In addition to being an easy source of inspiration writing a sequel can help you reach your audience. Experienced artists know how to get more streams by writing a sequel. People are more likely to listen to your work if it’s connected to songs they already love.
Just like with a film a sequel song carries on the story and characters of the original.
You can choose to be open about the inspiration for your song or keep it private.
Being open has benefits! Get more views of your song on Youtube by posting it in the comments of the original. This will work especially well if you style and content is related to the song your are responding to. Cross link to Spotify or wherever you make your music available.
Getting more exposure with a sequel is an old trick. Back when people bought records artists used this trick quite a lot. Here are some examples.
Let’s twist again by Chubby Checker is a sequel to the Twist.
Twist and Shout is also a Sequel to the Twist
Major Tom (Coming home) is a sequel to Major Tom by David Bowie.
All of these songs benefited from the fame of the original. More people give these songs a chance because they liked the original.
Rap artists know they can get more streams by writing a sequel. It’s a way into the listeners ears and heart. For instance Jay-Z’s “Takeover” is a Response to Nas’ “Stillmatic Freestyle”
Eminem’s “Quitter/Hit ’Em Up Freestyle” is a response to Everlast’s “Whitey’s Revenge”.
Ingredients
- A song to respond to or write a sequel for
- Pen and paper
- Optionally: Your instrument
Method
- Find a song to use as the basis of your own
- Listen to the story, summarise it and note down the characters involved
- Extend the story. Ask yourself what would happen next.
- You can use a similar song format or vary it, it’s entirely up to you.
- Publish your song
Try another recipe.