Hey Analog Rimshots and FM Cowbells,
I was born in 1981. I grew up with books, maybe 13 useless channels of TV, VHS video rentals, and 8-bit video games. Those were enough to get the juices flowing. My brain’s creative processing unit was optimized for very simple inputs. In 1998 I went off to college and had internet in my dorm and thus was the beginning of my downward spiral
I have finally come to realize how destructive the internet, Facebook, and specifically, the phone-based YouTube and Instagram apps have been for me.
The day after our turbulent election, I snapped out of the chaos, stopped checking Facebook, and deleted IG and YT from my phone. It’s been a week. I feel amazing. Within 48 hours of that act, I sat down and worked in the studio probably for the first time in months. No joke. I have basically been avoiding the seriously therapeutic act of musical exploration for it’s own sake for years.
I admitted my addictions and cut them out of my life. My creative drive is coming back when I have nothing to fill the empty gaps of time with!
In summary, my recipe:
– Courageously delete apps and stop using social media
– Listen to “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield and “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
– If you’re serious about it…try avoiding ej****ation (sorry, TMI, but honestly, this helps A LOT)
That’s all. Thanks for reading.