Day 13. Yesterday was a real challenge. Between teaching, eating, getting my workout in and running some errands, it suddenly was 11pm; in panic I stared at the screen, pulled up the track, looked at the time and all I heard was a little voice saying..."you're not gonna make it today. There goes your 31songs in 31days".
I threw some first instinct vocal ideas on it, kept listening to the music, looking at the time and slightly freaking out again. Thankfully, it was a collaboration, I just needed vocals and lyrics. Hahaha, JUST...the voice kept saying "You're running out of time, don't have a clue what you're singing about" and for a second I wanted to accept the fact that I didn't make it, telling myself I could write two tomorrow. I did NOT listen to that voice.
I took a deep breath and started to tap into my subconscious mind, allowing myself to JUST BE and DO what FEELS right instead of thinking if it's good or bad or what time it is.(as long as I stick with the 2 hour time frame)
Melodies are easy for me. I can do 10 songs a day if I had to. (I really can) But WORDS is a different story. The trap you fall into when writing lyrics by yourself is that you tend to keep re-using some of your favorite words. Listen to some albums and you'll notice that many artists do this. Not all but many.
I decided to NOT worry about it and just write. Over-thinking, over-analyzing leads to writers block.
Once you let it go, think about the scene, the theme or title, the words start flowing. Are they final? Most likely not, writing is all about re-writing. What's important is MOMENTUM!
I must say I was truly amazed with myself. I was tired, frustrated and slightly panicking. I claimed writers block for such a long time while finishing my album ARC OF A DREAM. Looking back, I call it bullshit. Subconsciously I was stalling completion in fear of disapproval, failure or maybe just pure fear of completion?
As songwriters who take their career serious, we have to learn to write, start to finish, than re-write, start to finish and let it go! And repeat! Things are always way simpler than they seem. Life is good. Feeling accomplished! Cheers!
PS: Soundbites are coming next! Stay tuned!
xoxo
JVB
Showing posts with label bliss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bliss. Show all posts
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
DAY SEVEN
It's been pretty fun so far.The biggest challenge has been to not write about the same old things and to use different approaches, let's say, one song starts with a vocal melody, another get's inspired by a drumbeat, guitar riff or synth sound. Yesterday was my first Collaboration on this project, felt good to only come up with lyrics and melody. I did feel a little resistance at first but once I let go of the "inner judge" allowing myself to just dive in, it became effortless.
I don't always have a concept when I write, some writers do. I usually let the music take me, picking a theme has been another one of my challenges. The beauty in writing is, it doesn't matter how you start the journey, as long as you end up with a completed song that resonates with you. A song that captures a feeling, a vibe, a mood. And of course if I was writing for a specific project, a music library, I'd have more of an outline and theme, most likely writing a sound alike. What's fun about this project is that I can write whatever I want without having to fit a format. It's fun to express myself any way I want, goofy, serious, off beat. No RULES! Of course in the back of my mind I am thinking about where that track could be placed and ultimately, I want to find those 31 babies a good home but as of right now. All I need to do is give birth to another creation. ;)
I've been pretty good as far as only spending a couple of hours on writing, not all in one sitting, I work for 30 min, get the idea down, take a quick walk with the dog or do my workout than come back with a clear head and fresh perspective. It's working really well.
The frustrating part is that I can hear some of the songs fully produced and want to do it right than and there (yes, I've spend several hours on a couple of songs I felt strongly about). I have to remember to just WRITE the song first, start to finish, THAN focus on production, although in some cases tweaking the sounds along the way is extremely inspiring, as long as I don't get caught up in "tweaking" that sound forever.
What I did notice is that I am more creative, ideas keep popping up consistently, I've recorded some ideas right after writing a track or while waiting for a student. The fossett is open and little symphonies keeps flowing, effortlessly. Day Seven accomplished. (Just realized, I spent so much time on this Blog it's already day Eight, hahaha.
Starting tomorrow, I will post snippets of the tracks, I don't know if it would be a good idea to post the entire songs. (copyright, quality and time wise)
My goal is to do at least 10 Collabs on this project.
Stay tuned the fun is just about to start!
xoxo
JVB
I don't always have a concept when I write, some writers do. I usually let the music take me, picking a theme has been another one of my challenges. The beauty in writing is, it doesn't matter how you start the journey, as long as you end up with a completed song that resonates with you. A song that captures a feeling, a vibe, a mood. And of course if I was writing for a specific project, a music library, I'd have more of an outline and theme, most likely writing a sound alike. What's fun about this project is that I can write whatever I want without having to fit a format. It's fun to express myself any way I want, goofy, serious, off beat. No RULES! Of course in the back of my mind I am thinking about where that track could be placed and ultimately, I want to find those 31 babies a good home but as of right now. All I need to do is give birth to another creation. ;)
I've been pretty good as far as only spending a couple of hours on writing, not all in one sitting, I work for 30 min, get the idea down, take a quick walk with the dog or do my workout than come back with a clear head and fresh perspective. It's working really well.
