the thing that really sucks about producing is that it's not therapeutic at all like playing an actual instrument... like hunching over a computer and listening to the same repetitive loop and adjusting neurotically doesn't have the same effect as say banging on a drum kit for an hour or standing in front of a marshall stack and blasting out power chords (knowing how to actually play optional) I agree with exercise reading and getting laid but if you can pick up an instrument do it
Storyteller
I see a bunch of guys talking about sleep. I'm not too sure about that (if it triggers me to be more inspired). Most of my tracks are an outcome of making long hours and producing in night time. Lately going back to how I started producing is working out good for me. Working almost 100% sample based on the last 2 releases and 3 WIPS. If I don't know what to do I get my inspiration by taking music loops and then putting a beat under it and then taking the music loop out again to replace it for something else.
MSZ
i am the same way storyteller, my best work is me staying up all night, those are very special days and i cant explain them. I am very on the ball on those days, I am wittier, smarter, perceive better. im not sure what it is lol... if anyone can explain, hopefully not some sort of bi-polarity. my body hurts from working out, PROGRESS.
Normie
Lack of sleep, in some instances can result in some creative outcomes. The mind wanders to bizarre places - a 'potentially' good thing in small doses, without chemical assistance. That said, a steady diet of sleep deprivation results in the same outcome as 'normally' pushing yourself farther when you've already concluded that things just aren't happening.
Many an all-nighter has yielded good/great outcomes. Going into that all-nighter having some rest and energy under your belt to begin with helps tremendously. But burning a week's worth of midnight oil will most likely result in poor health and zero accomplishment. Caffine or cocaine will only get you so far.
Also as mentioned above, actually playing a physical instrument is a thing of beauty. For the electronic only guys/girls, go buy a cheap guitar at Guitar Center or walmart. Just plucking notes and fiddling around, even without the proper knowledge to play 'properly' can give you all sorts of ideas...and it's really relaxing/satisfying to physically 'make' those 6 strings do 'something' that sounds cool.
Normie
MSZ - I've always been a nighthawk/evening/graveyard shift kind guy. Some people just are. Our bioclock, rhythms, whatever make us more efficient and suited for work/life/whatever at night. Vampires basically ;) Personally, I'm useless on a 'day shift' kind of schedule. So most of my resume is filled with eve shift/night jobs. I always have gotten tired when the sun rises.
For me, producing at night is ideal. It's quiet, there's no phones ringing, people wanting attention etc. That's possibly why you find yourself at your peak creativity. you are happy there/then and not distracted.
Works for me. ;)
quote:
Originally posted by MSZ
i am the same way storyteller, my best work is me staying up all night, those are very special days and i cant explain them. I am very on the ball on those days, I am wittier, smarter, perceive better. im not sure what it is lol... if anyone can explain, hopefully not some sort of bi-polarity. my body hurts from working out, PROGRESS.
MSZ
some awesome stuff in this thread, tranceaddict is win(for today).
MSZ
quote:
Originally posted by Normie
Vampires basically ;)
Vector A
Wish I could tell you, since I have been "burnt out" for the past couple years. Still hold on to the dream of returning to semi-steady music creation, but it looks more and more unlikely.
Prototrance
quote:
Originally posted by MSZ
yup i will definitely step away. im signing back up to the gym tomorrow also, i dont want to let myself go too much ;). im going to ask to get out of some remix work, no point in forcing.
cheers
Agree, I had a bit of time out recently and I'm back into it with a new production. Luckily I've had a lot of releases due which have been released during my time out period.
My time out was due to heavy workload at my normal job, arguments with the Mrs and feck all money to do anything. Not a good environment for writing tunes, well my particular brand of melodic prog trance anyway, if you do nose bleed techno then such life issues might be ideal!!
When you try to get back into it just muck around with ideas and see where it goes rather than taking on remix work with a deadline.
Raphie
I start fiddling around with my setup, really deepdive into dynamics FX and stuff or force myself to complete learning a tutorial on a certain effect or patch creation.
If i look at the stuff I've got i'm barely scratching the surface of it's endless possibility of options. avoiding the comfort zone production pattern then helps.
What also helps for me is managing away the "pressure" telling myself I don't have to be succesful, it's all about the ride, not the destination. Because, at least for me, the "now I need to deliver" attitude doesn't work for me.
Last but not least, i've stopped comparing myself to top tracks i like. As in better or worse, i make what I like, no need anymore to wanting to be able to do what Deadmau5 does. It's a different league and i'm not playing there.
Overall, i see myself moving more and more from writing to producing and engineering. I find i can really shine by scrutinizing other peoples work, getting the most out of it. love still to program beats, but get bored with trying to write melodies and progessions.
working together with someone who's better on the writing part, often is the catalyst which challenges me to do my best.
Looney4Clooney
Not sleeping unless it is chronic can kickstart your brain and get you out of mild depression. But only if you already sleep well. Just force your self to miss 1 day of sleep. Tons of studies to back that one but can't be bothered to look right now.
Vector A
^ Truth. I have used that method on myself and it worked every time.
