Tor Hermansen Mentor Session 2023:: Watch Full Length Video
Three Steps to Starting a Song:: I'm going to share a little bit about who I am and how I got to where I am today. The third part of my talk will be about my best advice. Just principles, rookie mistakes, just some overarching themes for producers, songwriters and artists.
Pakistani singer starts to make music at 14 years old:: When he was seven years old, he learned how to play keyboards. After graduating from college, he moved to Oslo, Norway, to make music. But he couldn't sing, so he teamed up with a young Pakistani singer. Now he's releasing his first album.
The Key To Successful Collaboration:: The key to successful collaboration is bringing what you bring and the other person should bring what they bring. It also then becomes your responsibility as a collaborator to find out what's great about the other people.
Mikkel and Holligar: Finding a Successful Partner:: When you find someone that you click with, it clicks. Successful relationships, they happen quickly. Finding one partner that you really connect with is more valuable than working with ten big names
How to Get Out of Your Contract:: Work on certain projects as, like, a solo producer. Take other projects as a trio. Find other management opportunities and leverage the fact that someone wants to manage you. These are all great ideas
Working With Mikkel and Hollyar:: Stargate producer says he got a carve out from Mikkel and Hallier. He says the key to success was a genuine connection between the two. The studio went from zero to $80,000 in just a few months
How It Was Organized:: Someone became interested to manage the trio. And then the negotiation with the manager was he would take on top of what was already being made. That's how it was organized.
Stargate: My First Steps:: Stargate signed a management deal in the spring of 99. Prince and Depeche Mode are his two main inspirations. Most successful people in the music business started from nothing. This is a place where you can come from nowhere and make your way to the top
Oslo musician on his first year in the city:: Originally I just wanted to get out of the town that I lived in. I knew that nothing good is going to happen if I stay here. I want to live in Oslo because it's cooler. And I want people to talk about me the way we talk about them.
What's Your Approach To Music Producers?:: What's your approach when you're going to people in the music industry that are higher up? I try to offer something. Most people will react very positively to that. If you're offering something, I think it's a good first gesture.
How I Make Music With Mikkel:: We showed up to the studio every single day and made music no matter what. We didn't care if it was a big artist or a small artist. Every artist deserves the same attention and the same intense focus. As we got busier, all that prep work was really valuable.
What are LAAMP and Stargate?:: Laamp is a nine-month program that teaches musicians how to make their music. The program focuses on sharing knowledge and paying it forward. There are key principles that are repeated throughout any genre. The key is knowing what you're doing and having the tools to do it.
Best Advice For Songwriting:: There's definitely patterns and principles to songwriting and storytelling and being an artist. Please raise your hand and ask me to repeat or expand. Some things may make sense later.
Turning Pro: The Mindset of a Pro Artist:: The mindset is such a big part of getting to where you want to go. When you start taking yourself seriously, guess what? Other people start taking you seriously. Once you turn pro in your own mind, you're going to see incredible results.
Bad Habits of An Amateur:: The main difference between a pro and an amateur are their habits. Take pen and paper and write down five of your bad habits. Being aware of them is the first step. Second step is minimizing. I obviously want you all to read this book
The Hardest Part Of Breaking Free From A Tribe:: There is no tribe. Nobody cares about what you're doing, not on a fundamental level. The hardest part is breaking free from that from that environment of people that are maybe holding you back. When ending relationships, how do you deal with that?
When Did You Start Overthinking Your Songs?:: He had no idea that those two weeks were going to turn into 15 years of hits. Have you ever felt like you're overthinking and even doing everything, even doing all the right steps? What I choose to focus on is what you can control.
What Made Me So Successful: Moving to America:: I would say that I had given up a lot of friendships, for real. From a professional level, we have changed the way we work. Americans are amazing. To leave everyone behind
Married musicians on the moment they met their wife:: Who you have around you is super important. I was lucky that I met Roda at a transitional time in my life. Having someone around you that really believe in you makes a huge difference
The Amateur and the Pro:: When you turn pro, you stop running from your fears and you start facing them. An essential lesson is making the work be the reward. Free yourself from third party validation and turning pro is a decision
The Pro-Life: What They Don't Know:: When it comes out of the speakers on Monday morning and it's your song, I want you to care about it. Show up prepared. The Pro does not take failure or success personally. So many things are not going to be given to you. You have to go and create those opportunities and make the most of it.
Good Habits for Your Life:: What are some things that you can do in your life to get rid of the worst of the habits and implement some good habits? Sophie: Do things that scare you because the best things happen when you're outside of your comfort zone. Anyone feel comfortable sharing?
Working With Criticism:: I have a very critical voice I have and just what I do with that is something I'm trying to work on. He believes that usually the answer will be given to you through the music. Smith: You could solve 99% of your bad habits with just learning how to be disciplined.
Writing Is Painful:: Amaki: For me, writing is sometimes the most painful thing I can do with myself. Getting out of that habit of not falling through ideas, I like that. Learning how to be so vulnerable with myself and relishing in the beauty of that pain
Producer Advice For Songwriters and Artists:: The ability to collaborate is one of the most important abilities if you're going to make music. The power of collaboration is to bring out the other person's strength and to take advantage of that in your own music.
The Secret to Writing a Great Title:: The most powerful songs usually have a great title. The best titles are you see the title? You remember the song from just from that one word. Don't be afraid to rewrite your chorus when you figure out what the actual title is.
