Dy Decco is a songwriter based in London. She's been co-writing for the past few years, connecting with collaborators through seminars, networking events. Right now she's in a rehearsal room working on Am I AI? — a response to the rise of AI in music.
Fitting songwriting around a regular job is challenging, especially on co-writes. My current project is taking shape in small stages — a five-hour session once a week in a rehearsal space. I'd dearly love to spend more time there, but finances, travel and work schedules make this a different kind of creative journey.
The rest of the week fills up with songwriting-related work: typing up handwritten lyrics, searching out briefs for recently written tracks, keeping up with industry podcasts. Any spare time goes toward the music, one way or another.
Through music industry seminars, networking events, my job, and the local pub.
I learnt that the industry had changed so dramatically since the 1990s — when I'd interned at several independent labels and PR companies — that I suffered a massive metadata, digital hangover for the longest time trying to catch up.
Now I've taken the time to figure out what works for me. I've built up what I'd call a good immune system. I've found trusted people whose experience and expertise I look to — and that protects me from the noise, so I can focus on making the music.
It feels unique and very special. A session that's going well may still have had its moments of tension and struggle — and that makes the result even sweeter. That moment when you both finally see the vision. The exhilaration of chasing down the next line, word or phrase, and then suddenly the shift in the air as it takes on a life of its own.
It is joy. It is fellowship. It is magic.
I'm figuring out my story in every now. Working on my thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Reminding myself to stay awake — to be self-aware and deliberate rather than running on automatic. To be kind to myself. To recognise my strengths, face my fears, and take chances.
The latest song, Am I AI?, came from that same place. I was provoked by the CEO of Suno. It's a reaction song — warts and all, rehearsal room recording, just drums and guitar. At its heart it's a love song for what it means and how it feels to be a musician in a band, questioning whether the rise of AI has broken something in music creation. We're making it for any band that gets it.
Dy Decco will be continuing with more writing sessions.