Ways to rejuvenate and replenish your creative music juice

Writer’s block – not just for authors anymore!

Musicians are often known for being some of the most creative people on the planet, and rightfully so. There have undoubtedly been times when you’ve rattled off a new song in a matter of minutes, or other times when you can’t fill a notebook fast enough with the best lyrics you’ve ever written (hopefully it just wasn’t after a bad breakup, though we all know that sometimes helps). 

But, even the most creative individuals struggle with feeling burnt out and discouraged sometimes. Musicians aren’t immune to their creativity running dry. Over this last year, those creative struggles might have even gotten worse thanks to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. You might not have been able to play shows for a while, and that means the cash flow that your music business has slowly built up is now dwindling, or you might just be down about the state of the world. 

Thankfully, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this pandemic. So, what can you do to get your creative juices flowing again? How can you feel rejuvenated to start writing, playing, and doing what you love? 

Take a Break

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself when music became work? Think about everything you have to regularly do as an independent musician, including things like: 

• Booking shows

• Providing transportation

• Marketing

• Writing new music

• Recording

• Connecting with fans

• Ordering merchandise

There’s no question that being an indie artist takes a lot of your time, forces personal sacrifices, and can even cost money until you become a more popular name. It becomes easy for it to feel like work and less like the fun, carefree life you imagined when you started out. That’s enough to zap anyone’s energy and inspiration. 

So, take a break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to get done (including songwriting), step away from it. You can’t force creativity no matter how hard you try. Even taking a walk around your neighborhood or going to the park with your dog can make a big difference. If you’re exhausted from writing or working on the business side of things, consider using energy-boosting supplements like Kratom responsibly to give yourself a boost. 

When you step away from the studio or your desk, you can get some new perspective. You’ll see things in the world that pique your curiosity and allow you to realize what’s out there. Before you know it, you could start to feel a stream of ideas flowing through your subconscious that you can take back to the studio with you. 

Remember What Inspires You

Chances are, sitting in a studio or behind a desk at home isn’t going to spark any creative ideas for you. So, make having fun a priority in your life. 

Of course, that means practicing daily self-care. Do something that relaxes you or something you truly enjoy, like: 

• Spending time outside

• Cooking

• Exercising

• Interacting with friends/family

• Reading a book

But, you should also make it a priority to have fun when you’re “working.” If you’re creatively stuck, switch up your creative process. Try new techniques with your writing or use an instrument you don’t typically include in your songs. Clear your mind of the things you’re used to or the “way it’s always done”. That leaves room for fresh ideas, creativity, and fun. You might be surprised what you can get done if you just let go of such a strict mindset and choose to see the fun in almost everything you do. 

Collaborate

Sometimes, two heads are better than one. Some of the greatest pieces of musical art in history have come from timeless songwriting duos. After all, we wouldn’t have “Stairway to Heaven” without both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. No “Yesterday” without Lennon and McCartney. 

So, don’t be afraid to work with another musician you trust and respect if you’re feeling stuck. One of the most beautiful things about the creative process is that it’s different for everyone. Getting a new perspective on something can create a “lightbulb” moment for you. It’s a great way to get your creative juices flowing, but you also might find that you work really well with someone else when it comes to bouncing ideas off of each other. 

Music is a communal thing. It’s meant for everyone to enjoy and interpret their own way. Why not start the writing process that way, too? 

Feeling discouraged and hopeless when you’re a musician isn’t exactly a fun place to be. But, it’s not permanent. Your creativity isn’t gone forever, and it’s normal to have bumps in the road. Keep these ideas in mind to rejuvenate yourself and get a fresh perspective on making new music. When you do, the things you write in the future could be your best work yet.

Ways to rejuvenate and replenish your creative music juice