How To Write A Song About Love & Relationship:: A lot of pop, songwriting, whatever genre of pop you're in, there's a story being told. The best songs usually have a really good story. The most important part of your chorus is the hook line. Keep an open mind while you're creating.
Songwriters Need to Be Empathetic:: Use sparingly and tastefully. Challenge yourself to step outside of the pop vocabulary when you write. Take something real that's going on in your life, think deeply about something, and then write a song about that. Country is not like my genre, but they're great at storytelling.
The First Verse:: Zach Wasaya: The opening line in the verse should be exciting. But you have to look forward to each part. You have to trust and look for those spontaneous moments
How to Write a Song With Melody:: If you have a great lyric and not a great melody, it's not going to help you. Keep it simple. Keep them to probably three melodies per song. A rookie mistake is having too many too many melodies.
How To Write a Melodic Note:: When writing melodies, it's important to be free with your first idea. It really helps to be more than one person in the room. Don't judge it while you're doing it. Be mindful of the best singer doesn't always do the best melodies.
The Intro To Your Song:: Neo says intros should be distinct and you don't always know what's distinct about your song. Whatever is the catches and best part of your song, I think you should put that in your intro. It's very important that it's interesting.
Nicola: What's the difference between a chorus and a verse:: The difference between a chorus and a verse is the melody plus the words generally. Don't be afraid to repeat some of the words. The best rap songs have clear distinct melodies and follow a clear melodic structure. If you are more leaning towards dance, sometimes the simpler chorus is stronger.
How To Write a Good Chorus:: I don't like to change the chords in the chorus too much. I would much rather have the best chord structure there. Find the chords that you love and then pick those. Always pick the best ingredients instead of like, here's one.
Melodic Math:: The idea that certain melody phrases should be the same and others should be different. Once you get into the chorus, you do something different than what's in the pre. These are key principles and tools that you can use to make your song better.
The Choir's Chorus:: The climax of your song should be somewhere in the chorus. Search for that moment and whatever that moment is. Often it's the highest part, but it could also be like a down course and a surprising thing. You have to be open minded and flexible as a producer.
How To Write a Hip-Hop Song:: Mikkel: I love having a little bit of input on what the key thing in the song is. Cooking takes away the pressure and this whole thing. If you're telling yourself, I'm going to do four songs today, and then we're going to pick the best one, it takes all the pressure off.
The Secret to Working With Great Artists:: We have been fortunate to be around some of the greatest artists in the world. Some we met when they were just starting out. Producer have to figure out how to be valuable to the artist. The artists have to get the best of the producer
Katy Perry and Rihanna:: The big question for an artist to answer is, who are you? I prefer artists that are authentic and that come with themselves. You get a deeper connection when you are yourself 100% and unfiltered
Black Eyed Soul on Song Choice:: Mikkel: What's your background and where do you come from? For me, it's Prince and Depeche Mode. Be honest to yourself and hone in on that. Be able to talk about your music and your songs, even if you didn't write it.
On Personal Songs:: You have to be able to express that, make it personal. Drake's go to is like talking to all his exes. Beyonce found a way to go into what was happening in her marriage. How important is it to stick with empowerment?
Celebrity Rappers: Authenticity:: Realize that you don't have to be perfect. Share your passion in writing. This leads into authenticity. There's nothing better than being able to share your story that creates authenticity about you are.
Have You Asked The Artist For Music Advice?:: The greatest artists are music lovers. References to bring in references can be a good thing. But use it sparingly because there's a reason why you're working with the person. Find out what's good about the other person.
Experiencing Artists' Different Styles:: There's definitely a value to reaching out to different people and finding different flavors. Rihanna is an example of that because her voice is so distinct. Most successful if you're really talking about finding your own identity as an artist, don't try to do too many things at once.
Laamp Review: Producers:: Listen to the best, listen to what other people are doing that you admire. Don't be afraid to try different styles. Use templates. Master your tool. Here at Lamp, we let everyone bring their own dos.
How To Make a Song With Just One Beat:: Don't just add stuff on top of each other. Space is your friend. A beat should take no more than a day. Intros are the calling card for your song. Keep pushing until you find that one little thing.
Producers on When They Break America:: If what you're doing is working, do it again. That's how we broke America. If you have something, stick to it. How are people going to stand out if everyone has the same sound? The music today is more DIY, which is also kind of cool.
How To Write a Song With Drum Beats:: We have a Beats folder, and in that Beats folder we put everything that we make without judgment. Usually we rarely start with the full beat. There's usually like some form of intro. So you can just use that or you can open up the session.
Technical Skills For Producers:: What do you think are the most important technical skills for a producer to have? Do you think you need to be good at everything? Is it okay to focus in on one of those strengths?
On Playing Songs For New Artists:: How often do you guys start from scratch with an artist? Just a blank canvas. And I will always play the hottest stuff we have, even if it's not available. You never know what's going to happen. It's also taught me to stay away from time.
How I got signed to Warner Music:: The Norwegian journalist is now working as an A&R at Warner Music. An A&R combines artist with repertoire. He's not making any money yet, but at least he's living the dream.
How To Make Trap Music With Folk Music:: A producer makes trap beats with an artist that sings folk music. What would that middle ground look like if you're not trying to compromise? Try to stay true to who you are at this moment in time and be as clear as possible.

