Harmonized Creativity: A Candid Chat with My Musician Friend about Lyrics and Music

When it comes to creating music, the eternal question arises: what comes first, writing the lyrics or creating the music?

I recently had a fascinating conversation with my talented singer friend who has experienced both sides of the creative process. He makes music in the “metalcore” genre. As the lead singer of his former band, and now embarking on a new musical journey with a new band, he shared his brief insights into the dynamic interplay between lyrics and music, and how the order of their creation can shape the final work. I have edited our conversations to share them with you.

Photo by Cody Board on Unsplash

1. “Lyrics on music are like a symphony of flexibility.”

For my singer friend, writing lyrics to pre-existing music offers a realm of flexibility like no other. With the melody and rhythm already in place, the lyrics can adapt and flow seamlessly with the music. The inherent structure of the song guides the poet within, allowing the words to align with the flowing melody.

2. “There is a harmonious interaction with vocals and instruments.”

As my friend delved deeper into the process, he emphasised how the lyrics can be meticulously crafted to work in harmony with both the vocal performance and the instrumental elements. Each word has the potential to resonate with the listener and connect them emotionally to the song. The lyrics serve as a bridge that carries the emotions from the artist’s soul to the ears and hearts of the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

3. “When music is one with emotions, it can be clearer to convey the essence.”

The magic of music lies in its ability to evoke emotions and stir the soul. When accompanied by heartfelt lyrics, music becomes a tool of profound expression. My friend passionately expressed how music allows him to dive deep into his emotions. With the perfect fusion of lyrics and music, the audience can feel the artist’s emotions intensely, making the song an unforgettable experience.

4. “If only I could also play an instrument, things could evolve differently.”

As we discussed the creative process, my friend revealed a wistful desire to play an instrument himself. He imagined a scenario where he could create the lyrics over the music while playing an instrument. This feedback loop would be invaluable to him. With instant feedback from the instrument, he could make changes on the fly, perfecting the symbiosis between lyrics and music. Although he doesn’t yet play an instrument, he recognises the transformative potential of this approach.

---

They wanted to promote their songs with a music video within 2023, but when it comes to art, there is no need to hesitate. So here it is, you can listen to his single that came out two months ago with this new band. I’m also going to write the story for one of their songs, so I’m delighted.

You may be interested in my article that I promised to write on this topic:

• The Art of Narrative and Storytelling in Rock and Metal Bands