Q: what's your go-to next step after having lyrics and melody written/composed?
A: the melody/lyric also includes chords. song 'writing' for me includes lyrics, melody, chords, exact tempo, exact roadmap, and any other obvious details that make the song what it is. after the writing is done, the next step is to double check the tempo and then see if the key needs to be raised so it works for 'concert voice' instead of 'writing desk voice'. Then i get a timeline going, set the metronome, and record some temp instruments just for the purpose of singing final vocal over it, then record all vocals. then remove all temp instruments and then arrange and record the instruments. then mix