but I’ve never had formal training. I taught myself over the years, same with mixing and production. For me the key to branching out into unknown genres is research and deconstructing references.

In the beginning of my sync journey, I had to do this for almost every track. Here’s how I approach it:

Research:
My first stop is usually Wikipedia to get up to speed on the genre’s origins, influences, and key artists. Listening to genre-specific playlists helps me absorb the vibe. You’ll start spotting common influences and patterns, which helps you understand the DNA of the genre.

---------------------------------------------

Reference Track Breakdown:

I analyze reference tracks closely. I use a sheet from Sync Academy that breaks down key elements. Here’s an example for a Sofi Tucker track from a few years back:

Track: “Batshit” - 115 BPM

Instruments

Vocal type riser (cuts off)
Subby bass (possibly Juno 2 or SH101 with FM layer)
4-on-the-floor kick, bass pulses
Timbale-type percussion + guitar loop
Reverse risers, white noise impacts

Structure

Reverse riser → Verse 1 → Drop section → Chorus
Second half adds new layers and impacts

Sound Qualities

Funky, Danceable, Subby

Emotions

Cool, Futuristic, Funky

------------------------------------------------------------

Doing this exercise really sharpens your ear. I recommend doing this with headphones, so you catch all the subtle details. Nowadays, AI stem separation tools can make it even easier to dissect tracks.

Rebuilding Structure:
I’ll sometimes pull the reference track into my DAW, tempo-match it, and chop it down to a cue-friendly structure (90 seconds to 2 minutes). This gives me a template to work from.

Sound Selection:
I’ll jam along with the reference to find sounds that match its tone/texture. Once I’ve built a palette, I mute the reference and start constructing my track, usually building from drums and bass or sketching chords.

Remake Sections:
If I’m stuck, I’ll recreate an 8-bar section of the reference track. This helps me understand the genre’s sound palette and note patterns. It also clues me into whether the melodies are mostly 8th notes, 16ths, triplets, etc.

Using Sound Packs:
You can also lean on sound packs or sample packs to get the right vibe, especially for drums. Just avoid melodic/chord loops in production music. Virtual instruments work better since they allow more control over sound editing and arrangement.

Youtube Tutorials:
There's a world of tutorials out there that can find on almost any genre. Some of them will help you make a track in that style, some will show you how to make a certain famous sound from scratch , others will delve into the music theory side of a genre or song if that's you thing. Just be sure to use all the resources out there.

AI
Chat GPT is like a great knowedgable co-worker that knows the answer to pretty much anything, it can give you all sort of tips and tracks if you ask it on pretty much any genre

In the end, writing across multiple genres is all about curiosity and a willingness to learn. Embrace the challenge and have fun experimenting—who knows, you might discover a hidden talent or a genre you genuinely love. Just remember, there’s no one “right” way to do it. Keep pushing yourself, and over time, you’ll find your groove in each style. Happy writing!

Mark

[TLovato]

I would stick to what you do best and gradually branch out, starting with the more closely related genres. For example, if you do rock, singer-songwriter, folk, country, indie. The leap to hip-hop, jazz, Death Metal Melodic Polka etc. is a much bigger one.

However, a good way to get involved with other genres is to collaborate with others who have more experience in those genres.

That definitely makes a lot more sense! I will do this. Thank you for the help!

[TLovato]

With co-writers (who play guitar better than I can):
Stomp Rock, Metal, Indie Rock, Pop Rock, Flamenco, Funk, 50’s Pop, R&B, Swampy Blues, EDM Blues, Blues Rock, Retro Spy, Punk, Hick Hop… plus a bunch of songs.

For me, half the fun of this game is exploring different genres, and you’ll likely discover you’ve got a knack for some styles you didn’t expect.

Thank you for the detailed response! It was really helpful! Yeah I did (surprisingly) get a forward on a lullaby instrumental I made with a guitar. I think anything guitar-driven is probably home base for me.

That being said, if you need any additional help with the rock/metal guitar stuff mentioned above, I'm available for collabs! I do have a degree in guitar performance and I was the lead guitarist in a touring metal band for some time.

Thanks again for your help!

[cosmicdolphin]

I think anything guitar-driven is probably home base for me.

Also think of hybrid genres that include guitar..Hick Hop - Rock Hip Hop etc.

[Schuepba]

A genre question…. All my songs are folk with solo guitar. Is there any way to make that “modern”? All my submissions come back as “dated” or “not modern.” I’m not sure I can make my songs “modern.” Any suggestions?