getting fed up with getting nowhere in my tunes

[lmv]

I like to imagine something like a movie scene, or a dream, something visual, then pretend I am hired to write a soundtrack for those images. And I like to think that I have to communicate something with the tune, like telling a story, no words allowed. Works very often.

[mjolnir]

I like to imagine something like a movie scene, or a dream, something visual, then pretend I am hired to write a soundtrack for those images. And I like to think that I have to communicate something with the tune, like telling a story, no words allowed. Works very often.

that's a good idea; thanks.

[mjolnir]

I appreciate the feedback from everyone on this journey of music creation.

In my experience, I’ve found that the creative process thrives best when judgment and rational thinking take a back seat. When I allow these elements to dominate, my music feels disconnected from who I am. Instead, I trust my intuition and let the rhythm of my thoughts guide me. Creating music is about tapping into the emotional melodies that emerge spontaneously, which can lead to ideas I never anticipated. It’s this pleasure of creation that truly resonates within me.

I understand the frustrations shared here—feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the tools at our disposal is something we all encounter. mjolnir, I can relate to your feelings of frustration and the urge to start fresh by deleting everything. However, I resonate with the idea of simplifying our approach. Limiting our tools, whether it's plugins or samples, can actually spark creativity. Embracing a minimalist perspective—like having just a few sounds, akin to a "Noah's Ark of sounds"—can sometimes lead to breakthroughs.

I think exploring different DAWs and reducing the clutter can help you reconnect with your music. It’s great to hear you’re finding some improvement with your new setup. The journey of creating can be slow and challenging, but every small step counts.

Ultimately, it’s about finding joy in the process and allowing ourselves to explore music without the weight of expectation. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts—let’s keep inspiring one another!

"Noah's Ark of Sounds" Ha! I really like that! Nice.
Good idea. Peace be with ya.

[thisisntrob]

New here. But a long time music writer and pro audio tech.

Another thing that might be worth trying is to change the order of how you interact with your software. Start with an idea, then use the software to make it happen. Don’t even turn your computer on until you know what you’re going to do with it. Or, if you already have something going, listen to it and make notes of things you like/don’t like. Then plan how to address the dislikes, then turn the computer on.

It can have a sort of ‘different part of your brain’ effect that can be useful to experiment with when you’re a little stuck.

Happy writing!

[mjolnir]

New here. But a long time music writer and pro audio tech.

Another thing that might be worth trying is to change the order of how you interact with your software. Start with an idea, then use the software to make it happen. Don’t even turn your computer on until you know what you’re going to do with it. Or, if you already have something going, listen to it and make notes of things you like/don’t like. Then plan how to address the dislikes, then turn the computer on.

It can have a sort of ‘different part of your brain’ effect that can be useful to experiment with when you’re a little stuck.

Happy writing!

Yeah, that's kinda how I'd been working some of the time. Good idea.
It's probably time to mix it up again like you said.
Part of the problem is that I just don't get ideas like I used to.

I think something broke inside my brain. The musical ideas just don't flow anymore. Whereas months ago (while I was homeless) I had so many musical ideas I couldn't keep up with and had no place to save them or make them real. Now I've got the gear and no ideas.

[havran]

Maybe start with no expectations, and two or three notes followed by a few other notes, then repeat, then repeat with variations -- just to "prime the pump" so to speak.

Maybe aim for a scrap or two each day, instead of a masterpiece. Collect some scraps over time, and make something of the best ones.

Maybe when the DAW is open and you have an instrument track loaded and armed for recording, that could be a time to meditate for a moment* -- whether by following the breath or vaguely remembering an internal mantra and allowing its memory to dissolve.
____
* If you don't have time to meditate for a moment, meditate for two moments.

[CrystalWizard]

Don't delete anything, ever.
Buying more software/gear isn't going to be the answer either.
I've no idea how much time you spend on your hobby, but maybe a break is the answer?
Unfortunately I feel I never get enough time doing the things I love, but that just makes the time I do spend more important.
Also, good advice from thecontrolcentre. Limiting your options and using only a handful of tools always worked for me.
Hope you find your way out and feel good about producing again

Some really good advice there imo. Especially the second line. The list of ppl who've made great stuff with not so great stuff is nearly endless. Remember that an artist is almost always their own worst critic.

[crimsonwarlock]

If I'm completely stuck for harmonic ideas, I pick a famous/commercial track I like a lot (in my genre), go find the chords for that song (most of that stuff is available online), and then create a new/different chord progression from that.

The main other thing I do, has to do with NOT buying new plugins. I have so many instruments and tools available, that it can be intimidating. So I have an app on my phone called 'ListPicker', that lets you make lists of things and randomly pick from those. I have lists for main synths, supporting instruments, drums, special FX, and composing tools (Reason Players in my case), and pick one from each list to start a new project. Lots of fun that way, and in most cases very inspirational.

[Lerian]

Music is an emotional medium. If you're emotionally flat, your music will go nowhere. Maybe you should go and live a little, so you have something to compose about. Staying in front of the computer is the surest way to nothing.

[jamcat]

I wonder what makes a great painting: new brushes, or inspiration?

[Uncle E]

I think something broke inside my brain. The musical ideas just don't flow anymore. Whereas months ago (while I was homeless) I had so many musical ideas I couldn't keep up with and had no place to save them or make them real. Now I've got the gear and no ideas.

This is natural. Don't make it mean anything. Go out for walks and bring paper or a dictaphone with you. Worst case scenario, you'll be healthy.

[Uncle E]

I wonder what makes a great painting: new brushes, or inspiration?

Definitely new brushes: Biggest sale of the year spend spend SPEND

[vurt]

I wonder what makes a great painting: new brushes, or inspiration?

Definitely new brushes: Biggest sale of the year spend spend SPEND

as a fan of jackson pollock, brushes aren't necessary!

[vurt]

I wonder what makes a great painting: new brushes, or inspiration?

several hours a day, several days a week, for a few months, staring, at either rotting fruit, or a bored but naked, model.

[havran]

Making music is for whiners and bullies.