Week 28 – Songwriting, AI Music, and Finding Your Voice

This week, I wanted to do something a little different—something that goes deeper than the AI tools or the fancy editing apps. This episode is about the words. The lyrics. The part of the song that makes us feel something.

Why Songwriting Still Matters in the Age of AI

With tools like Suno and Udio, it’s easier than ever to make music. But writing lyrics? That still takes soul. And this week’s guests prove it. I invited three amazing lyricists to share their personal tips, origin stories, and actual songs:

• ✍️ Brianna Hoffman – Shared an incredible breakdown of how beginners can start writing lyrics using reference songs and syllable structure.

• 🎼 Dave – He’s been writing songs since the 70s. 700+ songs deep. Inspired by Gordon Lightfoot and Sting. Still getting better at age 73.

• 🎤 Wraith (aka John) – Real talk. No fluff. Just write. Step away from AI for a minute, trust yourself, and let it flow.
  

Each artist not only gave advice—they let us play one of their original tracks. These are songs with real structure, heart, and voice. This is how you use AI the right way.

Brianna Hoffman – Start with Structure

Brianna gives one of the best breakdowns I’ve ever heard for beginner lyricists:

• Find a song with the same energy you want.

• Open up the lyrics.

• Rewrite line-by-line with your own message.

• Match the syllables. Study the chorus. Learn the flow.
  

She talks about rhyming too—perfect rhyme vs assonance. And how assonance (like “dust” and “us”) can make your song sound more human, less AI. Smart stuff.

Her featured song, “Hold Me,” isn’t written with this method—but it’s a testament to how far she’s come since starting this way.

Dave – 700 Songs Later, Still Learning

Dave’s been writing since 1979. This guy dropped metaphors like glassblowing and cited Bonnie Raitt and Gordon Lightfoot in the same breath. He doesn’t just write—he studies.

Highlights from his story:

• Writes with pen and paper.

• Imagery and emotion are everything.

• Uses guitar after writing a verse to help build a better chorus.
  

His song “Baby’s Got Moves” shows off that quirky, emotional, story-driven style he talked about. Not commercial? Maybe. But definitely authentic.

Wraith – Just Write the Words

John, aka Wraith, has one of the most encouraging takes I’ve heard: “Your brain is good.”

He reminds us that AI can actually get in the way of finding our own voice if we lean on it too early. His advice?

• Don’t worry about rhyme or cadence right away.

• Just start writing.

• You’ll get better.

• Listen to the artists you love and figure out why you love them.

His featured track, “The Other Woman,” has rawness and realness—exactly what he preaches.

Final Thoughts: Lyrics Matter More Than Ever

This episode reminded me—and hopefully reminded you—that while AI can be a tool, it’s your words that give it meaning.

If you’re trying to write songs from scratch, these three voices are a masterclass. They didn’t gatekeep. They showed up. They gave real tips, shared personal experiences, and let their work speak for itself.

Support them. Follow them. And if this inspired you to start writing—do it.

🎧 Submit your songs here: AIDIY.Tech💬 And drop a comment on the video to thank our guests!

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