The trend in film music changes every six months: Lyricist Priyan

Lyricist Priyan, who has penned hit songs like Makkayala Makkayala from Naan and Mascara Pottu from Salim, is happy balancing his job as a lyricist and teacher. The writer opened a school for lyric writing some time ago.

On this school, he says, “There are film schools here in India, where one can learn filmmaking, cinematography, and even music. But I figured there was no training space for lyric writing. There are so many talented writers. It was then that the idea of starting a training space for lyric writing struck me. And I eventually did in 2013. We have popular lyricists, directors, and other members from the film industry to give guest lectures on how lyrics work. We select 20 people and give them opportunity. They need to know poetry as only then you can improvise. Our students include lyricists like Soundararajan, Vinodhan, and Senthamizh, who have written for films like Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru and Raatsasan respectively.”

On the career front, Priyan is awaiting the release of ten of his projects. “I have written lyrics for about 10-15 films now, which will hit the screens soon. I have written over 400 songs and the journey has been quite a ride,” says the lyricist from Trichy.

He adds, “When I came to Chennai first, I didn’t know the city much. I didn’t know how to approach people for work. Thanmanam idikkum. I started with writing lyrics for dubbed films and eventually got opportunities. Things have changed a lot in the industry since the time I came in. I have noticed that the trend keeps changing every six months. We need to update ourselves, otherwise things will become very difficult. From writing on paper, sending lyrics on postcard, to now sending lyrics through WhatsApp — there is improvement in every sense. We need to keep up with the times to survive. Vaali was one such legend who kept updating himself until his last breath.”


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