Muni Long, the award-winning R&B artist, possesses an exceptional talent for songwriting.

Having penned hits for artists like Rihanna (“California King Bed”), Fifth Harmony (“Worth It”), Mariah Carey, Madonna, and Ariana Grande, she has recently focused on her own music career. She gained widespread recognition in 2021 with her Grammy-winning song “Hrs & Hrs” and is nominated for four awards at the upcoming February ceremony, the most for any R&B artist. Among her nominations are those for best R&B album for her latest work, “Revenge,” and the viral TikTok hit “Made For Me.”

“Going viral on TikTok can come with a certain perception that it’s not impactful, or that it’s fleeting,” she explains. “Receiving acknowledgment from my peers confirms that what I’m doing is truly appreciated, and it feels amazing to know that I’m helping to revive R&B music.”

Muni Long shares insights on her favorite tracks—like Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX”—along with her essential tools for songwriting, remedies for vocal care, and the ingredients for creating a hit on TikTok.

Muni Long’s unique songwriting process: ‘I receive a divine download’

Long’s top rule for songwriting is to maintain focus without distractions. The “Ruined Me” singer prefers minimal company in the studio to avoid external influences on her creativity. “I want to make sure that my ideas and melodies are unique and original,” she states.

She describes her songwriting as an almost mystical experience, stating, “I get a stream of consciousness, a divine download that just flows out of me.” She notes that songs can come together remarkably fast, often within 10 to 45 minutes, with the initial verse and chorus materializing almost instantly.

Inspiration can strike her unexpectedly, even during casual conversations, prompting her to excuse herself to capture her ideas before they slip away. “Those who know my process just step aside and let me create. For those who are new to it, they often ask if I just made that up on the spot,” she laughs.

Muni Long’s masterclass in songwriting

So what are the key elements of a good song and an accomplished songwriter?

“I learned that great songs allow for space,” Long explains. “The pauses between melody and lyrics are just as significant as the melody and the lyrics themselves.”

She also emphasizes the importance of capturing the listener’s attention right away, ensuring clarity, and including a catchy chorus.

“There’s a particular song from the 1990s children’s show ‘Lamb Chop’ that I loved as a kid,” she recalls, singing “The Song That Doesn’t End.” “It just keeps looping. If you can create something like that with your song, you have a remarkable skill. If you can start from any point in your song and still make sense, that’s a sign of a great song.”

As for writer’s block, Muni Long doesn’t experience it.

“If I’m not writing, it’s simply because there’s nothing that needs to be expressed at that moment,” she remarks. “My role is mostly to vocalize what I hear in my mind.”

Muni Long’s vocal care routine: Rest, tea, and ginger crystals

Long prioritizes her vocal health. Before performances, she often enjoys tea with fresh ginger crystals, and To ensure she gets enough rest before a performance, she avoids coffee, alcohol, and citrus for several days.

“I used to not take it seriously,” she reflects. “I was overwhelmed and trying to do everything. With lupus, I experienced significant inflammation which often led to losing my voice.”

She recalls that on the day of her significant performance of “Made For Me” at the Soul Train Awards in 2023, her voice was completely gone, and it required a vocal coach two hours to restore it.

“It’s similar to being an athlete; it’s not a joke,” she comments. “At times, I even carry a sign or sticky note on my shirt that says ‘vocal rest.’ I also use hand signals to indicate that I’m not speaking. It’s a very strict routine.”

What’s on Muni Long’s Playlist? Kendrick Lamar, Classical Music, and Subliminal Messaging

“I enjoy listening to genres that are quite different from what I might be working on,” shares Long.

Just like many hip-hop enthusiasts, she is a fan of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, “GNX,” and has added Tyler, The Creator’s new release, “Chromakopia,” to her playlist.

Her musical preferences are quite diverse, she notes. One of her beloved musicians is Italian composer Piero Piccioni. She also enjoys listening to subliminal messages, solfeggio frequencies—relaxing soundscapes believed to promote health—and the soothing sound of rain.

“I often listen to Piccioni’s work during flights or in hotels when I need to relax. I also engage with frequency music, including subliminal messaging, like ‘You’re powerful’ and ‘You’re amazing.’

Muni Long on Creating TikTok Hits

Long’s music has organically gained traction on TikTok. The catchy chorus of “Time Machine,” featuring smooth vocal nuances, is frequently used by users reminiscing, while “Made For Me” resonates with the line, “Twin, where have you been?”

There’s no specific recipe for crafting a track that will succeed on TikTok—and attempting to do so may not be effective.

“There are elements that I believe could resonate, but I think TikTok thrives best when it’s organic,” she explains. “If you spend enough time on the platform, you can easily identify what’s genuine and what’s not. When someone is aiming for viral fame, it becomes evident.”

According to her, TikTok users are adept at distinguishing authenticity from pretense.

“Speaking the TikTok language is essential. There’s a particular way to phrase things that can lead to virality. I don’t believe it’s something that can be forecasted.”