Your elusive creative genius

[bokkenrijder]

Hey guys & gals,

I was at a friend's house the other day (who's a really gifted scratcher/turntablist) and we were discussing things like how to stay inspired, what to do when things "just don't work" on a given day, or you feel it's a useless excercise because nothing you're trying sounds good.

Then my friend pointed me to the following video, a TED talk from Elizabeth Gilbert. (Yes, the same woman who wrote that abominable female midlife crisis tome called "Eat Pray Love" - ostensibly almost encouraging women around the world to cheat on their husbands while "redefining themselves" or whatever).

Anyway, as much as I dislike a lot about the book and author, she does however, drive home a few points that made me look at the creative process differently. Especially the bit where she talks about viewing your creativity as a seperate entity (a.k.a the Genius): you can blame your creative "genie" for not performing while you're the one who's showing up for work every day. That kinda lit a lightbulb for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA

Hope it helps anyone...

[riPaddo]

That was pretty intresting and also a bit inspiring since I'm having trouble finishing or even starting tracks. Maybe I should kick that entity's ass for interrupting the creative process.

[Unfolding]

Yeah, not bad. Was kinda hoping for more direct instruction for breaking the inspiration drought.

Still anything that comes with a story by or about Tom Waits has my total attention.

What she's saying is stuff I've heard said a few time previously in different terms. I read an interview with Trent Reznor where he admitted to taking months to write a single song because he needed it to be the absolute best thing he's ever done. Otherwise he felt like he was failing his reputation as a songwriter. That left him with gaps of up to 6 years between albums, he basically taught himself how not to get the job done. A few addictions didn't help much either.

Until he realised that not everything he does needs to be published and that simply writing songs constantly was practice writing great songs consistently. In the final years of Nine Inch Nails he was publishing a new album at a rate of roughly one every 15 months & maintaing a serious touring schedule. Whether you like his music or not, there's no doubt his change in attitude saved his career.

Basically, pressures & hinderances to succeed comes as much from around us as much as they come from within.

[JZTR]

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[bokkenrijder]

Maybe I should kick that entity's ass for interrupting the creative process.

Rather, kick his ass for NOT being around when you need him most.

[admbmb]

I call mine my "dark passenger".

[false tropics]

I call mine my "dark passenger".

p

too funny!

[Astromass]

The trick is to work...
Even when you don't feel inspired or yer feeling fuckin blah.
Work work work
Flip on the sampler and just start dicking with stuff.

I don't know how many times I've felt uninspired or lazy then forced myself to just start doing something, when a great track started brewing...then ya get amped up and excited and magic happens.

Good luck y'all

[JZTR]

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[Astromass]

Yeah. Quality control is a must. Weird thing is that that shits sometimes in the eye of the beholder. I played some tunes I had in the vault, and a mate of mine thinks it's my best. It's all about what you dig best though.
Keep on keeping on.

[cartesia]

I only produce when I feel inspired. forcing yourself is a good way to learn techniques faster, but i find if i am forcing myself i just cant be creatively motivated, and the more i force it, the less creative time i find myself with - so if i dont feel it, i take a break until i do feel it.