Writers block...

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Not sure if it is the right term to use, but anyway...
I think every ambitious musician has experienced it, you feel depressed, uninspired, you start to question your capabilities as a composer, you ask yourself "does it really matter, what I do?", "maybe I should just quit"...

How to do handle it?

You could say I'm very ambitious... and I think I'm experiencing something like that now... can't get it out of my head...

Maybe it has to do with some other factors... I'm graduated audio-engineer now, wanted to enter conservatory (music production), but I failed entry exams, I still want to try again next year - but still, quite discouraging to say the least...
I moved to an other city...
I also live alone for the first time in my life, and I don't get out very much...
I entered this prog rock band, but not sure if it will go anywhere...
My keyboard setup changed :biggrin:
So my life changed completely in a matter of a month...

The thing is, nothing keeps me going in life, except the music...

Also, I never really played in a band... maybe it is not what I should be doing... I like freedom to do as I desire in music, and I want to keep it that way... maybe I should just write my own music, like I always (try to) do, than maybe making a live band to play it... like Jem Godfrey, I just love this guy - he is a real inspiration for me!

I'm still 22 years old, I know the whole life is ahead of me (I hope!) but this uncertainty is just killing me, it's like mid-life crisis 20 years to soon!

Can someone relate to what I've just said?

[Tiko]

I can relate to what you're saying, at least a part of it...

Trust me take it easy and as time passes by you'll be fine and back on your feet :smile:

And try to get some friends in your new city and get out and do something other than music (not saying forget about music)!


Oh and yeah, NEVER quit! :biggrin:

- Tiko

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Yes, it is important to take distance from what you are doing, when you are doing something creative...

You are right about quitting, I also never quit... it's just that I'm starting to ask myself - "do I have what it takes to become at least a semi-pro musician?"

Anyway - I will have plenty of time this year to find out... my goal this year is to pass the exams and write a debut album :biggrin:

Also, I don't have a girlfriend - getting one might help... I actually have 2 dates for next week :tongue: that's on positive note...

[idp]

About writers block and questioning your capabilities:
after the second or third long block I became used to it and now I now, that it takes time to roll again, so I never lose faith in my songwriting capabilities. If you feel you are heading nowhere regarding music, than take some rest, dont force it, and try to find new ways musically (listening bands in a very wide range range, experiment, etc.)

About starting a new life:
I envy you. I will be 30 next year, and I have 2years before I can live my very own life on my own At 22y, you are in a very good time, try to live your life at maximum rev!!! And yeah, go for the dates, haha :wink:

[Tiko]

Sounds like you're not doing so bad after all...

I have 2 hints for you!
When you feel like you can't create anything just sit down and practice pure technique.
It can be boring but ½h a day makes a huge difference :wink:

And when you find yourself in a good mood just sit down, close your eyes and start playing!

These can be obvious things for you but I thought I'd write 'em anyway!


- Tiko

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Thanks for you support, guys - I appreciate it!

Yes, I think I'll take some time off... go out with some girls, have a good time :smile:
It's just that I'm in a new band, and they expect something by next tuesday :frown: Well, I'll think of something...

Also, I might start jogging again - I know that if you are fit physically, that you are going to feel a lot better mentally. Maybe even go to a gym...

About ways to get inspired - I think I should get sample drumloops, because I try to make my own, but it's just doesn't cut it, and of course everything else suffers from it... everything starts with a good groove, really...
There is a 5 Gb library included with my ProTools (in different styles)... don't know why I haven't thought about it before...
I think I'll also analyse some of Frost* work more closely, to get some new idea's...

[osiris]

I get the writers block and self doubt of my musical ability a LOT.

I find other things to keep me occupied and cheer me up, be them musical or not. One thing I do quite often when seeking inspiration is just browse sounds on my synths. Occasionally you'll just come across one that gets this big epic idea flowing and you're back!!

Although you may not be in this band thing whole heartedly, it could be a good experience. Being in a new city and feeling lonely... the new band could help you make some new friends and also open other musical doors so I'd just ride it out and see what happens?

[Maximus]

Anton, Dude dont disspair, there IS such a thing as quarter life crisis. i went trough it some years ago, i almost had it all, the job, the money, and the girl, lost it all in a week, a big change in my way of living, thats life...
and you start wondering Where an i going? am i doing what i'm supossed to be doing? etc etc, thet takes a toll on a creative mind, im not a sensitive person but i know that my creative process and my playing is directly connected to the way im feeling, i don't like it, but thats the way it is.
life to me has been a series of stages, (like a rally) some seem to be more productive, than others , but in fact you have to go though them all to keep yourself on the race.

Change is the only part that is a constant in life, this has been a year of changes for me, the last 2 years were pretty much the same and in the last 6 months things defently have not been the same, that leads you to make desitions, that is hard, i cant tell you what to do, but i can assure you that this a phase of something else.

my advice would be on the same vein as tiko, do the most with the time you have, things will get clearer and ispiration will come back.

[sparkey]

A band i find is like a living thing, no matter how much you try to shape it, it will always go its own way =D

its a good experience, but its not always for-filling

I agree on the writing music by yourself part, its something i want to do, but its always met with varying degrees with success, music always feels soulless without a good rhythm, which is why im learning drums to expand that side of me, in the mean time i need to invest in a good drum machine, everything feels dry if it doesn't have something driving it,

Alas being not a singer makes completing music more irritable as my music is more song form than a piece,

i guess its just a matter of sticking with it, stepping outside your studio now and than and getting inspiration from the sounds around you, and i find learning a piece in a style you dont know well is always a interesting step to expanding yourself musically

[Dean Watson]

I get writer's block quite often. ( I'm there now ... ) and for me the only healer is time. You just 'come out of it' and the ideas start to flow. Good luck.

[Axe2Grind]

Dude,

Something that really inspired me and helped my own music creation/composition etc was taking up another instrument. I was exactly at your age 22 when I threw myself into learning the electric guitar and this not only helped my musical enthusiasm and creativity, it helped my keyboard playing technique and approach and keyboards had a positive on my guitar technique as I picked it up fairly quickly. As it happens now, I play guitar all the time and keyboard just for song composition. Don't think that its too late cause it's not to take up another instrument, be it guitar, sax or somethng else. You'll find Jordan himself plays guitar and other instruments.

Stay creative, positive and above all, Happy cause you have it all ahead of you so enjoy my friend.

:)