How do you write an outline for an album [Concept Album]

Question,

I am wondering how would I go about writing an outline for a concept album. are there any links any of you all can suggest?

Watch full season of [enter the name of your favourite sci-fi series] and compose a soundtrack while watching. If you don't like sci-fi, then I'd suggest that you read about insects from wikipedia and watch tons of clips from youtube.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you keep your machines on 24/7 during that process.

make a TON of songs and see which ones can be teased into a concept.

Nym wrote:make a TON of songs and see which ones can be teased into a concept.

Yes.... 80/20 is so true....

Have a listen to prince among thieves album... That'll give you a good idea on how a hip hop album should sound like. If you want... I dunno what your style is... You could listen to deltrons 3030 album too. The only thing I suggest when maken a concept album is don't push the topic too hard... You know what I mean. Just make it a reoccuring theme through out and don't spoon feed the listeners the idea of the concept let them figure it out themselves... That's my 2 bits

N4Maytion wrote:Question,

I am wondering how would I go about writing an outline for a concept album.

What is your definition of a "concept album"? And how does it fundamentally differ from a no-concept album?

SEANSTATIC wrote:Just make it a reoccuring theme through out and don't spoon feed the listeners the idea of the concept let them figure it out themselves... That's my 2 bits

hey, that is great advice sean... Especially when you're aiming for something thematic but you dont want to overdo it or to eliminate the listener's imagination or ability to paint their own picture...

I'd just pick a mood/feeling/sound/process/theme and try sticking to it.

Like telling a story (concept) with different chapters (tracks). Make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. A concept is different from a theme. A concept can pull together disparate, wildly different ideas which form a body of work. A theme consists of a bunch of ideas generally related in some way. Think experimental music vs a movie soundtrack. A concept album allows more artistic freedom, and strays from convention.

spend the time you would spend researching it online, on actually developing the concept.

maybe sumthing simple ur familiar with, doens't have to b a theory of everything

Think of it like making a movie. Gotta have a good intro to set the mood and continue like its a journey into the unknown. Also its got to have an epic ending.

My idea of a concept album, hip hop wise anyway, is Masta Ace's Disposable Arts and A Long Hot Summer. You should give these (another) listen for inspiration.

Go back and listen to some traditional concept albums Dark Side of the Moon is a **** killer! And if you want to tell a whole story then listen to The Wall for some inspiration, listen to how they have recurring elements and even songs thru the whole album. That's the inspiration part, and there can be found a PLENTY of it.

If you struggle with finding a suitable outline of a story you could try using the dramatic curve. If you struggle finding something that connects all songs to your theme try having like a short melody, sample, lyric that you reconnect to in different ways. Remember that making a concept album is all about experimenting =) How can you express the theme you want to use, and how far out can you get?

What do you want to create, like what are your inspirations so far?