In today’s era, antiheroes and villains are becoming more and more popular in popular media. This popularity has led to a trend of artists creating songs that celebrate the darkness and complexity of their own villains. Writing songs for your villain era can be empowering while also being a way to explore your own shadow side.
1. Embrace the Darkness
When writing for your villain era, don’t be afraid to explore dark themes. Use metaphorical language and vivid imagery to create a sense of danger, seduction, or fear. This helps to make your song more impactful and engaging. A great example of this are some of Billie Eilish’s songs such as “You Should See me in a Crown.”
2. Explore your Villain Origin Story
When it comes to writing songs for your villain era, it is important to identify the characteristics that define your villain persona. Is your villain misunderstood, vengeful, or power-hungry? What motivates them and drives their actions? Use these elements and emotions as inspiration for your lyrics and your overall style. By exploring these questions, you can create a more complex and interesting character that will resonate with your audience.
3. Draw Inspiration from Others
Another way to write a compelling song for your villain era is to draw inspiration from existing songs. Listen to songs that make you feel like you’re in your villain era, and pay attention to the lyrics, melodies, and overall vibe. Take note of the elements that you find most inspiring, and use them to create your own unique sound. This can help you to tap into the existing language and ideas of the genre, while still creating something that is completely your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks, as this can lead to creating a song that truly resonates with your audience.
4. Incorporate Spoken Word
Incorporating spoken word into your villain era songs can add a unique layer of depth and emotion to your lyrics. Spoken word allows you to emphasize certain phrases or ideas in your lyrics by delivering them in a rhythmic and expressive way. When it comes to the actual delivery of the spoken word section, consider using different vocal inflections and tonalities to add depth and emotion to your performance. This can be a great way to bring your character to life and create a more immersive experience for your listener.
5. Use Dissonance or Unusual Harmonies
Using dissonance in villain era songs can be an effective tool in creating a sense of tension and unease in your music. Dissonance occurs when two or more musical notes are played together, and they create a clashing or jarring sound. This can be used to create a sense of discomfort or unease in the listener, which can be particularly effective in a sinister context. Experiment with different chord progressions or add unexpected notes to create a sense of discomfort or unease.
Writing songs for your villain era is not about celebrating immoral actions, but rather exploring the complexity of human emotions and motivations. By embracing your shadow side, you can create a song that is unique, impactful, and reflective of your villain persona. Don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with different sounds and techniques, especially if you have never written a song which explores your shadow side. Writing songs for your villain era can be a rewarding experience that allows you to create a memorable song while also being introspective.
