Overcoming Creative Stalls - TIPS!

[GRiFF]

Hey All,

I know I'm not alone here but I wanted to know if anyone had any good tips on how to get over creative blocks.

I run my own studio and as well as engineering bands and so forth I also end up building entire productions live instruments and programming.

On occasion I hit a creative wall and it makes me very depressed, not always because the music is bad, just that paying studio costs + finding new creative angles x keeping client happy / keeping myself happy = complex emotions.

Sometimes my approach is - I have a good idea of how I want it to work, I love the music and I end up having great results come home feeling very satisfied and pleased with myself plus I GET PAID!

Other times I adopt the same approach only to find my ideas and vision simply do not flow, it becomes aimless and desperate.

Right now I have a project open that I am capable of doing but I'm just caught in a loop of 'nothing really works'

Whats your remedy for such times?

Is it throw lots of ideas in until one or two stick leading the way, or do you remain firmly focused on your original concept - belief and determination getting you through in the end?
Alternatively do you accept that this is the work you've done for this time and until any better answers come along you are vindicated in recieving your paycheck?

Music and the creation of music is such a 'feel' environment that I know you cant always expect the same formula to work time and time again, but what I really dont like is how my work spills over into other aspects of my life and makes me doubt my ability.

So, any ideas on what might help me have a more Zen approach to my life as a producer/engineer/studio owner?

Thanks in advance!
G

[JazzYoda]

I don't think there is a definitive answer for how to break the cycle of negative emotions. I have to find a new method (or a slight twist on it) nearly every time, but there are a few things in common.

We need to do things that bring us back to our humanity, especially when overwhelmed with work, which can be a very synthetic lifestyle (especially in the studio). Lately, I am enjoying simple tasks, such as woodworking without power tools. The repetition, and the feeling of accomplishment all add up to revelations which carry over into the work field. Bike riding is also good for this (for me).

Most recently, when faced with a creative block in regards to my music, I have chosen to focus on using music purely as a healing device for those around me (or in a certain sense, myself). This takes all of the "Me..My Sound..My Technique..etc" out of the picture, and replaces it with one where the music determines the direction I go (not the other way around).

I would never discount the effect that being around other people has. Modern technology has made us forget that we are a naturally empathic species, and, as an evolutionary necessity, pick up on eachothers' emotions. Perhaps when clients are bringing you down (for whatever reason), it would be good to find some time to either be alone, or, better yet, to be around people who lift you up.

[JulianBrightnes]

'Creative' work like composing, writing or painting is just work. Treat it as such.
Sometimes it's satisfying, sometimes it isn't.
There's a famous Dutch writer who once said (and of course it sounds better in Dutch):
"Writing is staying on your chair until it's done".
Or check the track 'Work' on "Songs for Drella" by Cage and Lou Reed. It's about how Andy (Warhol) used to inspire them in the Velet Underground days.
By the way, the 'Factory' (Andy's workplace) wasn't called 'Factory' for nothing.
I don't mean this in a negative way, but: stop whining and just work, that's the best aproach, I feel.

Cheers, Julian

[blaugruen7]

öhöm:

test...test...test...

the key is:





acceptance




ps.
inhale..... exhale.....

[xmostynx]

when i get stuck-sometimes i just get away from what i'm doing-
and 15 minutes into doing something else-i find myself sneaking back to my comfy computer chair-rocking shit and being really pleased with the results-sometimes i get further away from what i was looking for- and i gather my friends around and ask what they think!

[brian_delizza]

When I'm stuck I'll open up a new session and start composing a totally new song for a little bit. I usually find that this helps me out as it gets me away from the current project for a little bit and allows me to go back with a slightly different perspective.

[Roadster]

If possible, don't do anything musical for a living.
It has taken me over 30 years to figure that out.

[brian_delizza]

Roadster why do you say that? What finally caused you to realize that?

[e-cue]

Short term ruts = watch tv... waste time... listen to a bunch of music...skimming i-tunes for bands you've never heard of... etc

I'll allocate some time to waste, which milds any pressure you might be under.

Long term ruts = avoid interaction with friends, and communication with people in general

If I have time, and I go out every night with friends, I find that writer's block or mixer's block is more likely to occur. At least for me.

