Forward Progress in Music

A big part of art is imitation. Everyone is inspired by someone, and a lot of music is made to capture the same feeling of another song. There is nothing wrong with this, influence is what allows art to progress. However, it's important to remember that progression is about moving forward, not getting better. This blog is inspired by a comment I saw on a YouTube video. It said, "Everyone is learning like they're going to be session players of bygone musical scenes." It made me think about how I become obsessed with songs, and try to chase a similar sound. Sometimes I'm able to create something I'm proud of, but a lot of the time I struggle to write when I have a specific style I want to create. It's like when I have a rhythm and I'm trying to come up with lyrics over it, but nothing comes. That's because I'm trying to force it. The best lyrics come from things I think to myself, from there I can build around it. This applies to writing full compositions. Pick up an instrument and play notes, don't think about whether or not what you're playing works. A lot of times I get stuck writing because I feel like whatever I've come up with has gotten away from what I wanted to make in the beginning. This can be great because it's genuine, it allows you to express yourself freely. When you chase a sound you have to follow rules. Create forward progress in music by breaking the rules of how you think music is supposed to sound.

Music is about expression. It's not about who can create the catchiest song that's produced the best. It's about coming up with new ideas, and putting them in ways that can be understood. The worst thing you can do is doubt yourself because you can't compare to a song you love. That's taking inspiration and turning it negative. Use the music you love to inspire you to write, and from there write through your heart not through the ears.