Taking a break from Live

joesapo · Post by **joesapo** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:27 pm

I have realized in my years working with music that occasionally taking a break is necessary to regain interest and get a 'renewed outlook' on what you are actually trying to accomplish.

I ordered a Novation Remote Zero from Musicians Fiend about a month ago, and am still waiting for it (bastards). Since ordering it, I have pretty much completely created a template for it and have figured out what I want every control on it to do.

Now it just seems like when I sit down at the studio and try to do something, I am fighting futility, as I know my setup is going to drastically change when the Zero comes in. Hence, I haven't been doing much recently w/ Live.

When you guys take a music break, how long does it normally last? Does it seem difficult to start up again?

LOFA · Post by **LOFA** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:50 pm

Hi. I thought I would interject real fast.

This semester, my last, I have put off the use of live almost exclusively, with the exception of a few performances.

The music and electronic element interests manifest in very wild new experiences. I am fortunate enough to be an art student, but reading a few good books will have the same effect.

I highly recommend what you are doing.

Many artists that have been working for decades are wary of software because the tendency for implied methods of workflow to be unconsciously pursued are great. If you have a very strong understanding electronic music and experience, like say Adamjay, or an even better example Brian Eno, than this sort of workflow influence is not such a big deal. Live is a tool, and not an informative hamster wheel. From my experience the best results in Live have been meticulously sketched out before booting my computer- on paper. And, they have been inspired by events/periods of time away from my "studio".

I am not a pro. You are asking what artists in general feal about taking time off I assume. I am also not a hobbyist. It is my understanding that the only way to create a healthy body of work is by having a healthy body and mind. You alrleady know how this puppy works. Rather than mastering every new feature in time for the next upgrade, I feel that staying as far away from the software as possible until you have an idea that must be manifested is key.

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to organize and communicate some of my ideas. I am still recreationally checking the forum to maintain the mostly positive outlook towards digital art that I gleam from this community, but also I do it to further ensure that my experiences form new analogies that will further reinforce my ideas in music-

by creating an inner dialogue that encourages metaphors of art and life through music.

This sounds like a wordy undergrad paper. I am okay with that. If I made a song right now it would be that much more awful!!!

Good luck!!!

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:12 pm

I take breaks all the time too, you just get burned out. It happens, not much you can do but go with it and don't stress. Easier said then done, but when I go through periods like that, i can be less than pleasant to be around

Anyway, just keep in mind that if it's meant to happen, it will. So don't stress over lack of ideas, they'll come when they're ready

Contra · Post by **Contra** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:14 pm

somme time a break is necessary...then inspirations in life embed themselves in your mind and when you come back to create music its straight fire.

peace.

SUPERBANANBOMB · Post by **SUPERBANANBOMB** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:19 pm

Taking a break from anything is good.

I go through periods of time in which I won't make a track for months.

ethios4 · Post by **ethios4** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:22 pm

Taking a break always helps to bring a fresh perspective. For me a week or 2 at the most is sufficient. If I'm away from it for more than a week I start to freak out, so my desire to be working on music is always the limiting factor for my breaks...easy to get back into it!

Adonis · Post by **Adonis** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:29 pm

I haven't really been making tracks either - due to school and a big move but

now that I'm settled in I'm chilling on the beat making per se - I'm focusing on djing with the program and Torq

just playing tracks - which is a break in some ways

I'm still working with a couple folks on a couple things but my own stuff - besides working on routings and quick little beats here and there...nah

not right now

peace

a

joesapo · Post by **joesapo** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 7:34 pm

I'm glad to hear taking a break is normal. I was beginning to think that i was just being lazy...

It's been a little over two weeks since I was really what I would consider 'productive' with my music. I think i'm just going on a short brain vacation.

In the mean time, I did get a new MP3 player (Sandisk Sansa e260) and have been going through and getting to grips with my massive music collection, so I guess in a way I have been somewhat productive.

I just can't wait for my Zero to come in. I think when that guy shows up I'll be out of my rut... Not to make excuses tho.

Adonis · Post by **Adonis** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 7:50 pm

joesapo wrote:
I just can't wait for my Zero to come in. I think when that guy shows up I'll be out of my rut... Not to make excuses tho.

:D

It's called inspiration, so you're all good

a

Sales Dude McBoob · Post by **Sales Dude McBoob** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 7:56 pm

I'm taking a break too... I guess.

It's hard to think of it that way. When I started making music back in high school a process began that has never stopped, even though there have been lulls.

The only thing I'm doing lately is playing instruments and improvising with other people. I really needed a break from being inside the box.

I've been reading + writing more and finding some fresh inspiration there.

I'm thinking about rushing out of work tonight and trying to catch Bob Dylan! It'll be nice to see and hear some living proof that music is indeed a very long road.

SlimWicked · Post by **SlimWicked** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:00 pm

oh yea. been there done that. A break is okay from time to time. What you dont want to do is try to force or pressure yourself or you will not do good work. So if you feel that your no longer inspired then just take a step back from your midi keyboard and just take a break from things.

nothing wrong with that. Bet that happens to the best of us.

smutek · Post by **smutek** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:27 pm

LOFA wrote: It is my understanding that the only way to create a healthy body of work is by having a healthy body and mind.

Awesome post all-over Lofa, and that's such a great, and true, quote.