This is perhaps one of my biggest pet peeves – poor track sequencing. Track sequencing is a subliminal way of relaying your brand. Your fans may not pick up on the overall story you’re telling through your sequencing – but that’s exactly what it is, a cohesive story. A track sequence done poorly is like riding with someone learning to drive stick shift: jolting, bumpy and filled with lots of stops and starts.

Here are a few things to consider when putting together a sequence for your release:

Tempo

Hopefully you’ve written and recorded a good balance of varying tempos. Don’t weight tempo too heavily to either side of the album – spread the love. A good mix of fast, moderate and slow songs throughout the whole project will always feel more rounded

Production

Is this song seriously fifteen minutes long? Oh, it’s been four different songs? That can happen when the production elements stay the same – instrumentation, dynamics, key, structure, etc. Don’t be that band.

End Listener

Sometimes as an artist your end listener will be different, keep that in mind when sequencing. You’ll want a different flow for your audience than you would for industry professionals you’re pitching for a record deal, tour bookings, PR or placement opportunities.

Yes, sequencing is important, and makes an impact on your listener. Don’t just throw songs together without thought. Let your brand influence how you communicate the story of your records.

Don’t be the person learning to drive stick shift with your track sequencing. Let’s work out those transitions together, email me here.