Summary of "This Lyrics Writing Blueprint Feels Like Cheating.."
The Encapsulator: A Songwriting Technique for Melodic Quatrains
The video introduces the encapsulator, a method for writing melodic quatrains by structuring a four-bar lyrical phrase with distinct sections:
- Sparse bars at the beginning and end, featuring short, simple phrases.
- Dense “dance” bars in the middle, packed with syllables and punchlines.
Key Concepts and Artistic Techniques
- The encapsulator alternates between simple and complex lyrical content to play with listener attention.
- Sparse bars hook and relax the listener, while dense bars deliver strong lyrical content and melodic interest.
- Effective songwriting creates peaks and valleys in melody and lyrics to maintain engagement and avoid monotony.
- Lyrics can be written by fitting words to a pre-existing melody or by creating a melody around free-form lyrics.
Step-by-Step Example of the Method
- Choose a theme (e.g., fear and overcoming it).
- Write a short phrase for the first sparse bar (e.g., “I defy you”).
- Fit the phrase to the melody by experimenting with syllables and notes.
- Develop the first dense bar by continuing the thought naturally, then adjust syllables and melody to fit the beat.
- Repeat for the second dense bar, focusing on rhyme and rhythm (e.g., “scarred up my mind with forever tattoos”).
- Finish with a short phrase in the last sparse bar that contrasts melodically and lyrically with the rest (e.g., “but you didn’t”).
- Add ad-libs or simple repeated rhyme words to fill out the bars and add texture.
Additional Insights
The video is sponsored by Rhymecraft.guru, a web app designed to help write professional rap lyrics.
- Nathan, the creator of Rhymecraft, explains that the app guides users through songwriting decisions and warns about conflicting choices such as timing issues.
- Rhymecraft aims to be the lyric-writing equivalent of digital audio workstations used for music production.
- Nathan invites viewers to join him on Twitch for community support and motivation while he develops the app.
Creators and Contributors
- Video creator (unnamed)
- Nathan, creator of Rhymecraft (rhymecraft.guru)
Category
Art and Creativity
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