Learn how to create a cohesive body of work that stands on its own, delivers a strong message, and will turn your listeners into fans for life.
With step-by-step walkthroughs, music theory/lyrics/orchestration breakdowns, and much more, we'll explore exactly how I put my debut album 'Freedom' together, and take a deep dive into the story and music of each song.
Putting together an album is a BIG task.
As musicians, creating music we love is something that gives us fulfilment and purpose. From the initial idea to a polished final master, creating one song can take a lot of effort and commitment, as I'm sure you know.
Now take that, and expand that over 8-12 songs. It can definitely be a challenge, and it may not be for every musician. From setting up your home studio, to countless recording hours, precise edits in multiple takes, mixing & mastering, and finally release, it's a project that requires a lot of attention and care.
So why do we create albums in the first place?
We create albums because they tell full stories. They capture our creative vision and stylistic tendencies, and we can express ourselves authentically in a way that shares who we truly are to our audience.
'Freedom' is my debut album that combines my lifelong influences with fresh musical & lyrical ideas.
In January 2021, I began working on the album, and by the end of August, I released it to the world. 'Freedom' really is a story about self-belief, positivity, hope, love/friendship, and gratitude.
As people started to listen and enjoy the music, I received many questions, including:
- What was the full process like?
- How did you choose which chords to use?
- Do your melodies or chords come first?
- How do you write in various styles?
- What's your process for writing effective lyrics?
- How did you plan out the album, and what costs did you have in creating it?
These are all wonderful questions. It was such a great experience putting my own album together, and I'd like to show you how to do the same.
Introducing...
Discover the entire process behind the making of my debut album, including planning, writing, orchestration, mixing/mastering, and release.
"As a classically-trained musician, I learned a lot about performing and recreating music, but comparatively very little about composing and bringing my own musical ideas into reality - not to mention in other genres. As a result, I’ve always been intrigued but intimidated by songwriting.
Chris has done a wonderful job of breaking down and demystifying the songwriting process through deconstructing the lyrics, music theory, orchestration, and arrangement of each song on his album, Freedom. Like most other endeavours, I think it’s important to learn to write songs by actually doing it - but, it’s just as important to see an exemplary model of the process. Chris has provided exactly that through his “Behind the Album: Freedom” course. Thank you, Chris!"
- Sophia W. (flutist, educator, musician)
Inside the course, we'll discuss:
The Entire Album Making Process
What goes into planning an album? What kind of costs and considerations do you have to think about when it comes to putting a body of work together? You'll learn exactly what I went through to make 'Freedom' the best it could be.
My Lyric Writing Framework
Powerful songs are all about telling powerful stories. Not only will we cover rhyme schemes and patterns, but we'll explore deeper messages and how I come up with fresh lyrical ideas. A weak message is an instant dealbreaker for any listener's enjoyment.
Music Theory Breakdowns
One of the most frequently asked questions I received was: "How did you come up with your chord choices? What makes music sound emotional?" Great questions! :) We'll dive into this as well, and cover each of my songs in-depth.
Orchestration & Arrangement
Not only do we need to come up with musical ideas, but we also need to bring those ideas to life through production and virtual instruments. I'll take you behind the scenes of every single song, so you'll see my decision making process when it comes to deciding which instruments to use, and why I use them to create the most effective arrangements possible.
FREEDOM: Behind the Album is organized into 3 main sections!
Section 1 – The Overall Process
- How 'Freedom' came to be - initial ideas
- My main influences, including pop, rock, and musical theatre
- How I recorded my vocals (in my bedroom!)
- A look into the theming and message behind each song, and how I chose the track listing
Section 2 – Lyrics and Music Theory
- The 7-step method I follow for creating a strong lyrical message in each song
- Traditional rhyming schemes used to create powerful lyrics
- My favourite modulation techniques for emotional transitions
- How I draw from personal experience and stay authentic to myself
Section 3 – Arrangement & Orchestration
- How I use the string section as the foundation in many of my songs
- My favourite way of using woodwinds as an added texture for additional expression
- How I layer different samples for a beefier sound, especially in the poppier numbers
- How I use the instrumentation to support the lyrics and message of each song
"This course is absolutely fantastic! Not only will Chris give you plenty of details on how he orchestrated and arranged each song of his debut album 'Freedom', but also share very valuable insights on how he handled the whole process in itself.
This alone well deserves purchasing this course as releasing an album is a demanding long journey that requires careful planning and an overall clear vision of what you want to achieve with it!"
- Pedro L. (composer, musician)
So how much does this course cost?
Traditional music programs at university can cost over $8,000/year, as mine did! Online courses are another option, but I've seen some being sold at $3,000 apiece!
Private lessons and coaching can run you upwards of $150/hour, which I've had when going through my musical studies, so those don't come cheap either.
