The Unseen Magic Behind Michael Jackson's Songwriting

Michael Jackson was a visionary performer, but his songwriting process was not well understood. This unique process, often shrouded in mystery, involved techniques that blended spirituality, intuition, and technological innovation.

Michael's Divine Composition

Michael Jackson often claimed that his songs existed in a spiritual plane and that he merely received them from there. He believed he was a conduit for the divine, allowing the songs to flow through him directly. This perspective is evident in Jackson's own words and actions, where he frequently mentioned hearing entire songs in his mind before recording them. Jackson's belief was so profound that he often said, ‘All I do is write them down and do what I need to do. God does the writing and voicing of it all.’

From Dreams to Recording

Many of Jackson's songs were conceived in his dreams or when he listened to music and was struck by an intuitive melody. When an idea would hit him, he would immediately record it. Jackson would often put a voice recorder next to his bed so that any new ideas could be captured instantly. On more than one occasion, he worked on songs in his treehouse, capturing melodies and harmonies in the serene environment. Songs such as "Billie Jean" are believed to have been written there, reflecting the mystical and cohesive nature of his artistic vision.

Layering Sounds and Voices

Michael Jackson could not read or write music, which means he didn't have the conventional tools to notate his ideas. Instead, he used recording equipment to capture the sounds that played in his mind. He would layer these sounds with imitations of various instruments and vocally create a demo. This process of improvising and layering was a unique method that suited his intuitive approach to music. Jackson's producers would then use these demos to find musicians to play the parts, transforming his raw ideas into polished tracks.

Collaborative Inspiration

While many of Jackson's songs were indeed his own, he also collaborated with talented songwriters. Rod Temperton, for example, contributed to monumental hits like "Thriller" and "Rock With You." Jackson's method of writing songs involved layering his vocal impressions of instruments and recording them, creating a rich and layered demo that could then be expanded by his producers. The intuitive and collaborative nature of his process ensured that his songs remained fresh and innovative, even when he was working with others.

Final Thoughts

Michael Jackson's songwriting process was a blend of spirituality, intuition, and technological innovation. His belief in divine inspiration and his unique method of capturing and transforming his ideas into music reflect a fascinating and inspirational journey. Jackson's legacy as a composer is not just about the success of his songs, but also about the poetic and mystical way in which he pursued his art.