Which is easier?

StickmanSouffle · 03-18-2009, 07:04 AM

Alright, guise. I'm writing some songs atm and am wondering, what do you consider easier? Writing the lyrics or the music first? Some tips on what processes I should do would be greatly appreciated.

MusicMan · 03-18-2009, 02:36 PM

I find it easier to kinda go back and forth. I usually start with lyrics first. I'll brainstorm a bit on a certain topic or theme, or even on just one or two good lines I've got in my head. I'll expand until I've got enough material to say what I want to say, then I'll dip into the rhythm aspect of the song. I try and determine what rhythms the different sections will have (either based on what kind of pulse I just feel the song should have, or the literal rhythms of how the lyrics are naturally spoken, in the desired tone and voice I intend for the song) and then start building instruments around that. Then I usually develop all the instrumental parts into a pretty concrete arrangement that I'm comfortable with, then go back to the lyrics and edit them so that they fit as good as possible with the now developed musical track.

But that's all related to when I right based on rhythms instead of sticking 100% to the exact words that pop into my head. So if you aren't one to let your lyrics bend a little to match the flow, I'd suggest just starting with the lyrics and building everything else up around them.

Aqualung · 03-18-2009, 04:05 PM

There's actually a thread about this somewhere else in the forums... I could merge these two threads.

RickenbackerBassPlayer · 03-18-2009, 10:48 PM

I suggest what MM said. Maybe try both and do what is easiest for you.

Razzy · 03-22-2009, 05:57 AM

I personally write the music first, unless I already have something for the lyrics in mind already, in which case I've got an idea for the music as well.

But I can definitely see this as being different on a person to person basis.

03-18-2009, 02:36 PM	#2
MusicMan "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong." - Voltaire Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Inside your head Posts: 7,314 Thanks: 562 Thanked 460 Times in 401 Posts Rep Power: 500	I find it easier to kinda go back and forth. I usually start with lyrics first. I'll brainstorm a bit on a certain topic or theme, or even on just one or two good lines I've got in my head. I'll expand until I've got enough material to say what I want to say, then I'll dip into the rhythm aspect of the song. I try and determine what rhythms the different sections will have (either based on what kind of pulse I just feel the song should have, or the literal rhythms of how the lyrics are naturally spoken, in the desired tone and voice I intend for the song) and then start building instruments around that. Then I usually develop all the instrumental parts into a pretty concrete arrangement that I'm comfortable with, then go back to the lyrics and edit them so that they fit as good as possible with the now developed musical track. But that's all related to when I right based on rhythms instead of sticking 100% to the exact words that pop into my head. So if you aren't one to let your lyrics bend a little to match the flow, I'd suggest just starting with the lyrics and building everything else up around them. __________________ Rules! A definite must-read How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video. Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.

03-18-2009, 04:05 PM	#3
Aqualung Pshaw! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 11,548 Thanks: 527 Thanked 731 Times in 684 Posts Rep Power: 269	There's actually a thread about this somewhere else in the forums... I could merge these two threads. __________________ Here we go. Mushu cereal for breakfast with duck sauce.

03-18-2009, 10:48 PM	#4
RickenbackerBassPlayer Play the music, not the instrument Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Behind You Posts: 3,585 Thanks: 126 Thanked 165 Times in 155 Posts Rep Power: 125	I suggest what MM said. Maybe try both and do what is easiest for you. __________________ Make sure to read the Rules for posting. Check out the KMA Review team thread post if interested. If you have any problems please feel free to Send me a message.. "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." - Ludwig Van Beethoven

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03-18-2009, 07:04 AM	#1
StickmanSouffle Tie me up! Untie me! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coastal town, dislike the beach... -_- Posts: 124 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts Rep Power: 16	Alright, guise. I'm writing some songs atm and am wondering, what do you consider easier? Writing the lyrics or the music first? Some tips on what processes I should do would be greatly appreciated.

03-22-2009, 05:57 AM	#5
Razzy It's All In My Head Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 14 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 11	I personally write the music first, unless I already have something for the lyrics in mind already, in which case I've got an idea for the music as well. But I can definitely see this as being different on a person to person basis.

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