Any Psychologists out there?

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sat Aug 31, 2002 6:58 pm

I came late to this but here is my 2 cents.

I find that after a long period of not doing when I go back to doing it I am much better. This is how I recapture my child like wonder and ambition.

Secondly:

As soon as I stopped trying to make music that I thought would make money my music instantly became much better and less contrived.

Thirdly:

If you practice playing your instrument a lot and develop great skill you will find that creating music is much easier. Think of the human brain and fingers as the ultimate music sequencer.

Fourthly:

The old saying that being there is 90% of the battle applies. For me the hardest part is just sitting down to do something. After 10 minutes of forcing myself to create, I usually get inspired.

spoimala · Post by **spoimala** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:44 am

Ok, I will join this also.
I don't like "forcing". When I say to myself "Sami, now you have to create something new" it is really like setting a lock to my mind.
I've often found that the best compositions come out when I'm just.."having fun" with my instrument. I'm a keyboard player and I often just go to by my instrument and let my fingers do their thing. And it's often that I'm surprised of what just come out! At this point it is best to have set up your recording gear so it's easy to catch your ideas.
Also, I like a lot jamming! I've sometimes had the honor to play with wonderful musicians and other, different style musicians really inspire me! Most of my songs have got their birth from jamming sessions.
I often find it good for creativity to buy some new gear. As I'm a keyboardist, I often like to go to music store and check what new synths are available. Just listening to their presets can give me new ideas. And if I like them, just buy it and have some good time at home.
Somebody can say it's waste of money to buy a new synth again and again, but if it helps to create new, different type of songs I think it is defensible.
Of course, these help only if you are "a player", not electronic musician. I don't know how these could be achieced using only computer...

at0m · Post by **at0m** » Sun Dec 01, 2002 5:06 pm

Here's the Oblique Strategies site. Oblique Strategies was originally a cards collection by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt, with various hints for musicians. I hope this gives you inspiration and will let you experiment:

http://www.rtqe.net/ObliqueStrategies/

Btw, thanks Paul for pointing me to this once more

Post by **Neil B** » Mon Dec 02, 2002 2:42 am

Hi At0mic.
This looks an interesting site and I'll give it a closer look when time allows - thanks for the link.
Brian Eno brings back a lot of memories too.
My wife's aunt used to make the stage costumes for Roxy Music no less.
Neil B

paulrmartin · Post by **paulrmartin** » Mon Dec 02, 2002 10:50 am

http://www.topix.com/~sean/oblique.htm

Click on random card and see what inspiration comes from that.

elisha · Post by **elisha** » Mon Dec 02, 2002 10:57 am

I am also 48, and have stopped the "struggling" effort to create... I just hated the contrived old formula feel I was getting. I have been trying something new for me that has been working: I simply go about my business staying keenly aware, paying attention to what moves me in a normal day. I practice my guitar skills alot, experiment with other sounds from instruments I don't actually play well.... When I'm relaxed, doing these things I'll suddenly get a rush of good ideas. Once that happens the gate is open and the creativity begins to flow. People who hear my music are surprised when they finally see a picture of me.... middle age, balding, slightly overweight, average looking (the main reason my pic is not prominently featured on projects!) My main point is relax, pay attention to what moves you, & simply be ready for the seed of creativity to germinate in your "field of good soil" which you prepare.