Getting started is the hardest part, often I find myself cleaning instead of writing songs. To a certain point this is ok, maybe even productive-it sorts out my mind, makes me calm and gives structure. When my thoughts are all over the place, folding sheets or organising the bathroom cabinet gives me a sense of accomplishment, maybe even an idea for a song.
Eventually I come to a point when this type of behaviour just creates anxiety, can’t hide behind the vacuum cleaner forever.
So, I move over to cleaning my workspace. Neaten up paper piles and clear my desk, roll up cables, water the plant, wash dirty coffee mugs….then, finally I’m ready. I sit down with the guitar, the pressure builds… so I put my shoes on a go for a walk.
This is a phase. Eventually I get over it, eventually I start spending more time with my guitar than the dishes, the more time I spend playing, the easier it becomes. Less resistance, more joy.
The world outside slowly disappears and I sink into the making, like running, the more you run the easier and faster….
Today is Friday. The guitar is staring at me, I’m staring back. I haven’t written anything since this summer. When this new album was finished I dove straight into the visual world for the music, artwork, shooting videos..and talking about the music. I’m drained, need to refill.
The roads are slippery, I havn´t been running for a few months either. I’ve been cleaning a lot and I’ve been writing lists- and done the things on the lists. But the lists keep getting longer, they are keeping me from the important stuff, from getting to the point, keeping me from my guitar. I’ve been here before, slowly approaching the moment when I burn my lists, start blocking out the mess and start jamming. Almost there, not quite yet.
See you soon
Love
A
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