The one I am trying to explore right now is doing a balance of two. I am finding that if I decide before hand... what experience, topic, mood, idea, feeling I want to express and write about, it's easier to write the lyrics and shape the music to support the idea.
On the flip... playing it by ear, from the gut has its pluses too. Best discoveries came from some really good mistakes. A lot like life.. I usually have a general idea but you gotta roll with it sometimes. Can't lead and direct all the time. At least I can't. =)
Think both have great advantages... why not use both. That's what I focusing on at the moment. Hope that helps as well.
