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General => Musicians => Topic started by: Ħ on January 23, 2012, 08:43:48 PM

Title: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: Ħ on January 23, 2012, 08:43:48 PM: Do you write the melody before writing the lyrics, or do you write the lyrics first? Or do you have an idea what the lyrics are going to be about, then write the melody, then write the specific lyrics? Obviously there's no magic formula and you can do whatever you want, but what would be the best approach for a beginner?
Title: Re: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 23, 2012, 08:46:45 PM: It just happens, like when hefdaddy created the heavens and the earth.
Title: Re: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: fibreoptix on January 24, 2012, 09:37:01 AM: I think it depends... I'm a singer/lyricist who can't play an instrument, but I have a guy who I work closely with who can. Now, sometimes he'll send me a piece of music, in which case I'll immediately set about creating the melodies. However, sometimes I'll feel inspired and the lyrics will just come pouring out. In the latter case, I always try and be mindful of the rhythm of the words, so that when the time comes to put a melody to them, the task is a lot easier.

Like you said though, there ain't no magic formula and the best approach obviously depends on the person.
Title: Re: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 24, 2012, 01:42:57 PM: I fit lyrics to melodies. Rarely the other way around.
Title: Re: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: Dark Castle on January 25, 2012, 10:19:36 AM: I'm a grindcore vocalist so not sure if this will help but I wrote lyrics and we're working on the instrumentals now, and if need be I'll go back and tinker with lyrics if they don't fit.
Title: Re: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: Ħ on January 27, 2012, 02:02:33 PM: I've been paying attention to vocal melodies a lot more now. It seems that most phrases start with a very quick upbeat, and the second syllable/word is on the beat. Is there a name for this technique?
Title: Re: When you write vocal melodies....
Post by: OsMosis2259 on February 06, 2012, 03:18:02 PM: I also do melodies first and then will write the lyrics.