- HIGH END TIMES
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- Crushing Creative Blocks
I woke up in the middle of the night…
Hot and bothered, I threw the blanket off and got up to get some water.
I hadn’t been sleeping well.
Why?
Because I couldn’t finish this damn track.
It had been weeks of me chipping away but I couldn’t bring it home.
Ugh!
I kept having 2nd thoughts about certain parts, changing them, and then doubting the new direction.
I was feeling burned out and stuck creatively.
Maybe you can relate?
That feeling of frustration when:
• You can’t get that one sound right.
• You’re constantly second-guessing yourself.
• The track feels like it’s going nowhere.
• You’re doubting your own talent.
• The excitement is gone.
Sound familiar?
I’ve been making music for over 20 years, so I know the struggle.
The good news is…
If your feeling burnt out, it’s totally possible to get your creative mojo back.
Here’s a few things that have worked for me.
Maybe they could work for you?
5 Tips For Maintaining Your Creative Edge As A Music Producer
1. Switch Up Your Workspace
Let’s be real—producing in the same spot day in and day out can drain your energy.
Your environment plays a huge role in your creativity.
Having your own space and routine is productive but things can get stale.
A simple change of scenery can open up new ideas and make your sessions feel fresh again.
Action Step: Try producing in a new spot—outside at a park, at a friend’s place, or even a library with headphones. You’ll be surprised how much this small shift can inspire your sessions.
2. Limit Yourself
This has been my go to this year.
Having endless plugins and instruments sounds great—until it doesn’t.
Sometimes, the key to getting inspired is setting limits on yourself.
When you have fewer tools, your brain has to work harder to get creative with what you’ve got.
Limitation breeds creativity.
It’s like being a chef with just a handful of ingredients. You might think you’re limited, but you’re actually unlocking hidden potential.
Action Step: Limit your sessions to only a handful of your favorite effects, synths, and drum samples. You’ll be forced to think differently and have less decision fatigue which can lead to something exciting.
3. Create a Sound Diary
It’s like a sketchbook for producers.
Instead of trying to finish a full track every time you sit down, just create snippets—short loops, melodies, or beats that capture a moment.
When you come back to these ideas later, you might find a hidden gem that you totally forgot about.
Trust me. It’s almost impossible to not go through 20 quick ideas and not find one that will inspire you to finish it. That initial session momentum is a big deal!
You’re building up a library of inspiration for future you.
I use Apple Notes like this.
Action Step: Open your DAW and spend just 10-20 minutes today making a short loop. Don’t worry about finishing it—just save it in a folder for later.
4. Collaborate
When you’re stuck in your head, sometimes the best way out is to bring someone else in.
Some of my most unique beats were made with other producers or vocalists.
Having someone else suggest a sample or sing a vocal part your weren’t expecting can be the sauce that inspires you to finish the track.
It’s also great for learning and expanding your library of production tricks as you learn from each other.
Action Step: Text a fellow producer or vocalist and set up a quick session—either in person or virtually. You don’t need to have a full track in mind. Just have fun with it and see where it takes you.
5. Go outside and touch grass
Aka…take a break and do something unrelated.
When you give your brain and ears a break, they often come back stronger.
Whether it’s cooking, drawing, or just taking a walk (my favorite)…
Engaging in a non-music hobby can help reset your mind.
Trust me, this one is harder than it sounds.
My desire to finish the track and keep pushing is often the reason I feel burnt out.
If you’re feeling drained, it might be time to step back and do something totally different.
Action Step: Give your brain and ears the break it deserves. I’m not talking about a 5 minute break either. Step away for a few days and don’t even think about music.
Quick recap:
Switch Up Your Workspace
Limit Yourself
Create a sound library
Collaborate
Go outside and touch some grass
These strategies aren’t just about avoiding burnout—they’re about reigniting that spark.
Let me know if you have any other suggestions that work for you!
Brenmar
Sound Bites 🔉
“This beat is the shit” Free granular bathroom reverb/delay for Ableton.
Afrojack is mad at Fred Again because he uses Splice samples. Does it really matter?
This in-browser synth toy is SO MUCH FUN.
Tools & Misc ⚒️
Great video on The Taste Economy. Curation is the future!
This collage artist is my new favorite Insta follow.
The Onion front page archive. Some GOLD in here. 😆
FREE BRENMAR REMIXES 🎶
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