Fighting the Creativity Block

[Jacqueslacouth]

Been getting absolutely nothing for months now, half baked phrases, beats in my head that I don't seem to be able to create, riffs that sound good first time then shite when I record them....so....

This afternoon I've tidied up the studio in as much that I have wrapped up the hardware synth, the mpc, and other distracting bits and bobs. I am working with Live 7 using only Zebra 2.5, iDrum and assorted loops with the launchpad and keyboard. I've locked up all my guitars except the variax and kept 1 microphone out.

I'm hoping this allows me to concentrate more on what I'm doing than admiring and tinkering and lusting after more gear...if it works, I may even sell off a load of the hardware.

Lets see what happens, I had to try something.

[UKRuss]

Restricting yourself to one bit of kit is always a good way to go.

I've found recently that creativity has stemmed from simplicity away from the computer. One keyboard/synth and just play and get some stuff down easily. Play some drums, play some guitar.

Actually play and leave the programming alone for a while, get some audio down!

[ikeaboy]

Do a cover version. Even better a cheesy one, that way you know you'll never play it to anyone so you'll have to do it purely for FUN. Remembering making music is fun is a worthwhile exercise that will cure creative blocks.

[Quantize]

I often find analysing a piece of music I like and then trying to imitate it's structure or a few key elements works for me. It's usually enough to get my creativity flowing and fresh ideas buzzing around my head.

[Jacqueslacouth]

Actually working already. Just playing a simple 140BPM 4/4 beat and jamming on the guitar...out of the seat already, moving around and thoroughly enjoying myself. You're dead right, playing is what is needed, not sitting on my fat arse programming the bloody computer. I might try to get my cousin in Canberra to pop over (I Haven't seen him in in over 25 years). I have recently caugt up on Facebook and he is still swinging out on bass....It was always more fun playing with others...yep...its the fun thing that has been missing.

[ikeaboy]

Actually working already. Just playing a simple 140BPM 4/4 beat and jamming on the guitar...out of the seat already, moving around and thoroughly enjoying myself. You're dead right, playing is what is needed, not sitting on my fat arse programming the bloody computer. I might try to get my cousin in Canberra to pop over (I Haven't seen him in in over 25 years). I have recently caugt up on Facebook and he is still swinging out on bass....It was always more fun playing with others...yep...its the fun thing that has been missing.

Great now log off the internet QUICK!

[UKRuss]

Actually working already. Just playing a simple 140BPM 4/4 beat and jamming on the guitar...out of the seat already, moving around and thoroughly enjoying myself. You're dead right, playing is what is needed, not sitting on my fat arse programming the bloody computer. I might try to get my cousin in Canberra to pop over (I Haven't seen him in in over 25 years). I have recently caugt up on Facebook and he is still swinging out on bass....It was always more fun playing with others...yep...its the fun thing that has been missing.

Nice.

[siliconarc]

[Quantize]

Garyboozy: That can be so, so horribly true to life......

[ikeaboy]

Garyboozy: That can be so, so horribly true to life......

+1
On the other hand, let me know when that hamster decides to sell that Nord lead because what he REALLY needs is a Jupiter 8.

[digitalgeist]

http://www.joshharrison.net/oblique-strategies/

Just hit refresh...

[ethios4]

You got to get out of your box. Go listen to something radically different than what you write or usually listen to. Use a different workflow than usual. If you usually make loops in session view, lay out a simple arrangement in Arrange view and then fill in the details. You have everything you need right there in your room.

[ikeaboy]

http://www.joshharrison.net/oblique-strategies/

Just hit refresh...

Thanks. Are they different to Eno's?

[chaibuka]

just heard this advice recently that Frank Zappa gave in an interview

"number 1 - don't stop and number 2 - keep going and then you get whatever comes up!"

7min 40sec

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXIi7lw_ ... r_embedded

[esky]

My favourite statement about this theme is from the ABBA keyboard guy. In an interview he sits in front of a Synclavier Computer Screen, points at it and says...: "Sometimes you have to just sit and play and wait until the tiger jumps out..."