I want to make this course as affordable for you as possible, so when you join today you'll have access to all the material for one payment of $97!
Just click the button below to get started!
Join FREEDOM: Behind the Album today!
Click the button to get instant access for just one payment of $97!
JOIN TODAY!"Chris Siu's "Songwriting For Animation" and "Behind The Album Freedom" are two very well structured courses, showing Chris's craft in the Disney/Menken styles, with lot of case studies and behind-the-scenes of his own songs about composition, arranging, mixing & producing.
Very candid and refreshing, highly recommended!"
- Juan Mogica (songwriter & composer)
Don't forget...it's 100% risk free.
I’ve packed a lot into this course because not only do I want you to create the music that I know you can make, but I want to guarantee that you don’t fail.
And to make it a no-brainer deal for you I’m giving you a 60 day 100% money-back guarantee with your purchase today.
That’s right: Go through the course, follow the steps, put in the work, and if you don’t love it in the first 60 days of your purchase, send me an email and I’ll refund you immediately. No questions asked, no hard feelings.
If FREEDOM: BEHIND THE ALBUM doesn’t work for you, I’d much prefer for you to take your money and invest it where you will be happier and get results.
Also, if you join the PREMIUM version today, you'll receive 2 incredible bonuses:
Bonus 1: Mixing and Mastering 'Freedom'
My friend Dave kindly offered to mix and master my album for me! In this interview, Dave shares how he approached mixing the album from start to finish. You'll discover:
- How he approached the album as a whole vs. individual songs
- Dave's preferred vocal chain, and how it differed across the material
- Key mixing tips you can apply immediately, regardless of genre
- Crucial mastering techniques for a cohesive polish
Bonus 2: MIDI files for in-depth study
While it's helpful to watch over-the-shoulder, nothing helps more than having access to the MIDI files yourself and studying them in your own DAW. With these MIDI files you can:
- See how each instrument is laid out with purpose
- Discover the power of a sparse arrangement which builds over time
- Apply your own virtual instruments and solo/mute as you wish to hear different combinations
- Practice programming your own instruments from scratch!
Choose the best option for you!
Standard
$97
- In-depth training on the album creation process
- Keys to a cohesive sound through moving chord progressions and lyrics
- Music theory, production, and orchestration breakdowns for every song
- BONUS #1: Mixing and Mastering Interview with Dave
- BONUS #2: Downloadable MIDI files for deeper study
"This is a unique training course - covering the creation of an entire album. This is a very rare training class, I am not sure if I have ever seen a comparable training and I have seen quite a few as I love constant learning of the craft. I can highly recommend this unique training to songwriters and lyricists, but also to film, TV and game composers!"
- Colja B. (composer, musician)
Some common questions:
Will I have lifetime access to the course?
Absolutely! Once you sign up, you’ll have lifetime access to the material, no matter what. Even if I update the course with new material, you’ll receive it at no extra cost!
How long will it take to go through the material? Is it self-paced?
The course is entirely self-paced, meaning you’ll have access to all the material as soon as you sign up. You can go through the videos in any order you’d like, although I’d recommend you to watch them in order for maximum results and to make sure all the bases are covered. You could binge it all in an afternoon, or spread it out to prevent information overload! It’s all up to you.
Get access to FREEDOM: Behind the Album today!
Click the button below to get started instantly!
JOIN THE COURSE TODAY!There are 2 types of people.
Some composers and songwriters hit writer's block all the time. They're unable to formulate their ideas with ease, and seem to get stuck whenever they come up with some great ideas, but can't develop them into something more.
Others can not only write, produce, arrange, and mix their own music, but can tie their music together in a way that feels natural, cohesive, and emotional.
Which is more appealing to you?
Trust me, it can be tough putting together an album. With so much to consider in front of us, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed and eventually give up altogether.
But when equipped with a proper workflow and vision, it's not only possible, but a fun and exciting challenge.
Imagine a year from today...
Wouldn't it mean something to you if you sat down, ready to start creating an album, and knew exactly where to start? If you could identify your album's theme, core message and vibe, and let the ideas start flowing without frustration, wouldn't that feel incredible?
This is all possible when you have a framework and guide to follow, step by step.
Join me inside and let's create the album you've always wanted to put together!
"Still working through your wonderful course! I'm starting to reorganize my thoughts based on your excellent recommendations and in the process of writing lyrics. I watched the videos on music theory and composition as well. They are wonderful! I would strongly suggest anyone who is in the process of songwriting to take a look at your course! A big thank you!"
- Jay (musician, photographer)
Choose the best option for you!
Standard
$97
- In-depth training on the album creation process
- Keys to a cohesive sound through moving chord progressions and lyrics
- Music theory, production, and orchestration breakdowns for every song
- BONUS #1: Mixing and Mastering Interview with Dave
- BONUS #2: Downloadable MIDI files for deeper study
