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Songwriting: What is Flow?

Updated: Mar 16, 2023




Overview


The Flow state, a physiological state of mind that many people have experienced. For some, it is completing a sequence of skate bored tricks without fail; for others, it is a few swift movements to check their opponent in a chess game. For composers, it's tapping into that flow state, allowing the poetic structure to flow in a unique way that is natural for the composer. In short, flow is the systematic rhythm that outlines the poetic form of a Song. A flow consists of two parts, Cadence and Rhythm.


Foundation with Cadence


As outlined in a previous article, cadence brings the composer's essence through inflection and delivery. Cadence allows the composer to bring their unique style to the rhythm. In the cadence, the choice is made on correctly administering the suitable delivery for the flow. Notably, trade-offs for which words to use, how to annunciate those words, and when to use them are contemplated. From cadence, we may understand more about the composer and connect the overall message to the rhythm.


Local Guide Rhythm


Moreover, understanding the rhythm is the key concept in a flow. The rhythm is very akin to the beat. Although the rhythm can be related to the beat, in some instances, the composer may choose to structure the poetic code differently than expected. Composers use elements from the beat pattern to play off the unorthodox manner in which the poetic code is structured. Thus you may experience melodies that clash or align with the beat. Cadence becomes intertwined with guiding the rhythm, taking the words chosen as previously mentioned, and fitting them to the poetic code. We can have a discernible pattern to follow the rhythm as we digest the song.


Takeaway


Furthermore, you need both a Cadence and a rhythm to produce what is known as a flow. As outlined, flow connects cadence and rhythm to manifest a tangible concept that shapes our feelings and understanding concerning the song.

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