The frustrating part is that I can hear some of the songs fully produced and want to do it right than and there (yes, I've spend several hours on a couple of songs I felt strongly about). I have to remember to just WRITE the song first, start to finish, THAN focus on production, although in some cases tweaking the sounds along the way is extremely inspiring, as long as I don't get caught up in "tweaking" that sound forever.
What I did notice is that I am more creative, ideas keep popping up consistently, I've recorded some ideas right after writing a track or while waiting for a student. The fossett is open and little symphonies keeps flowing, effortlessly. Day Seven accomplished. (Just realized, I spent so much time on this Blog it's already day Eight, hahaha.
Starting tomorrow, I will post snippets of the tracks, I don't know if it would be a good idea to post the entire songs. (copyright, quality and time wise)
My goal is to do at least 10 Collabs on this project.
Stay tuned the fun is just about to start!
xoxo
JVB
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Choose Your Battles!
I don't really talk politics for obvious reasons. Everyone has an opinion and it usually ends up in an argument because everyone wants to be right and defend their party and beliefs. Just like religion, it gets ugly and stupid.
What slightly ticks me and amuses me at the same time is all these conspiracy theories. I do find them interesting and don't doubt for a minute that some of those are true. Was 911 an inside job? Maybe, but what am I going to do? Spend the rest of my life chasing ghosts? We will never know for sure.
What about gun control? Just like drugs, if you want them, they are available. Money gets you everything you desire. Do I like guns? No! Guns are dangerous but so are knifes, fireworks, tools, prescription drugs and alcohol.
Yes, let's go back in history and find out what happened to all those countries that had gun control...The government controlled the people. BAM! No brainer.
But lets fast forward and look at whats happening today. People eventually rebelled and stood up for their rights and freedom.
Say what you will, America is the best country I know of, it's the land of opportunity. How many self-made millionaires live here? I'm talking about people who came from nothing, had no or little formal education. I know for fact that wouldn't be an easy task in Germany.
We live in the 21st century. We have evolved. People state that the world is going mad and people are stupid and going crazy...I admit that while technology is a fabulous thing it can also cripple us, especially our new generation. We don't have to use our brain as much, our little robots are doing it all for us. (but let's be for real; the general public doesn't use their brain regardless)so let's not blame stupidity and ignorance on technology.
And if you do have kids, yes; the school system sucks, home school your kid! take charge! OR at least spend quality time with your kid. Don't treat it like a toy, something you hardly have time to play with. My parents worked hard and didn't have much time for me. I didn't end up a gangster or drug addict. They taught me basic manners, even when they were a slight mess themselves.
Another solution for you! Don't have kids if you can't afford them! Sounds a little harsh? Maybe.
Well, I'm getting off the subject here....the world is going mad???? C'mon...let's not forget back in the days when woman (and man) got hanged for being accused of being witches..AND people came to watch the hangings. That's supposed to be normal?
How about when people were being humiliated and torchered in public AND the public would watch it with enthusiasm like a football game. THAT'S MAD!
Humans have always been the worst creatures alive on earth, it's nothing new. We are driven by emotions, such as fear, greed, love, hate. Emotions start wars. Emotions can also create peace. Life is light and darkness. There will always be good and evil. It is up to us individuals to pick and choose our battles. We all go through highs and lows. We all mess up. We all experience pain and disappointment. But how much time do you want to spend living in misery and fear breeding hatred?
Why not enjoy life while we've got it. Stand up and fight for your beliefs, make a difference in the world. Just don't sit there complain about the world, waiting for the sky to fall. Don't play the victim. Get in the drivers seat and do something that matters. Be the best YOU can be. Do the things YOU do have control over.
Find purpose in your own life, a creative, fulfilling outlet that makes you thrive , stimulates your mind and takes your mind off all the negativity we are exposed to daily. It's easy to get sucked into it.
What do you want people to remember you by when you're gone?
The person that always thought the sky was falling or the person that always saw the good in people and life? A loving, caring, kind, smart, creative, innovative and inspiring soul that made a difference in someones life?
Spend less time watching the news, worrying about the things that may or may not happen...the things you can't control. Spend more time BEING in the moment with the people that matter to you most. Dream big. Paint beautiful pictures of how you want your life to be and go for it.
Do the things that make you FEEL GOOD and spread that good vibration.
Choose your thoughts, friends and actions wisely. And remember, your mind is your most powerful weapon on earth!
JVB
What slightly ticks me and amuses me at the same time is all these conspiracy theories. I do find them interesting and don't doubt for a minute that some of those are true. Was 911 an inside job? Maybe, but what am I going to do? Spend the rest of my life chasing ghosts? We will never know for sure.
What about gun control? Just like drugs, if you want them, they are available. Money gets you everything you desire. Do I like guns? No! Guns are dangerous but so are knifes, fireworks, tools, prescription drugs and alcohol.
Yes, let's go back in history and find out what happened to all those countries that had gun control...The government controlled the people. BAM! No brainer.
But lets fast forward and look at whats happening today. People eventually rebelled and stood up for their rights and freedom.
Say what you will, America is the best country I know of, it's the land of opportunity. How many self-made millionaires live here? I'm talking about people who came from nothing, had no or little formal education. I know for fact that wouldn't be an easy task in Germany.
