Writing and singing in two languages

Many London artists grew up with more than one language at home and another on the street. When that shows up in the music, it can be one of the most distinctive things about a record. It also raises practical questions: which language goes where, and will people who don't speak both still connect?

Decide what each language is for

Artists tend to use each language for a reason, even if they never say it out loud. One may carry the feeling, the other the storytelling. One might be for the hook, the other for the verses. You don't need a rule, but you should be able to explain your choice when someone asks.

A useful test: if you translated the lyric, would the song lose something? If so, that is exactly the part to keep in the original.

Make the sound do the work

Listeners connect to a vocal before they understand it. Delivery, melody and rhythm carry meaning that crosses languages. So:

• Sing the line the way you would actually say it, not the way you think a song is supposed to sound.
• Keep a clear melodic shape on the lines you most want people to remember, whatever language they are in.
• Mix the vocal so the consonants are crisp, because they carry the rhythm.

Help new listeners in

You don't have to translate everything, but a little help goes a long way:

• A short line in the description or caption that says what a key lyric means.
• Subtitles on videos for the lines you want everyone to understand.
• Lyrics on your website or streaming profile where the platform allows it.

The aim is invitation, not explanation. People enjoy music they only partly understand when they feel welcome.

Presenting it

Say the languages plainly in your bio. A short factual line, such as the languages you sing in and where you're based, helps programmers and journalists place you quickly. Avoid labels you didn't choose yourself, and use the genre words you would use when talking to a friend.

Take care with credits too. If you work with other writers or featured vocalists, agree who wrote what before you release, and put it in writing.