Do Musicians Who Write Their Own Songs Also Create the Instrumental Parts?

The collaboration between lyrics and instrumental parts in a song can often be seen as a shared collective effort. However, in many instances, there is a striking overlap where musicians who write the lyrics also craft the instrumental sections, as seen in the case of Canadian rock band Rush, particularly in their iconic track, YYZ.

Case Study of Rush's YYZ

On the track YYZ, Geddy Lee, the bassist and lead vocalist, and Neil Peart, the drummer, both played crucial roles in the song's composition. Notably, Geddy Lee and Neil Peart were responsible for the overwhelming majority of the composition, including the melody and the arrangement. It was only the guitar solo that was added later by Alex Lifeson, the guitarist, after the musical foundation was set.

Band Dynamics and Contributions

Often, a band member's primary contribution involves either lyrics or melody, with the rest of the track put together collaboratively. As a drummer in my own band, I personally composed the lyrics for a song called Here Love is Found. I provided the band with the melody through my singing, and the final product was transformed into a Beach Boys-style number by our manager. This process revealed that there is no strict rule governing who does what in the creative process; it varies significantly from band to band and from project to project.

Industry Practices

In the music industry, it is common for some songwriters to handle just the essentials of a composition, which might include the main hooks and chord progressions, while others might be responsible for adding the final touches. For instance, a record company might commission a musical arranger to refine and structure a song, especially if they have a song with the potential for commercial success. This practice often involves a more collaborative and professional approach, where each band member or hired arranger contributes their expertise.

Moreover, not all musicians are able to read music, as I discovered when I moved from playing the violin as a child, where I read music, to the guitar, where I no longer did. On the guitar, I focused on creating rhythms and melodies, but I struggled with lyrics, which is an area where my vocal bandmate excelled.

The creative process of music is multifaceted, and it is often a blend of individual contributions and collective efforts. Whether it's a shared responsibility or a clear division of tasks, the end result is a cohesive and often brilliant piece of music.

For musicians who are interested in creating songs from start to finish, understanding the roles and contributions of each band member can be incredibly valuable. It can lead to a more organic and effective creative process, where everyone's strengths are utilized to their fullest potential.