i caught a big wave of inspiration a couple weeks ago, but now i sit in front of my setup and get nothing done. can anybody give me an example of what you do to clear your mind, or just to focus? i feel like i'm wasting whatever time i don't spend working, and being a hermit with no new tracks to show for it.

i usually watch escape from new york... that shyt makes me think different. not sayn a flick will help but somethin that u know will make u feel like "my mission is done, now lets work" nah mean

yeah you cant force it.

Although, one thing that definitely helps me, is i remove my chair from my room forcing me to stand and not get lazy. i know it sounds crazy, but its never failed me before.

-take a walk or go workout

-try making music at a different time of the day... if you normally wait til after work, try getting up early and busting something out before work

-read something... an interview of an artist you look up to, a graphic novel... or a real book

-try focusing on a piece of equipment you haven't used in a while and develop a new work flow centering around it

-make a beat with some imposed creative guidelines, ie. hit the arena and make a battle beat

-watch a movie about an artist's life... or any movie really, sometimes the classics or cult flicks are good for me

-cop some new music... listening to music is ultimately some of the best inspiration I've found... get some new records, or download some new albums...

-talking to other people about making music, or technical issues, or gear is also good for my inspiration... these forums always get me excited to go home and bang out some tunes.

-drink a red bull, or some coffee, or green tea... that little up from caffeine helps me get productive... wether it's to clean, do work, or make a beat

-go to a concert, or watch a video of a show!

-talk to other artists about what they do when they are in a creative rut... I usually call one of my homies in NY who is a jazz musician and rap out about different stuff he's workin on

alright homie... these are some things that help me... and the chair thing, and escape from NY are also good suggestions. Best of luck with it. Sometimes it just takes time.

I just take a break, get out (preferably outside), and do something else with my time. Our brains need other forms of stimulus. Staring at a box that is creating loads of frustration can be such a vicious cycle.

hey count those are really good suggestions. me personally, usually when i put my son to bed ill come in my study, drink some heinies, or some cognac, smoke some good reefer out of my bong and listen to some tunes. sometimes ill just hear a quik little sample on a song and start from there. sometimes i dont even touch my sp i just jam out to music then go to bed.

I would have to second everything the Count said. All of those things work for me as well.

good suggestions count.


I've had the mental block myself... A change of scenery helps. Do something else, trying to build a beat when you have no inspiration is like trying to push a square through a circle. Frustrating as all hell.

Listen to your favorite artist.. something that makes your hair stand on end.

I switch to another creative outlet when I'm burned out on music. Be it drawing, poetry, or video/animation. I also tend to overdose on anime. The Count has a great list up there too.

anime does it for me as well, dont know if ur into it but heres a site with mad anime flicks www.crunchyroll.com its dope

Yes, thanks for that link.

no prob, i favor that shyt inbtween beats so much in beats watchin tv!

rub one off to youporn

or

or watch Rocky then run around the yard with a log on my back for a couple laps

sounds like me..

Try to stop thinking about 'achieving', and get out in the world. . .go visit some beautiful places in your area, and just sit and take em in.. maybe listen to relaxing/fun music if you can listen to music without thinking bout making it. Submit yourself to as wide a variety of experiences, people, places, art, ideas as you can. . like the Count says. . gives you a fresh perspective.Try not to be thinking of 'how can I apply this to music" while youre doing it, just take it in. . then next time your in the workshop, think about the things youve been doing, and start sticking ideas to music.


Take up meditation, every morning when you wake up, every evening before you go to sleep.

I know its a huge effort to leave the cave or stop your mind from thinking about things, but try to do it.. . it really helps to give your mind a rest, plus you get some outside ideas flowing into your thoughts when you get back to work.

If only I was better at taking my own advice!

ahahaha... well said...