Overcoming Self-Doubt in Music Composition

"I think it's still really hard for all of us. It's not easy for any of us. And we're not..."

The Struggles of Creating New Music

• The new album involves a lot of hard work.
• There's a sense of crippling self-doubt in getting things done.
• Having supportive band members encourages the development of new ideas.

Idea Development

• Some band members may feel less confident presenting small ideas.
• It often helps to have someone else affirm that an idea is worth exploring.

"It just takes somebody else to be like, no, we could work with that..."

Song Structure

Traditional Song Structure

• Historically, our song structure was based on hand signals:
  • Part 1: Wave it in the air for the next section.
  • Part 2, Part 3: Sequential signaling for upcoming parts.

"You only really need three parts to write a song."

Key Points on Songwriting

1. Minimum Parts: Ensure there are at least three parts.
2. Natural Flow: The transitions between parts should feel seamless.
3. Collaborative Challenges: Avoid jamming multiple ideas that clash.

"It's better to be a creator than a recreator."

Getting Comfortable with Composition

• Being able to play without looking at sheet music enhances creativity.
• New composers should focus on generating ideas frequently.

The Importance of a Sketchbook

• Like artists, musicians should maintain a sketchbook for ideas.
• Home recording tools like Pro Tools create a space for quick idea capture.

"I need to get it in there and get it done."

Embracing Variety in Music Projects

• Working on multiple projects boosts creativity and reduces pressure.

"If you have a variety of outlets... it makes it a little easier."

Structure and Flexibility

• There's no strict structure we follow; we play around with multiple formats.
• Understanding where the music wants to go is crucial.

"You have to be able to ask yourself, where does it sound like the tune wants to go?"

Writer's Block Perspectives

• "The point is, shut up and write something."
• Many writers share the fear that their work isn't good enough.

Learning from Bad Writing

• Writing poorly can lead to unexpected gems.

"Try to write the worst song you could write... you will come away with something that you actually like."

Critique and Self-Reflection

• Artists often struggle with criticism of their own and others' ideas.
• A balance is needed between positive and negative feedback to foster creativity.

"How do you focus on what form it is you're writing?"

Conclusion

• Traditional forms can dull the creative process.
• Our goal is to innovate rather than repeat existing formats.

"We don't want to contribute to the endless albums written in one or two keys."