Author Topic: Running out of creativity?  (Read 8471 times)

futry

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Running out of creativity?
« on: November 07, 2016, 01:05:06 am »
This is basically me venting out more than anything...

When I started producing (around 3yrs ago) I started it out like almost everyone else, pulled some basic drums samples, made a beat, recorded some guitar with my shitty headphone mic, and that was it. The "song", if you could even call it that, was awful, but the experience was amazing. The idea of making music all by myself was so freeing, since I was used with the idea that to make music you had to get friends who played, then create a band, then practice and etc...

So the years pass, and I notice that, slowly, I'm improving, both in sound design as well in mixing/mastering[at as slower pace than the usual, but everyone's different]. I excluded composing because I were always kinda of a natural in it, since my dad played guitar and loved music as well, I've kinda grown in an enviroment were the idea of pursuing music was heavily approved, and even influenced.

Last year my 4 year old relationship ended, and in that same year a very close friend of mine discovered he had stomach cancer. I got into a time in my life I don't really like remembering, I got into a really depressing state and found that the most effective way I could distract myself from all the shit that was happening was sitting in front of the computer and try to produce, so that's what I did, last year becoming the year I have most improved technically.

But as if the amount of bad stuff happening wasn't enough, february of this year my dad enters in a coma and ends up passing away in july.

I was able to get back on my feet. But since that I feel like my ability to make music has disappeared. I can sit for a session of 8 hours and still, nothing even remotely good comes out. I don't know what happened.

I never was one of those people who believe like music is an extension of your soul or that you're exposing yourself and everything about you in a song, I just made music for the simple joy of making something that sounds nice.

Like I said in the start of the post, this isn't anything but a vent, I'm not hoping for any help. I just hope this goes away with time.

Marrow Machines

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Re: Running out of creativity?
« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2016, 01:08:50 am »
Deal with your frustrations and seek counsel from friends or a professional. You gotta work this out.

Your emotions will manifest itself through the art you create. If you aren't doing a good job of taking care of your mental health, then it will show in your work and your attitude towards your work.

Josh Huval: Honestly, the guys who are making good art are spending their time making it.

vinceasot

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Re: Running out of creativity?
« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2016, 02:56:26 am »
I Think its a good idea to take some time away from the studio man and rest yourself, music is so demanding on the body and you've just been through a lot

(If you still want to be in the studio), i just try make some patches with some synths or play with chords, watch some tutorials, i think that helps

Lydian

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Re: Running out of creativity?
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2016, 03:12:43 pm »
I kind of agree with everything Marrow said. Really sorry to hear about your situation.
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eidolon

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Re: Running out of creativity?
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2016, 05:19:08 pm »
wow.

i agree with what marrow said, you've been through a hell of a lot, don't discount the toll that all of that takes on you. at the same time, i hope you keep fighting to create, i believe that you can make it through.

if you need to vent or just need to talk, feel free to dm me or join the forum's chat (links are in my bio). stay strong, friend.
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Harwood

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Re: Running out of creativity?
« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2017, 07:15:16 pm »
Firstly I'm sorry to hear of your situation, but last year I was in a similar situation with similar events happening and often found the same thing with lack of creativity. So here are a few things I learnt during that time:

1. Don't force it. I was panicking that I wasn't making any good music, so threw more and more time at it, ended up frustrating myself more and losing even more creativity. When I stepped back, took the pressure of myself and began to enjoy making music again, the results improved massively. Don't sit and produce because you feel like you should or you need to. Wait until something inspires you, a song, a film, a concert, could be anything, but wait until that moment and then go and harness it.

2. Use music to help with the personal life. This might seem contrasting to the first point, but bury yourself in music and let it help take your mind off other things going on. You're unlikely to make any great progress with your production during this time, but as long as you don't expect to, you shouldn't get frustrated with it, and you can spend hours buried in a song, forgetting the outside world. Trust me, I spent a year pretty much locked in my room using producing as a way to help me through some stuff.

3. Patience. It will come. If you keep making music, you will keep improving and you will get good stuff made. Just stay patient and stick at it.