 Need inspiration ? |
P.T.J 
Sponsor
Registration Date: 20-01-2011
Posts: 18
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I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has been in this situation before so thought that I would put it out there for discussion.
Recently I have had a sort of 'produces block'. When this happens normally I would listen to some new music, juggle some beats with my controller or play with some iPhone apps and have even re-read through my DAWs user manual, which can be a little dry to say the least!. But lately have hit a longer than expected flat spot.
What are some of the ways that others here have overcome this 'block' and start pushing out dance floor stompers once more.
I'm sure that this will be of benefit to others now and into the future as I know that creative types like us occasionally burn the candles at both ends to get our end results.
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31-01-2011 06:10 |
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Gregg
Wicked Producer
Registration Date: 16-05-2007
Posts: 417
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I remember there has been a quite big thread about writes block a little while ago. I’m not sure if it’s any good but it might be worth a try.
I have been quite often in your situation but I actually never considered the musical break as something bad. And maybe that’s a first lesson to learn; don’t force it and stress yourself out!
Develop a positive attitude towards your problem, starting with your word choice. Think of it as a break and not as a block. A break is always a temporary situation and you return relaxed with more ambition and power afterwards. Achieving your goals with much more ease goes hand in hand.
Apart from influencing your state of mind with positive thinking I have another tip for you that has always worked for me:
Disturb the routine… and focus on anything but music production! Feed your mind with new pictures or extreme emotions. Get out, meet new people and visit new places. Absorb and conserve the atmosphere of a nice evening in the club or a long walk on a foggy day.
This may sound a little over the top and getting a new sample pack or soft synth (common advice) may also work. Doing so is not a long term solution though. It’s an issue of inspiration which has to be approached on its fundament.
Good luck.
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31-01-2011 11:12 |
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DjSlut
Cool Producer
Registration Date: 27-08-2003
Posts: 160
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As mentioned before there was defo a thread relating to this before - (this is a pretty common problem). From what i remember there was some good ideas there.
I think I would mostly agree with the above. - take a break!
I find (and others will hopefully agree) that when I am producing tunes I am draining my pool of ideas that I have previously dreamt up.
When I am not producing, - I am building up my idea pool. (Ie: I'll be impressed by the drum sound of a tune, then i think about how I would create it. Just thinking about that, ill probably have several ideas to implement in my next tune.)
The problem arises when you dont have enough of a gap between tunes. So your store of ideas is low when you start the next one. Then - either you dont know where to start or you get started, then quickly get stuck.
Time off is important, no matter what you are doing. Psychologists will concur.
So take our advice and have a break.
Personally I find the tunes I am most proud of, are ones that I made after a break, when I had loads of ideas bubbling around in my head. (I remember last year I gave myself RSI from playing my electribe too much, after two weeks of not playing, I was climing the walls, looking to put something down - the first two tunes I made were sick [well in my eyes at least])
Point of note, when having a break, don't make it about getting ideas, just look to relax...otherwise you are still trying to force it
However, if you are determined to make something, you might try...
1. Learn a new technique
Find a tutorial on a new skill/new sound technique and implement
2.Make a remix
Attempt to cover a track that you enjoy. For me - this sounds vaguely like the original at best.
3. Vary the workflow
If normally your flow is - drums - bass - melody - stucture. Try starting with the melody, etc.
4. New Samples or plug-ins
These often help push me in a new direction
5. Collaborate
Self-explanatory i think...
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VAS
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01-02-2011 18:23 |
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jeffijoe
xSky
Registration Date: 15-06-2009
Posts: 241
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I know the feeling bro.
It's been like 6 months since I made my last finished tune. Got started on one a month or 2 ago, but I don't have time to work on it anymore - got software to develop 
But yeah, a break can help, the timeframe depends on how dedicated a producer you are. I usually listen to other tunes, and ask myself "How did they do that? Can I do that? I'll give it a try", which expands my variation of sounds I can create, which in the end can be used for further ideas.
Else, if I'm bored, I boot FL>3xOsc>Reese>Split Bands>Fuck with effects.
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--- My Soundcloud ---
Jeffijoe - Distance EP [CrossBase]
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09-02-2011 11:18 |
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