Simon Power Writes:
Has your creativity taken a dive? You just can't focus any more. Your self-confidence is shattered and you just can't seem to find a way out of this unproductive hell you find yourself in. Well, Sonic State is here to help. With 10 useful tips that'll put you back on track and help you conquer those Creativity Block Blues.
10) Discard All Your Signature Sounds
Yep, it's harsh. But we're here to offer some tough love to those who need it the most. And part of your journey back may be to let go of your connection with those cherished patches. Maybe your comfort zone has become way too...er...Comfortable?
That Rhodes patch may be your best friend. But is it doing you any favours, or is it time to move on?
Your fav snare sound. That over loved Moog Bass. Look for alternatives that inspire new ways to compose.
9) Listen to Mouldy Old Material with Fresh New Ears
Every composer has a batch of discarded songs. Riffs, melodies, drum patterns that sounded great on the day, but then somehow lost their lustre.
You may be surprised just how good some of those old songs sound when you listen back.
Alternatively, you may instantly spot the reasons why the track wasn't working. And your experience may now just give you enough chops to put it right. Presto, you have a new song based on an old idea. And you thought it was only old folks & Europeans who recycled stuff!
8) Don't Be a Trend Whore
Maybe Dubstep and its one hundred and ten off shoot genres just isn't your thing. Maybe it's time to break lose. Be true to yourself. Your own unique style. Maybe it's time to gallop full tilt in the opposite direction to 'what's happening'.
Just maybe, by doing that, you will run into 'what's happening' NEXT.
7) Download Demos of the Latest VSTs
Spend a day. A week. A month listening to new patches from all the latest VST synths. When a patch fires you up, write a song, see where it goes. Hell, buy the synth, you cheap-ass. Sound designers have taken years to program these patches. Who knows where a Pandora's Box of new sounds may take you?
6) Work with Other People
Technology has given us a world of riches to explore. And sometimes you may find yourself out there alone and without working buddies. But there's no need. There are plenty of new networking opportunities for musicians and producers. Join My Band, Numuba, Thinktank. Buddying up can lead to lots of inspirational projects. You may just be the missing part in somebody else's jigsaw in all kinds of unexpected ways. The world is your Oyster Card. Get out there & make some new chums.
5) Swap Your Piano for a Vuvuzela
OK, that may be a bit extreme, but would you consider changing your default composition instrument to something new? If you write on piano, write on guitar instead. If you start with a melody, try starting with a drum loop. A break from the norm can let lose gallons of creative juices.
4) Sample Stuff
Talk to any producer and they’ll tell you they sample all their sounds. Why, just yesterday they were scrambling through a junk yard, unearthing an oil drum to use as an industrial tom. Bullsh*t! It came from the latest collection advertised in the Sample-O-Phonix newsletter. That’s where. Nobody samples stuff any more. So break the trend. Grab your Zoom H4 and a set of cans.
Using bespoke sounds that you have sampled gives you a whole new investment in a track. You begin to cherish the sounds that you have so lovingly collected and edited. And this love will spread through the entire composition. Yep, go on a ‘found sound’ sampling expedition. But do it at night (it’s more fun and there’s no birdsong in the decay!) notes
3) Copy a Track Note for Note
Take a classic or even a brand new song. Copy the pitch, the tempo, the chord structure, the bass line. Don’t hold back. Rip it off. Because somewhere along the way, your own character & personality will kick in. A certain essence that suddenly drives this nasty wanton plagiarism in a totally new direction. By the end of the day, you’ll find you have the beginnings of something completely new. And you can return the song to the rightful owner. As Cocteau once said, “Imitate and what is personal will eventually come despite yourself” At least, I think that’s what he said. And probably in French.
walk
2) Go for a Walk
Not kidding. Most of us are very fond of the ‘great indoors’. Never venturing further than our longest jack cable. It takes a real man to power down & walk to the nearest park. Or woods. Or beach. Mother Nature has all the answers and she’ll be the most inspirational woman you’re ever likely to meet. Go outside. Stretch your legs. Tell me it doesn't help.
1) Remember the Good Ol’ Days
Was it the first time you heard Love Will Tear Us Apart? Was it Thom Yorke singing Pyramid Song? Was it The Chems headlining the Other Stage? Try to remember what gave you that spark of inspiration that lit the fire that once raged so brightly. The fire that so badly needs rekindling. If you can find that, you may just be able to find your way back. For what it’s worth, I hope so. This Creative Blackhole sure is a dark & lonely place, Kimosabe. And we need you back. Real bad.
Some more ways back from the Creative Blackhole
- Listen to all the OTHER patches on Omnisphere.
- Set your DAW to a 2 bar loop. Then capture the moment.
- Jam. Like Dave Grohl and Macca. Only better.
- Do something EDGEY.
- Stop taking drugs.
- Take a holiday, daaawg.
- What are your tips?
Source :::::::::: Sonic State
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