Tor Hermansen Mentor Session 2023

Tor Hermansen's talk provides a wealth of insights and advice for aspiring artists and producers. Hermansen emphasizes the importance of fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially for those in the demanding field of music production. He reflects on his own journey, discussing how he would have approached his 20s differently by focusing more on fitness and less on partying.

Hermansen's journey from a small town in Norway to becoming a successful producer is particularly inspiring. He shares his early experiences, such as working as a journalist and photographer to fund his music equipment, and his strategic approach to entering the music industry. He highlights the importance of finding collaborative partners who share similar goals and complement each other's skills, a principle he applied in his partnership with Mikhail.

He also discusses the significance of adopting a professional mindset, emphasizing the need to show up, be prepared, and commit to one's craft. Hermansen touches on various aspects of the music industry, including managing relationships, dealing with setbacks, and navigating the complexities of teamwork and partnerships.

His advice extends beyond technical skills, delving into personal development, mental health, and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people. He encourages a focus on the present, mastering one's technique, and not being afraid to seek help or confront fears.

Hermansen's narrative is filled with practical wisdom, personal anecdotes, and motivational guidance, offering valuable lessons not only for those in the music industry but for anyone pursuing a creative career​

‍

Tor Hermansen

Tor Hermansen is half of the music production duo Stargate, the Grammy winning, 10xBillboard #1, ASCAP Songwriters of the Year. Stargate has crafted hits for Katy Perry, Coldplay, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, among others. He exemplifies the essence of professionalism and hit making in the music industry.