[max cooper]

I agree with e-cue.

My slump-breaker is movies. And as much of a classic movie fan as I am, I usually break ruts with newer movies. Anything that can inspire me, and it can even be a krap movie (sometimes it's especially a krap movie that gets me going.)

Armageddon, Natural Born Killers, Fight Club, X-Men... stuff like that.

Also, I sometimes dig up new artists (painters, usually) on the internet and when I find something visually interesting, I think of whatever I'm working on in terms of scoring the image, if that makes sense.

[GRiFF]

Originally Posted by e-cue

Short term ruts = watch tv... waste time... listen to a bunch of music...skimming i-tunes for bands you've never heard of... etc

I'll allocate some time to waste, which milds any pressure you might be under.

Long term ruts = avoid interaction with friends, and communication with people in general

If I have time, and I go out every night with friends, I find that writer's block or mixer's block is more likely to occur. At least for me.

Particularly interesting angle, could be explored more. Do you mean because your staying up late drinking, smoking, partaking in illicit substances or are referring to some other thing?

I can roll with 'some other thing' I have been extremely distracted lately, I want to be outside in the sun, watching the world cup, playing a bit of sport and generally mooching around.
If I do this too much my discipline drags, I lose focus - the zone, but then I feel like this sometimes because I've already lost the zone and I'm fed up!

[Roadster]

Roadster why do you say that? What finally caused you to realize that?

I guess that was a pretty abbreviated reply, yes?
Short of going into a long list of why I believe that to be true (in my case anyway)
I will say that it started with just walking away from the scene, and never even picking up an instrument for around 5 years after that. So burn-out probably started my re-thinking things as far as the creative side of what I was doing all those years previous.

[DontLetMeDrown]

I tend to kick out a lot of songs, but when I'm stumped, here are a couple things that help me out:

-Playing/Composing off of another band member's riffs

-Turn on a drum machine and cycle through drum patterns- maybe even pick a beat that you would NEVER use in a song and force yourself to write to it-- or just look for something that really sounds cool and jam with it.

-Start up Reason-- A few random clicks on the "Matrix" pattern sequencer thru the "Subtractor" can really get my creative juices flowing.

-Practice some repetetive drills (I'm a guitarist)-- sometimes pedaling scales or other "non-conventional" patterns can result in a unique riff or theme.

-Stop playing-- Eat some food, take a piss break-- sometimes just doing anything besides playing music is all you need. Let your mind rest and write some music when inspiration is really tugging at you.

[neve1073]

thc + listening session with your favorite records

[G-Dawg]

i consult eno's oblique strategies in times of need.

[Jose Mrochek]

meet a new girl, invent a love story. Always works for me.

[Jose Mrochek]

Originally Posted by Roadster

If possible, don't do anything musical for a living.
It has taken me over 30 years to figure that out.

haha yeah, the stones made a 100´s of albums while working at a coffee shop

[e-cue]

Originally Posted by GRiFF

Particularly interesting angle, could be explored more. Do you mean because your staying up late drinking, smoking, partaking in illicit substances or are referring to some other thing?

I just meant, excessive social interaction. Live like a hermit for a while, and see if it's easier to express yourself in musical ways.

For some, I guess drugs could help. Not my steez. I'd get distracted by shinny objects and forget my own name.

[SoulSpace]

Physical Exercise...Do something where you get some interval workout. Interval is when you really STRESS your heart and body, not just walking but RUNNING for a period of time.

Walk for a couple of minutes then SPRINT (I mean SPRINT!) for a minute...no more than a minute. If you have a treadmill you can do this easily. Then walk again for a couple of minutes and repreat. You only need to do this for 20 minutes total a day for a life changing experience. I am not joking.

It takes you out of your current environment. It has to, you can't worry about your state when you are struggling to breath.

Do it everyday (that you can)...IN THE MORNING, AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP. Before you have the ability to give yourself the negative thoughts.

Don't go to crazy, maybe walk for 4 minutes, then sprint for 1 minute, then, repeat....just for 20 minutes...IN THE MORNING. AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP.

Don't let the negative forces run your life.

Report your results.

