klunk.org

I thought I would compile a list of things worth doing when you have a creative block. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a few pointers in the right direction.

Backup

I think this is the most important and worth doing regularly. At the very least you should be backing up projects / samples etc to CD / DVD. These discs should be dated and obviously titled. It is a good idea to keep a list of the project names or sample types on these discs being as it saves having to go through them all when you get stuck.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, then look to use an external HDD and an application like Acronis True Image of Symantec Ghost to automatically do you backups.

This will save many tears.

Learn your software / hardware

This sounds so obvious, but is not often put into practise. Spend some quality time with your DAW / VST / VSTi / Synth / Drum Machine etc reading through the manual (yes the manual!) finding out about some of those features you haven’t used yet and did not realise could make a huge difference to you life. Often doing this will make new connections in your brain and unleash a new depth of creativity. So go noodle.

Organise your samples

If you use a lot of samples, then there is nothing worse than not being able to find the right type when you need it. Also it is so easy to let your sample folder get unruly. To tame this beast have a look at the type of samples that you have and organsie them in meanigful categories. I like to use Type (e.g. Chords, Drums, Effects) and then break this down into more useful sub categoies. For Drums  I have the following: FourFour, Breaks, Crazy Patterns, Single Hits. This helps to find the sample you want when you want it.

Listen to some of you older or unfinished work

You may find that you have a hidden gem which just needs a little tweek to finish it off and make into you smash hit. If not you may well just find that there are some good ideas that you may re-use. Try to be a bit organised and write down the bits you like, being as you may forget where that killer bit was.

Go for a walk

Inspiration is not found sitting in front of a whole bunch of hardware. Get some ideas and field recordings by going for a walk.

Sort out your myspace

This can be a bit of a black hole so be careful not to spend too much time on this. Check you myspace account and check the following:

• Look at your music choices, are they correct?
•  Is you biog interesting enough?
• Do you really need all those flashing gadgets?

If you have done this basic sense check, then you are allowed to check you messages and find new friends.