How to Reassess Your Workflow to Spark Creativity

Last Updated on May 23rd, 2019 at 2:50 pm

Reassess Your Workflow to Spark Creativity

Unless you are a bonafide musical wizard, you probably get stuck in a spark creativity rut every now and then.

Good habits are necessary for writing songs, however, they could also limit spark creativity and curb ideas.

It may sound odd, however, complete creative freedom is what most of us are after. Sticking to the same musical playbook, again and again, threatens that freedom in an enormous method.

Reassessing the way you make music from top to bottom is one of the greatest methods to find what’s working and what needs to change to figure out that creative freedom.

Here are some ideas for reassessing your workflow and making positive changes.

Take an unflinching look at your writing process

Habits could not be broken without being recognized.

No two songwriters or producers work in the same method, so take some time determining exactly the way you make music.

You do not need to write things down, however, you need to when you think it would help. It’s the best way to get a full image of how you make music, from the first thing you do to the completed track.

Right here’s an instance of somebody’s unique songwriting process written down from beginning to end:

  • Create a chord progression with synths
  • Add in 2 or 3 other chord progression sections, and begin forming structure
  • Create a melody by singing over chords
  • Write lyrics to match with melody and phrasing
  • Add supporting instrumentation––percussion, bass, and so on
  • Add production and mixing elements
  • Master, promote, and release

Once you have got a great look at your unique process, attempt figuring out what isn’t working about it.

For instance, when you always begin writing by making a drum beat, experiment starting with something else.

The first 2 or 3 steps in the songwriting process are the most essential, so reassessing and changing those up will help in a big method.

Define your strengths and weaknesses as a songwriter

What is your songwriting process brings out your strengths and weaknesses?

Leaning in to these ideas and defining what isn’t working about your writing will assist you to make positive changes.

If an element is not critical or does not help your process, try changing that up as well. Do not be afraid to experiment with your process when you have reassessed.

Take time to define the areas of your process that show your skills in the best light.

Could you deliver that same spark creativity and enthusiasm to the parts of your process which are lacking?

Think about the things you discover inspiring and memorable in another artist’s music.

When you are feeling particularly stuck, do some research into the unique songwriting process of some artists you admire.

For instance, a fascinating 2016 interview with Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood talks about the band’s unique writing process.

Greenwood thinks of Radiohead as arrangers of the concepts Thom York brings into the studio. Do not be afraid to draw inspiration and concrete writing ideas from your favorite artists.

Identify what’s holding you back

From an old guitar amp that cuts in and out to a collaborative relationship that’s run its course, reassessing your process means cutting out every part holding you back.

The devices we write and record with have a huge impact on the music we create, as do the musicians in the room with us once we’re writing.

Gear is obviously a simpler topic to scrutinize than your collaborators.

If an instrument or piece of music gear is not functioning properly or inspiring you, then it needs to be replaced.

Before you sever ties with a musician you work with attempt writing a couple of songs without them and see what feels and sounds different.

When you discover that your process is consistently more creative and inspired without them, it may be time to gracefully make a change.

Develop a new idea in a method you’ve never tried before

Now that you are armed with a clearer perspective about your process, it’s time to attempt doing something new.

What that new thing is changes for everybody, however, it needs to be different than how you are used to kicking your usual process off.

Add in new instruments, collaborate with new songwriters, write lyrics about something you have never explored before in your music.

Since you now know your usual songwriting process habits, it’s time to break them and take some creative risks. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, then you are doing it right.

No matter who you’re and how you make music, you are bound to gain a lot by attempting to be thoughtful about your process.

By paying close attention not only to how you write but also the world around you, musical ideas and inspiration shall be simpler to search out.

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