Introduction
When it comes to the music industry, many artists are known for writing their own lyrics and music, while others rely on professionals to help them craft their songs. This article explores the extent to which musicians write their own lyrics and music, using the examples of Mitski Miyawaki and Barry Manilow.
Mitski Miyawaki: A Case Study in Self-Written Lyrics
Introduction to Mitski
Mitski Miyawaki, known professionally as Mitski, is a multi-talented artist who has gained recognition for both her singing and songwriting abilities. Her music often delves into introspective and emotionally evocative themes such as love, loss, and personal identity. This level of authenticity is a result of her involvement in the creation of her own music.
Self-Composed Lyrics
Mitski is known for writing her own lyrics. This unique approach allows her to express her unique artistic vision and connect with listeners through her heartfelt and genuine compositions. Her songwriting style has garnered critical acclaim, contributing to her dedicated fan base. The introspective nature of her lyrics and the personal themes she explores in her songs make her music relatable and emotionally engaging.
According to Mitski, she not only writes the lyrics but also the music for many of her original songs. This complete control over the creation process ensures that her artistic vision is fully realized, resulting in music that resonates deeply with her fans. Her involvement in the entire songwriting process—from beginning to end—has been a significant factor in her success and the positive reception her music has received.
Barry Manilow: A Different Approach to Songwriting
Barry Manilow and Collaborative Songwriting
Barry Manilow, on the other hand, is best known for his collaboration with professional songwriters. While Manilow was recognized as a talented singer, his success largely lies in the lyrics and music he has helped to craft over the years. Examples include the lyrics by Damiano David and the musical arrangements worked out between Manilow and other band members.
Credits and Collaborations
In the case of The Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner is credited with the lyrics, while the music is credited to the band. Similarly, in Manilow’s case, the lyrics are often written by others, while he provides the music. The involvement of a producer in the final song is also notable, as their input significantly influences the overall sound and feel of the track.
Personal Contributions and Artistic Vision
Despite relying on professional songwriters for lyrics, Manilow remains deeply involved in the songwriting process. He often mentions the challenges and conflicts he faced in balancing his artistic vision with the pressures of working with established writers. However, the success of his music suggests that he successfully navigates these challenges and creates works that resonate with audiences.
Barry Manilow's ability to connect with audiences through his performances and recordings, even when written by others, demonstrates the power of his own artistic contributions. His performances are known for their emotional depth and genuine connection with the audience, suggesting that his contributions to the songs go beyond just the music and lyrics.
Conclusion
The process of songwriting can vary widely among musicians, from complete self-composition to collaboration with professionals. Both models have their place in the music industry, and the success of artists like Mitski Miyawaki and Barry Manilow shows that different approaches can lead to successful and meaningful music. Whether a musician writes lyrics and music themselves or collaborates with others, the key is to maintain a genuine and sincere artistic vision that resonates with listeners.