We live in the 21st century. We have evolved. People state that the world is going mad and people are stupid and going crazy...I admit that while technology is a fabulous thing it can also cripple us, especially our new generation. We don't have to use our brain as much, our little robots are doing it all for us. (but let's be for real; the general public doesn't use their brain regardless)so let's not blame stupidity and ignorance on technology.
And if you do have kids, yes; the school system sucks, home school your kid! take charge! OR at least spend quality time with your kid. Don't treat it like a toy, something you hardly have time to play with. My parents worked hard and didn't have much time for me. I didn't end up a gangster or drug addict. They taught me basic manners, even when they were a slight mess themselves.
Another solution for you! Don't have kids if you can't afford them! Sounds a little harsh? Maybe.
Well, I'm getting off the subject here....the world is going mad???? C'mon...let's not forget back in the days when woman (and man) got hanged for being accused of being witches..AND people came to watch the hangings. That's supposed to be normal?
How about when people were being humiliated and torchered in public AND the public would watch it with enthusiasm like a football game. THAT'S MAD!
Humans have always been the worst creatures alive on earth, it's nothing new. We are driven by emotions, such as fear, greed, love, hate. Emotions start wars. Emotions can also create peace. Life is light and darkness. There will always be good and evil. It is up to us individuals to pick and choose our battles. We all go through highs and lows. We all mess up. We all experience pain and disappointment. But how much time do you want to spend living in misery and fear breeding hatred?
Why not enjoy life while we've got it. Stand up and fight for your beliefs, make a difference in the world. Just don't sit there complain about the world, waiting for the sky to fall. Don't play the victim. Get in the drivers seat and do something that matters. Be the best YOU can be. Do the things YOU do have control over.
Find purpose in your own life, a creative, fulfilling outlet that makes you thrive , stimulates your mind and takes your mind off all the negativity we are exposed to daily. It's easy to get sucked into it.
What do you want people to remember you by when you're gone?
The person that always thought the sky was falling or the person that always saw the good in people and life? A loving, caring, kind, smart, creative, innovative and inspiring soul that made a difference in someones life?
Spend less time watching the news, worrying about the things that may or may not happen...the things you can't control. Spend more time BEING in the moment with the people that matter to you most. Dream big. Paint beautiful pictures of how you want your life to be and go for it.
Do the things that make you FEEL GOOD and spread that good vibration.
Choose your thoughts, friends and actions wisely. And remember, your mind is your most powerful weapon on earth!
JVB
Monday, November 08, 2010
Happiness and Bliss!
When surrounded by like minded beings, people who are truly living their dreams you can't help but feel LOVE! And that's what live is all about!
Once a year I attend the Road Rally, a music conference held by TAXI. This was my fifth Rally, it's one of my favorite things to do and something I look forward to all year.
Every year I learn more about my industry, I meet more people who become life long friends, collaborators and/or business partners. I got to hear some extremely successful people talk about their careers, their ways of staying fresh and excited in the ever changing world of music and nothing is more inspiring than hearing people who have been in the business for several decades talk with such passion, excitement and bliss about music.
I feel happy, energized, inspired and ALIVE! Whatever it is you are passionate about, surround yourself with like-minded people and go after your dreams....and make 'em BIG!
Cheers to a blissful day!
Play "Living The Dream"! Make it your mantra!
Once a year I attend the Road Rally, a music conference held by TAXI. This was my fifth Rally, it's one of my favorite things to do and something I look forward to all year.
Every year I learn more about my industry, I meet more people who become life long friends, collaborators and/or business partners. I got to hear some extremely successful people talk about their careers, their ways of staying fresh and excited in the ever changing world of music and nothing is more inspiring than hearing people who have been in the business for several decades talk with such passion, excitement and bliss about music.
I feel happy, energized, inspired and ALIVE! Whatever it is you are passionate about, surround yourself with like-minded people and go after your dreams....and make 'em BIG!
Cheers to a blissful day!
Play "Living The Dream"! Make it your mantra!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Are we there yet?
It's funny; booking a tour is like a ride on a roller coaster. It's fun and exciting one minute the next you're about to vomit. We are moving along. Slowly but it's coming together. I will say that; much respect to all the indie bands out there making it happen, this is just the beginning of the journey.
I've got a lot of things in the works, slightly overwhelming however, I can handle it.
I just have to constantly remind myself that things flow easy and effortlessly when I allow things to happen, when I'm coming from inspired action rather than "push, must, need and wants". I have to remind myself that I am power and that I can indeed do, be and have everything I want.
I love this:
"Follow your Bliss and the Universe will open doors for you where there were only walls"
-Joseph Campbell
I've got a lot of things in the works, slightly overwhelming however, I can handle it.
I just have to constantly remind myself that things flow easy and effortlessly when I allow things to happen, when I'm coming from inspired action rather than "push, must, need and wants". I have to remind myself that I am power and that I can indeed do, be and have everything I want.
I love this:
"Follow your Bliss and the Universe will open doors for you where there were only walls"
-Joseph Campbell
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