Skip to main content

Lyricist Guide

We're here to write lyrics. Traditionally it has always been me, but suppose you have a great story, or if we plan to do it in a different language (JP, KR, etc.), I could use your help.

Whether its your first time, or you're already with us, just refer to this link to remember our workflow and practice.

song → lyricist → storyboard → illustrator → video editor

Requirements​

Personal details​

  • Not necessary for your Name, Age, Gender, Race, Religion, Nationality. Personal life details are not required. We're focused on your pen.
  • Stagename, social handles
  • Language preferences (e.g., fluent in JP/CN/EN?)
  • Budget, ask price, and writing scope (e.g., just lyrics, or also vocal melody suggestions)

Software​

  • Any text editor is fine, but it's good to deliver with:
    • Google Docs (for collaboration/comments) 1
    • TXT or SRT for finalized timestamped lyrics
  • Digital audio workstation (DAW) for vocal melody (optional but preferred)
    • If only instrumentals is provided, and you want to come up with your own melody.
    • If harmonizing / backup vocal melody not provided, and you wish to make your own.
Example
# Original 

[chorus]
who's watching me?
每个脚步，我出人头地
is there anyone who could see me?
是星空闪耀的光
还是社会排斥的低沉的腐败垃圾？
# With backup 

[chorus]
who's watching me?
每个脚步，我出人头地
is there anyone who could see me? (anyone can see me? anyone?)
是星空闪耀的光
还是社会排斥的低沉的腐败垃圾？(腐败垃圾yeah)
Respect IP and copyrights

We are artists working with trust, professionalism, and creative freedom. What we will be creating together is more than just our individual work. Here's the boring part, but you should still read it so we can get to the fun part.

As a lyricist, you get exposed to the most raw content (my pre-master), so there is little risk. Just a refresher though.

  • Do not redistribute project materials (audio, art, drafts, exports) outside the team without permission.

Don't get caught cheating.

Honestly, how do you even cheat at lyrics? AI-generates Neon, Eon, peon, rhymes with solo, shadow, tomorrow and borrow.

You know its a cliche.

Input​

AKA what you should get from us. It is encouraged that you don't rush yourself until you have all of this.

Song Draft​

  • instrumental
  • vocal melody guide if available

Output​

AKA what we get from you

Full Lyrics​

  • Labeled by section (Verse, Chorus, Bridge, etc.)
  • Format: TXT or Google Doc
  • If multilingual: Romanized + translated version (not required for EN, CN)
  • Timestamp not required unless you have SynthV / Vocaloid
  • Space breaks to show the transition of lyrics

Example:

# Good
[verse-2] (rap) 
谁定规章 和设路障 却比技人 拿得更多？ 
而高管亏了钱 却还发奖金 是怎么说？ 

## spacing follows melody syncopation
# Not good
[verse-2] (rap) 
谁定规章和设路障? 却比技人拿得更多？
而高管亏了钱却还发奖金! 是怎么说？ 

## no spacing, punctuation follows common language syntax, and not musical syncopation

Workflow​

Pre-production​

  • Review instrumental concept (BPM, arrangement)
  • Select theme (e.g., love, death, etc.)
  • Confirm lyrical language(s) and intended tone
  • If you have SynthV / Vocaloid, just throwing words at it will eventually work.

Writing​

  • Just keep writing until it rhymes.
  • Words is very fluid. There is a lot of ways to pronounce a word. You can replace and mix language too.
  • Revision. Usually, I'll just take over the lyrics and rewrite it while listening to the vocaloid simulation a second time. And everyone takes turns until everyone is happy.
  • Remember to keep simulating the vocaloid and try singing it yourself! (Some lyrics makes sense, but contain a lot of s and z in a short time that no one can sing!)

Handoff​

  • Ensure format compatibility for storyboard artist and subtitle work
  • Deliver via shared folder or collaboration doc
  • You get credited as lyricist in all video formats and descriptions
Producer's message

You write first. Everyone else follows your rhythm.

The storyboard needs your words to build visuals. The editor needs your lyrics to time the cut. The vocal needs your words without biting their tongue off.

Here's a good priority to decide how hard you want to work.

  1. Honor your artistic vision first
  2. Make sure you have enough time / money to finish the job

...

  1. Try too hard to be perfect

Footnotes​

  1. I'm a madman who uses VSCode for lyrics ↩