Boredom Can Be Your Friend

Sometimes, music just isn't doing it for you. You find practices and songwriting boring, performing the same set is tiring, and all your songs seem to sound the same. This is a good time to spice up your life to make writing interesting. To that end, here are a few ideas to get you moving, again.

TIME OUT!

Often a little bonding time is in order. An afternoon with bandmates' families to the beach or a nearby park with a planned agenda can often really help, here-bring food for a cookout picnic, bring some team game equipment that all can participate in like disc golf, volleyball, badminton, soccer or something even the little kids or more sedentary types can find fun. Bring a small first aid kit in case of boo-boos, make sure everyone has plenty of sunscreen and fluids they like, and pace things so no one gets too worn out. If at all possible, DO NOT bring any music or musical instruments-you are supposed to be taking a break, here. If necessary, allow yourself to keep a notepad in your vehicle to jot notes down on, but try to wait until you get home-it will make you all the more eager to get back to work, which is the whole point of this exercise. It's amazing how much more everyone will feel like working after a chance to blow off a little steam and get out in nature for a few hours.

GO SHOPPING

Many people find that this is very inspiring. You can go with a pal, or just by yourself, but this is a really great thing you can do as a band, or with significant others. Give yourself a goal, again, here, and a budget. This can be musical-making sure the bassist gets a decent instrument, helping the keyboardist find a new beastie with some cool sounds that the band can really get into, new percussion toys for the drummer or pedals/effects for your guitarist can all be a lot more fun when others get involved. You may all find that you all get inspired to come up with more tidbits just by seeing what else is available other than the same old sound the music had, and it is even more fun when it is made a democratic action. Even going to the mall and looking for new outfits for stage can be hilarious, especially if you deliberately be as outrageous as possible at first just to loosen things up. Going to the grocery store to decide what would make good storable food for the bus to keep travel costs down for the next road trip could be fun, too, especially if you plan in perhaps at least one park stop so you can have a cookout, or just plan a self-catered party with sandwich or relish trays for the next rehearsal. Taking everyone in the group out to a bunch of local studios to see what is available then comparing notes afterwards is shopping, too, and perhaps a change of venue is what you need to write something more interesting to everyone, possibly saving you funds compared to your current rehearsal hall or studio in the bargain.

Go To Page: 1 2 3