Talking Tech: How Do You Combat A Creative Block?

Creative Block. Two words that every artist has uttered countless times. It strikes at the most inopportune times and often seems impossible to shake. So how do you combat it? Here’s what you said…

Jakob Haq: I take time away from my own stuff and projects. I’ve tried to fight it so many times over the decades, but what’s usually going on (at least for me) is that My “inspiration box” is empty. This is where I need to ignore my ego and go consume art, music and creations made by others. Usually, I get inspired within a few days. And then I’m right back into the game again.

Kevin Dodd: Listen to music that’s new to you, something different than your usual choices. Check out an artist that you’ve heard good things about. Expand your horizons and you’ll find some inspiration.

Kaye Wood: Go back to basics. I have a Roland FA08, I used to compose on a synth workstation in my teens. I find that composing in the workstation and away from the computer gives me more creative ideas. I use the on board sequencer to create a basic track and then export it to Logic. The most recent creative session was after I’d upgraded to all of the integra sounds.

Stephen Bankier: Start a remix or a bootleg. If I’m not feeling that then do visual art like photoshop/after effects or a painting.

Matt Nicholson: Aside from the previously mentioned great suggestions – Write down all your ideas. Even if you can’t record them, if you hear something and think, ‘ooh, I’d like to do something along these lines’ or ‘this track would be ace mixed with these ideas here’, jot them down. I use Trello and Wunderlist because I can get to them on my phone at any time. Then, if you don’t have anything specific to work on at that time, refer to the list, pick the one that’s most inspiring at that time.

Eric Tugyi: Well for me, I don’t really consider it a block. Like food, you can only eat so much before you are full. Same with music. Come back when you are hungry again…

Paul Wright: Limit your options. Creativity can be spoiled by choice.

Siobhan Garvey: I just leave it all alone, go and do other things, other interests. When the inspiration and ideas come to me then I go back to it.

Yung Depo: When I’m producing and I feel whatever I’m working on is lacking or feel like I can’t do much anymore, I start a different project. I try not to use all my creative power working on something too hard. I usually make like 5 projects before I come up with something I really like. When I’m writing it’s different, I usually have to spend a while listening to music, reading or watching something before I can begin writing. Sometimes when I hit a writing block, I just switch up the flow or rhyme scheme. Or even texturize my verse with a little singing.

Alex Picciafuochi: I visualize myself in front of many people in a club, or during a live act, and I hear the music perfect for this occasion and I simply play it.

De Valle Groove Shereef: Start a production with a different approach. Maybe start with a VST preset or a sample and watch YouTube videos with the volume off because the imagery can also inspire.

Shaun Tyler: I find not being a father would probably help a lot.