stayc main image

How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

Read more
stayc main image

Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...

Read more
stayc main image

Crafting Music Like Jeff Bhasker: A Guide for Aspiring Music Creators

July 2, 2024

Jeff Bhasker is a legendary figure in the music industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His Grammy-winning career has seen...

Read more
stayc main image

The Magic of K-pop: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...

Read more
stayc main image

Blackpink’s Lisa Dominates iTunes with New Single ‘Rockstar’

June 30, 2024

Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...

Read more
stayc main image

Unlocking the Secrets of Pop Hits: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...

Read more
stayc main image

TWICE’s Nayeon on Solo Debut, Songwriting, and Spoilers: Insights for Aspiring Music Creators

June 27, 2024

As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...

Read more
stayc main image

Celebrating Joyful Rebellion: Lake Street Dive's "Good Together"

June 24, 2024

In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...

Read more
stayc main image

Kygo's Summer Serenade

June 24, 2024

Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...

Read more
stayc main image

Luna Shadows' 'bathwater' Album Delivers a Deep Dive into Self-Discovery and Reflection"

June 24, 2024

Luna Shadows has finally unveiled her long-awaited LP, "bathwater," a deeply personal journey through emotion and memory. Released independently on June 21st, this album marks a significant...

Read more
stayc main image

Remi Wolf Unveils "Motorcycle" Featuring Stellar Collaborations

June 23, 2024

Remi Wolf, known for her vibrant and eclectic musical style, has released a new single titled "Motorcycle," featuring the talents of Kenny Beats, Leon Michels, and The Dap-Kings. Released on...

Read more

Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

stayc main image

Introduction
One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some of the greatest songwriters in history have found success by experimenting with both approaches. In this article, we’ll explore methods to help you figure out what works best for you, and we’ll highlight examples of famous creators who have dealt with this very dilemma.

1. The Lyrics-First Approach
For many songwriters, lyrics are the foundation. If you have something to say or a message to deliver, starting with the words might feel more natural. This approach allows you to craft a story, mood, or concept before worrying about the music. You can then shape the melody and harmony to fit the emotional core of your words.

Example: Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is one of the most famous proponents of the lyrics-first approach. Known for his poetic and often politically charged songs, Dylan's lyrics often drive the song’s direction. His process is a testament to how powerful words can be when the music supports them.

Solution: Craft Your Story First
If you resonate with storytelling, try writing lyrics before considering the music. Start by freewriting or journaling to develop themes or ideas you want to explore. Then, experiment with matching melodies and chords to the mood your lyrics convey.

2. The Music-First Approach
Many songwriters prefer to begin with music, letting melodies or chords set the tone for their lyrics. If you find that music comes to you more easily than words, this approach might feel more intuitive. The emotional qualities of the music can then inspire lyrics that complement it.

Example: Paul McCartney (The Beatles)
Paul McCartney often wrote music before lyrics. Take “Yesterday” as an example: the melody came to McCartney in a dream, and he initially filled it with nonsensical placeholder lyrics (“Scrambled eggs...”). Once he had the melody, he shaped the final lyrics to fit the music’s mood.

Solution: Let the Melody Guide You
If you’re musically inclined, start by playing around with chords or humming melodies. Don’t worry about words at first—allow the music to dictate the feel of the song. Once you have a strong musical foundation, you can add lyrics that match the energy and emotion of the music.

3. Hybrid Method: Writing Both Together
Some songwriters create both music and lyrics simultaneously. This can be an organic process where each informs the other, allowing for a more holistic songwriting experience. This method is often the result of experimenting with both approaches over time.

Example: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift often writes lyrics and music together, especially in her earlier albums. Her approach allows for seamless integration between the emotional content of the lyrics and the musical mood, creating songs that feel cohesive from start to finish.

Solution: Experiment with Simultaneous Writing
If you’re unsure where to start, try writing both at the same time. Pick up an instrument, hum a melody, and jot down lyrics that come to mind. You might discover that the flow between words and music feels more natural when they develop together.

4. Tapping into Inspiration from External Sources
Sometimes, inspiration comes from neither music nor lyrics directly, but from an external stimulus like a movie, book, or experience. Using inspiration from these sources can provide both musical and lyrical ideas simultaneously.

Example: David Bowie
David Bowie would often draw inspiration from movies, literature, and even art, blending music and lyrics inspired by these sources. His experimental nature allowed him to switch between writing lyrics and music based on what was most inspiring at the moment.

Solution: Look Beyond Music and Lyrics for Inspiration
Don’t limit your creative process to just music or lyrics. If you’re feeling stuck, try watching a movie, reading a book, or visiting a gallery. You may find that the inspiration for both the music and lyrics comes from these outside influences.

Conclusion: Find What Works for You
There’s no right or wrong way to write a song. Whether you prefer to start with lyrics, music, or a combination of both, the key is finding a process that works for you. Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and David Bowie all approached songwriting differently, and each method has its own merits. The most important thing is to experiment and discover what helps you express your creativity best.

Let the examples of these music legends inspire you to try new approaches, but don’t forget to adapt the process to your unique style. Sometimes, all it takes is a little trial and error to find the perfect flow!