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Online Studio Class

Dark Pop: How to Write & Produce an Emotionally Complex, Polished Pop Song

Learn everything you need to know to write and produce compelling dark pop songs. In this class, dark pop duo, NAPXLEON, takes you into their studio and uncovers their unique songwriting process from start to finish. Follow along as they write and produce a captivating original track from scratch, explaining everything they're doing along the way.
$169.99

What’s included:

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    In-depth video lessons (5h 7m)

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    Step-by-step curriculum

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    Online and at your own pace

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    Watch on all devices

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    Unlimited lifetime access

Taught by

Profile picture for NAPXLEON
Profile picture for NAPXLEON
NAPXLEON
Dark pop duo known for their unique approach to collaboration. Experts at storytelling through emotionally charged lyrics, haunting melodies, and radio-ready production.
What you’ll learn
Mastering the Art of Collaboration
Creating Atmospheric Progressions
Writing Compelling Melodies
Fine-Tuning Melodic Structure & Word Sounds
Authentic Storytelling 
Refining Lyrics
Effective Tracking & Comping
Embellishing Composition with Drums, Guitar, Synth and Bass
Controlling Dynamics with Transitions & Automation
Vocal Production & Ear Candy

Class Overview

Master the Art of Dark Pop: Write and Produce Emotionally Compelling Songs with Confidence
NAPXLEON is a captivating dark pop duo known for their emotionally charged lyrics, haunting melodies, and radio-ready production. In their first year as artists, they’ve attracted the attention of A&R’s at Prescription Songs and Genius.com, secured placements on some of the most popular playlists on Spotify, and collaborated with industry veterans Ryan Key and Ryan Mendez of Yellowcard. Employing their unique approach to collaboration, Arie and Mike are experts at harnessing the power of storytelling, using their music as a canvas for showcasing the highs and lows of the human experience. And now they want to share their expertise with you. In this class, you’ll learn their secrets to crafting addictive, polished dark pop songs that will captivate your listeners and leave them wanting more. Join them for an exclusive look behind the scenes as they guide you through their entire songwriting process from start to finish. You’ll begin by developing 3-4 atmospheric instrumentals or vibes from scratch, and then dive deep into toplines - exploring melodies, themes, and word sounds. Together, you’ll refine these ideas and finesse the lyrics to tell a powerful, emotive story. Throughout the class, they’ll share their thoughts, techniques, and creative choices with you, giving you an inside look at their approach to instrument selection, rhyme schemes, and more. They’ll also take you through tracking and comping, enhancing production with cohesive instrumental counter-melodies, and diving into the world of drums and transitions. To finish, they’ll add the final touches to vocals with harmonies, delay throws, and other ear candy that will elevate your dark pop creation to the next level. By the end of this class, you'll have all the skills you need to craft professional-sounding, emotionally complex dark pop songs that resonate with your audience. Join them for this immersive learning experience and develop your own dark pop toolkit to level up your music for the rest of your songwriting career.

Lessons (8)

Apply what you learn

Follow NAPXLEON’s proven process, step by step

In this class, NAPXLEON breaks down their songwriting process into clear, actionable steps. Follow along with NAPXLEON’s step-by-step process and create your own dark pop song. You can also watch NAPXLEON’s process in full first and then bring the ideas, tools, and techniques into your own projects. By following NAPXLEON’s proven process, you’ll learn everything you need to create like these:

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Who’s this class for?
1

You’re a fan of dark pop music and want to learn exactly how to create your own emotionally charged lyrics, haunting melodies, and radio-ready production from start to finish. 

2

You’re a songwriter wanting to perfect the art of storytelling. Learn how to harness your music as a canvas for showcasing the highs and lows of the human experience. 

3

You’re an experienced songwriter or producer looking to drastically level up your ability to collaborate. Learn how to engage in effective co-creation following NAPXLEON’s unique approach first hand.

Profile picture for NAPXLEON
Profile picture for NAPXLEON
meet your instructor
NAPXLEON

A captivating dark pop duo from Portland, Oregon, NAPXLEON is known for their emotionally charged lyrics, haunting melodies, and radio-ready production. In their first year, they’ve attracted the attention of A&R’s at Prescription Songs and Genius.com, secured placements on some of the most popular playlists on Spotify, and collaborated with industry veterans Ryan Key and Ryan Mendez of Yellowcard. Employing their unique approach to collaboration, Arie and Mike are experts at harnessing the power of storytelling, using their music as a canvas for showcasing the highs and lows of the human experience.

A better kind of online class
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Apprenticeship-Style Learning ™
In Studio Classes, creators take you into their studios and teach you everything they actually do behind the scenes. Learn by observing the real process like an apprentice.
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The Start-To-Finish Process
Instead of watching surface level tutorials, watch the entire start-to-finish process of a creator to uncover every idea, decision, tool, and technique used throughout their journey.
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Vulnerable & Open
At Studio, creators step into the vulnerable arena and share everything. Every idea, setback, and triumph is included. Creators openly share the full process, not just the final output.
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Learn Insider Secrets
On Studio, accessing the world’s guarded knowledge has never been easier. Creators share their secrets, tips and tricks that are impossible to find elsewhere.
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Watch On All Devices
Whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll always have access to all your class lessons across all of your devices including mobile and tablets.
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Unlimited Lifetime Access
On Studio, you get unlimited lifetime access to every class you purchase. Pay once and use your class lessons as valuable references forever.

Frequently asked questions

$169.99

What’s included:

  • include icon

    In-depth video lessons (5h 7m)

  • include icon

    Step-by-step curriculum

  • include icon

    Online and at your own pace

  • include icon

    Watch on all devices

  • include icon

    Unlimited lifetime access

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