How Do You Turn a Musical Idea Into a Full Song?

Rostam, Lykke Li, Hatis Noit, and Barrie discuss what their favourite sounds are, their favourite stages of the songwriting process, and why they dislike working with producers, preferring to go it alone.

Born in Washington DC to Iranian parents, Rostam was a founding member of Grammy-winning indie-pop band Vampire Weekend, and is now an in-demand producer and musician. He has worked with the likes of Haim, Solange and Frank Ocean, as well as releasing music under his own name.

Lykke Li is a Swedish singer and songwriter who has perfected the art of the sad song that you can’t help but dance to. Since 2007, she has released five studio albums blending elements of indie, pop and electronic music. Hatis Noit is a Japanese vocalist with an impressive range. Originally from Hokkaido but now based in London, her influences range from classical Japanese music to Bulgarian and Gregorian chanting, avant-garde sounds and pop music. Barrie is a singer-songwriter and producer based in Brooklyn, New York, who makes lush, wistful art-pop.