[GRiFF]

Originally Posted by SoulSpace

Physical Exercise...Do something where you get some interval workout. Interval is when you really STRESS your heart and body, not just walking but RUNNING for a period of time.

Walk for a couple of minutes then SPRINT (I mean SPRINT!) for a minute...no more than a minute. If you have a treadmill you can do this easily. Then walk again for a couple of minutes and repreat. You only need to do this for 20 minutes total a day for a life changing experience. I am not joking.

It takes you out of your current environment. It has to, you can't worry about your state when you are struggling to breath.

Do it everyday (that you can)...IN THE MORNING, AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP. Before you have the ability to give yourself the negative thoughts.

Don't go to crazy, maybe walk for 4 minutes, then sprint for 1 minute, then, repeat....just for 20 minutes...IN THE MORNING. AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP.

Don't let the negative forces run your life.

Report your results.

I'm not too bad at excercise for an engineer/producer, I love playing tennis whenever I can and generally I like to stay as fit as possible.
I agree if you feel physically fit or fitter, then it has a tendency to make the day easier. I must try your approach one day soon.

Since posting this one, I completed one mix that was awkward to do and am very pleased with the result. Now its round 2, I have another head basher to present before 5pm today - its just one of those tunes that sounds kinda ok and yet I feel un moved by it despite it having loads of great stuff.

Sometimes I think that perhaps I take too much responsibility for makeing a track sound really REALLY good when ok is all it deserves. Then again, I always wanted to be a GREAT producer, not a mediocre one.

Anyone else understand this?

G

[SoulSpace]

You have the creative skills. That's why you do what you do.

I know this is simple bullshit, but remember back to why you got into this f'ed up business to begin with.

Maybe mix it close to you favorite old tunes,

I'd bet your clients would like it. If nothing else it would be a start for creative input.

good luck.

Dano

[Roadster]

haha yeah, the stones made a 100´s of albums while working at a coffee shop

and it sounds like it.....

[Bob Olhsson]

I go out and hear great live music. It snaps me right back to why I chose recording as my career.

[GRiFF]

I thought I'd let you know how the tracks are going and some useful observations I've made along the way...

In the case of the first track it was an unusual drum loop and quirky lead line that kicked off the whole inspiration and after that I pretty much had it in about 2 hours. Even if the client doesnt like it I do!
What got me through? Endless persistance, trying of ideas, sounds, textures, licks, hooks and riffs. It was simply try, try, try - stop and then try some more.
Somebody here said that this is what its all about.
Perhaps key sometimes is to realise your hired to work the machinery, turn the cogs.

The second track is overall more involved, and because the song is so simple its literally been about finding good working, compatible sounds and developing some simple hooks. Again, endless, endless looping of elements.
Drum loops helped here but it wasnt until I started clearing out some EQ and spacing the instruments that it became easier to hear what was working well.

Thanks for everyones advice. Biggest lesson is that slogging away for 8 hours moves you closer to the end result even if it doesnt seem like it at the time.

Cheers All
G

[cramseur]

This thread does not belong here. There isn't a single whine, gripe , moan, bellyache, or complaint of any kind. The OP didn't even have the courtesy to vent his frustrtion at being blocked.

[grumble under breath] dude comes in here without complaining, who does he think he is for crissake? This is the MOAN zone, and here he is trying to HELP people overcome difficulties. I come here to hear a little griping, and some do-gooder spoils everything by being helpful, and encouraging others to help out too. [/grumble]


Please take you do-gooding elsewhere, and leave this place to the curmudgeons. Thank you.

[ChaNce144]

whenever Im bored or blocked, I go see live bands. That usually gets me going.

Also, here is a trick for lyric writing (Sammy Hagar described it, but I was doing it before I heard him talk about it):

When you are driving, put in an album or tune to a station that you don't know very well. Turn the volume DOWN. Try to listen to the lyrics: You will not necessarily be able to hear them well, but your brain will try to translate, and you will usually hear something different that what is actually in the song. Jot these mistakes down and repeat.

You will be amazed with the cool stuff you come up with.

[Methlab]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

I go out and hear great live music. It snaps me right back to why I chose recording as my career.

Yessir..live bands that rock really get me writing again.