Stop burnout before it stops you: 5 tips for music makers.
In this newsletter, I’ll share four essential insights from my 10-year journey in music production that can help you avoid burnout and tap into your hidden potential as an artist.
Feeling stuck in your music journey? It's ok—we've all been there. In fact, I've observed that it's especially common for ambitious, creative souls who tend to get overwhelmed by the volume of tasks we must undertake for success, only to wind up burning out.
My advice: Momentum is the most powerful force in the world. When you're in a rut, a tiny bit of momentum is all it takes.
My favorite method for manufacturing momentum in music: Tiny Music Creation. Tiny Music Creation says to just do a tiny bit, as anything above zero will multiply over time.
If you're trying to get back into your production flow, don't worry about crafting a full track, just focus on creating a simple 8-bar loop. If you're struggling with writer's block, don't aim for a full song, just write one verse or even a single line. Avoid the tendency to think that the creation has to be perfect or groundbreaking. As the iconic painter Vincent Van Gogh said
Narrow your focus and start small—even tiny. Build from there.
Ask yourself: What is one tiny musical action that would create momentum?
Focus there and the rest will take care of itself.
P.S. I'm going to start sharing more insights from my 10 years in music production. If you're interested in seeing this, reply YES to the email. Send me your music-related questions and I'll do my best to help!
The Reality of Making Music
Throughout my 10 years in music production, I’ve faced countless challenges. From late nights spent perfecting tracks to the inevitable self-doubt that creeps in, the journey can feel isolating and exhausting. Imagine pouring your heart into a project only to find yourself feeling more frustrated than fulfilled. The pressure to succeed often leads to unhealthy habits, pushing many talented music makers to the brink of burnout.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. As I navigated my own journey, I discovered key insights that shifted my perspective and revitalized my passion for music. Understanding these insights can not only help you avoid burnout but also enable you to unlock your true potential.
The Key Insights
Fear & Ego Are Often the Same: Understanding that fear often masks itself as ego can help you approach challenges with humility and openness. Embrace vulnerability; it’s the first step toward growth.
Good Courses Are Time-Savers: Investing in quality education can significantly cut down your learning curve. Finding the right resources to master skills will save you countless hours of trial and error.
Learn, Apply, & Repeat Until You Win: The cycle of learning and applying new skills is essential. Don’t just consume knowledge—put it into practice, refine your approach, and watch your abilities flourish.
Networking 101, Show Genuine Interest: Building relationships in the music industry isn’t about transactional exchanges; it’s about connecting with others on a human level. Show genuine interest in their work, and watch your network grow.
Fundamentals Are Fundamental for Good Reason: Mastering the basics is crucial. Whether it’s understanding chord progressions or production techniques, a strong foundation will support your creativity and innovation.
Ryan Holiday, author of Ego Is the Enemy, said it best "Greatness comes from humble beginnings; it comes from grunt work. It means you're the least important person in the room—until you change that with results.”
The Bigger Picture
These insights have reshaped my music journey and influenced how I view success and creativity. By focusing on continuous learning and building genuine connections, I’ve been able to navigate challenges more effectively. This perspective shift is essential for anyone looking to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the music business.
As we wrap up, here are the key takeaways from my journey:
Embrace vulnerability by acknowledging your fears.
Invest in your education to save time and frustration.
Commit to learning and applying skills for consistent growth.
Build authentic relationships within the music community.
Master the fundamentals to create a strong foundation for your artistry.
By applying these insights, you can avoid burnout and unlock your hidden potential in music production.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination—make it a fulfilling one!
🧠 Quote of the week
"What we fear most is what we most need to do." - Tim Ferriss
❤️ Favorite Things This Week
Interview on Instagram Content Strategy - Meet the man who solved the Instagram algorithm
Course on being a content creator - Ali Abdaal's Part Time Youtube Academy
Song on repeat - That's You by Lucky Daye
Enjoy your week,
Melvin Darrell
