Finding music inspiration can be a challenge. Some days it comes naturally, and everything flows. But other days, it simply refuses to show up.
When this happens, it can feel incredibly frustrating.
But don’t worry! This is why we’ve put this guide together for you. Together, we will look at the best ways to tackle writer’s block and find music inspiration.
Ready? Let’s dive in 👇
1. Change Your Habits
Oftentimes, we lack inspiration because we keep repeating the same habits. True, habits are one of the best ways to remain productive. But sometimes, they can stifle creativity.
That’s why we recommend shaking up your habits to find new music inspiration.
Do you always start a song with the same chords? Then try to explore some new, exotic progressions. Do you always write your chorus first, then your verses? Switch it around and try writing your intro and verses first.
Changing the way you write music can be one of the best ways to spark new inspiration.
2. Lacking Music Inspiration? Get Your Marketing Hat On
Being an artist in 2023 does not mean writing music 24/7. Nowadays, you also need to be a content creator and a marketer to get your music heard.
Feeling a lack of music inspiration? Then get your marketing hat on and think of ways to promote your music.
One of the best ways to get your music heard is by submitting it to Spotify Playlists. Playlists are the primary channel through which people discover new music. With Groover, you can search for playlists that precisely match your song. You can then submit your track directly to the playlist curator.
We explore everything you need to know about Spotify Playlists over here.
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When you’ll be ready to release your songs,
Send it to playlists, radios, and music pros 👇
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3. Explore New Genres
Exploring a new music genre is a great way to spark music inspiration:
Of course, if you’re a country artist, this doesn’t mean writing an entire Deep House Track.
However, listening to new genres of music can trigger innovative ideas.
If you’re a rock musician, try checking out some instrumental jazz playlists. If you’re a Hip Hop producer, why not listen to some classic Blues? You get the idea. You can also explore platforms like Splice and Loopcloud for samples that pique your interest.
4. Study Your Favorite Songs
A proven method to counter writer’s block is to study your favorite songs.
Let’s say you’re a huge fan of Fred Again’s latest track. What is it that you love about it?
Is it the structure of the song? The arrangement? Or maybe you like the transitions he uses? Or a specific sound? Whatever the case is, use those ideas as a starting point.
5. Learn Something New
This technique is similar to our Tip #1, but pushes things a bit further:
The goal here is to truly step out of your comfort zone.
Do you have an instrument at home like a harmonica or a flute that you’ve never used? Why not try it out and see what you come up with?
This is also true if you work with DAWs like Ableton. Chances are there’s a synth or an effect plugin you’ve never used before. You could even download some free plugins and play around with them. You will be surprised at the results you can achieve this way!
6. Set Yourself a Goal
Sometimes, music inspiration can be hard to find because we don’t set a precise goal. You play around on your guitar, then switch out some drum samples, then adjust the reverb on the vocal loop.
But after a few hours, you haven’t progressed much in your song.
This is because we get easily bored and distracted. If something doesn’t work, we tend to just do something else. But sticking with a precise goal is often a better solution. Before starting a music session, set a specific goal. This could be:
- writing a new chorus
- doing a mixdown of your track
- designing new sounds in your favorite synth
- recording vocals for a demo
Whatever the case is, make sure you have a clear objective when you sit down to make music.
7. Reference Your Favorite Book or Movie
Music inspiration can come from a lot of different places:
Maybe you’re an avid reader? Then try picking up your favorite book to find ideas for lyrics. You could also choose the title of a chapter to set the mood for a new song. What would a title such as “The Darkest Day of The Year” inspire you to write?
Similarly, you can also reference your favorite movies.
What movies have you watched recently where the music stuck with you? Find the original soundtrack on Spotify and look for music inspiration there.
8. Set a Deadline to Boost your Music Inspiration
Jack White himself from The White Stripes said that “deadlines make you creative”.
Although this may sound counter-intuitive, it actually works. Working without a deadline removes any pressure to be creative.
Try to set a slightly out-of-reach deadline for your song. For example, this could be:
- Writing all the lyrics in just one day
- Finishing an entire song by the end of the week
Stick to the deadline no matter what. You can even use some positive peer pressure by promising to show the track to a friend.
9. Break Your Own Rules
Music can often seem very codified. Breaking those codes can be a great shortcut to igniting music inspiration:
A few examples of “breaking the rules” can include:
- Panning a vocal 100% Left or Right
- Recording 4 or 5 layers of the same guitar
- Adding reverb to a bass
- Play notes that are out of key on purpose.
See where these experiments can lead you!
10. Collaborate With Other Musicians
Collaboration is a proven method to spark creativity.
You might have a chord progression, but you’re not sure what to do next. Or do you have a melody, but can’t figure out how to turn it into a full track?
Reach out to other musicians to get a fresh pair of ears.
By sharing the workload, you will be able to finish songs faster. You will also (hopefully) learn new techniques from each other. This can in turn inspire you to write music in new ways.
11. Take a Break From Music
I don’t mean to stop making music for a few years! But sometimes, the best thing to do is to literally take a break:
Getting some fresh oxygen is a guaranteed way to reignite music inspiration. You are also giving your eyes and ears a break.
Even a short 5min walk can have tremendous effects of your physical and mental wellbeing. So next time you’re feeling depressed in front of your blank screen, step outside. You’ll be amazed how some fresh air can change your perspective on things, and reignite some inspiration.
Final Words on Finding Music Inspiration
That’s it for this guide on the best ways to spark music inspiration! We hope these tips will help you in your feature music projects.
Looking for the best Spotify Playlists for your next release? Check out our full guide over here.
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Ready to release your songs,
Send it to playlists, radios, and music pros 👇