Volume 1: Embracing Songwriting
During my time in junior high school, I found myself surrounded by friends who possessed exceptional singing and songwriting talents. While they excelled in these areas, my passion lay in literature, where my affinity for writing soared. My particular forte lies in crafting classical and pop song lyrics, yet my dedication compels me to explore and delve deeper into all facets of songwriting.
In truth, the line between my proficiency and my passion remains somewhat blurred. I firmly believe that the two mutually reinforce and inspire one another. If compelled to choose between the two, I would devote more attention to honing my strengths and gradually transforming them into my true passions.
In my view, during the initial stages of music composition, it is inevitable to immerse oneself in a vast collection of exemplary works and seek inspiration from them. This process serves as a valuable means of learning. Naturally, it becomes essential to gradually cultivate one's own distinctive style over time.
For instance, I have always admired the works of the author of "The Pursuit of Light." Her compositions bear an undeniable influence on numerous chart-topping songs, brimming with vitality. It is conceivable that her experiences in battling cancer instilled within her lyrics a resilience and determination that resounds powerfully.
Wan Yi, too, is an incredibly adept instructor of lyricism, and my admiration for her knows no bounds. Furthermore, I have felt a profound sense of admiration for Teacher Tang Tian, who possesses an unwavering structural foundation, unconfined by mere rhyming schemes.
Volume 2: Collaborating with CCTV
In truth, the process of crafting a poem is not overly complex, and musicians who are new to the industry often seek collaboration opportunities from various angles. Being deeply interested in literature and lyrics, I possess a certain level of competence, which prompts me to engage in discussions and pursue relevant opportunities with fellow musicians.
Regarding my collaboration with CCTV, I primarily utilized a well-established intermediary service platform with a standardized business model. After submitting my manuscript, there wasn't much communication or adjustment involved. It was only upon participating in the release that I could witness the culmination of our collective efforts. However, I have always regarded such experiences as periodic reflections on the creative process, thus I don't let myself become excessively excited.
During that time, I collaborated with the talented singer-blogger Vicky Xuanxuan, which eventually led to our appearance on CCTV. The origin of this collaboration stemmed from having a friend who was always fond of Vicky's songs. Given that we were both peers who could learn from one another, and I had a genuine appreciation for her work, I contemplated writing a poem from the perspective of a young girl. Subsequently, I sent Vicky a private message expressing my desire to collaborate. Admittedly, I harbored concerns that renowned bloggers might dismiss me as an amateur, so our interactions were primarily centered around the submission process. I independently pondered whether my words and sentences were appropriate and made revisions on my own. Generally, I refrained from burdening them with excessive requests and seldom engaged in prolonged conversations.
To my surprise, she agreed to the collaboration. As it turned out, we were both ENFPs and shared similar circles of friends. With her infectious energy and comparable affinity for sports and musical tastes, we silently observed and learned from each other.
Observing and understanding musicians is an ongoing challenge in the process of honing my skills. The lyrics I write must align with their unique style of composition and singing. Consequently, I continually exercise this skill, engaging in various exercises and forging a connection through collaboration to become more proficient.
Due to this inclination, I often adopt an observant attitude towards the circles of my collaborators, studying their preferences and distinctive traits, while also receiving corresponding feedback. For instance, the first musician I collaborated with initially favored a ballad-folk style, but later desired to explore new directions and break through creative boundaries. Therefore, my ideas needed to adapt accordingly, allowing me to explore and experiment with diverse musical styles.
Volume 3: The Commercialization of Pop Songs
In reality, when it comes to the market, most popular songs are commercially oriented, serving as promotional and propagandistic tools. The price of lyrics for such songs can exceed 3000 yuan. The production process for these songs involves multiple studios and various modes of creation, including the recruitment of individual musicians. Many projects hire external songwriters, with the Marketing Department evaluating and subsequently arranging and refining the music. Often, these songwriters are not formal employees but rather individuals sought externally. I must admit that I do not entirely oppose such an approach.
I have also received invitations from companies and intermediaries who appreciate my lyric-writing abilities. While I feel honored by their recognition, the process often resembles assembly line work. The basic procedure entails developing a piece based on my own ideas, submitting it to the company, and then proceeding into the unknown during the review process. If the piece fails to pass, they do not disclose the reasons; however, if it is well-received, they discuss direct production.
Volume 4: Realizing Knowledge and Seizing Inspiration Opportunities
Writing lyrics doesn't require a significant amount of time, as inspiration can strike at any moment. Most manuscripts are customized on a one-to-one basis, necessitating a few sentences to be written in collaboration with partners to align with specific details and themes requested by customers. Some stories may be based on personal experiences, reflecting individual thoughts and emotions. This process is akin to conducting interviews to gather the necessary information. For instance, if we collaborate with large companies like iFlytek, lyrics can be sold at a high profit of 5,000 each, and the basic business requirements are not extensive, resulting in a swift collaboration. However, I must admit that I am more at ease when working with solo musicians. I am not driven by the desire to create catchy songs; rather, I pursue my craft purely for livelihood.
One of my favorite singers is Zhang Yelei. She focuses on producing songs in the LGBTQ+ genre, as this creates a fan base and provides independent songwriters and musicians with a better platform. To write a good LGBTQ+ song, she delves deep into understanding the experiences and perspectives of the community. She communicates with fans to ensure the content is profound and appropriate, and then continually refines the work, ensuring it resonates deeply with people's hearts.
Occasionally, when she finishes composing a piece, she would send it to me for feedback. We engage in a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas, establishing an egalitarian relationship. As the saying goes, "Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers." In the presence of artists like her, I don't feel pressured but rather seize the opportunity to communicate joyfully.
Volume 5: Words for Young People Interested in Music
Having an interest in music is a wonderful thing. Many people enjoy listening to songs, but only a few know how to write lyrics. If you aspire to turn your interest into a profession, the first step is to understand the process of writing and producing songs. You can also explore becoming a singer or producer to gain a deeper understanding of the music you love.
In the early stages of entering the field, time is more valuable than money, and investing in knowledge during the learning process is worthwhile. If you aim to achieve significant financial success, seeking venture capital in the initial stages may be necessary. Additionally, finding a compatible composer and musician partner is crucial.
However, it's important to note that producing a complete song can incur costs from the outset, and predicting the outcomes can be challenging. Coupled with a fiercely competitive market, maintaining perseverance as a newcomer can be even more difficult.
In this regard, I recommend exploring private platforms and music exchange planning platforms. Pay attention to online communities that focus on script and playwriting needs, as well as opportunities for recruiting lyricists. Apart from writing lyrics, I also offer one-on-one tutoring in my spare time on literature, novels, music, and other subjects. I encourage you to broaden your interests and engage in cross-field experiments.
I have been writing novels since elementary school and have always dreamed of composing songs for singers. Unexpectedly, these childhood fantasies have become the driving force behind my growth. I encourage all teenagers to pursue dreams courageously, while also remaining grounded and practical.
Producer & Editor: Isabella Wang
Interviewer & Text: Jessica Luo
Translator: Maoxing Duo
Formatting: Amy Pan