Psychology for Songwriters: Recent Episodes
Anthony Fort Music
Detailed reflections on the songwriting process with practical advice on how to enhance the creative process.
I reflect on a recent performing experience, and also reflect on what I learnt from the poems of Philip Larkin.
I look at the process by which I acquired confidence as a songwriter, and look at how it has changed my attitude to songwriting and life.
I recount the thoughts the emotions that influenced my creative decisions in a recent song.
The song can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFTK0A441wk
Tickets to my next gig are here: https://bit.ly/3A5zZa3
A deep dive into what is possibly the single biggest obstacle stopping people from starting a creative practice.
Uncovering a certain thought pattern that is limiting my willingness to explore new musical ideas with total commitment.
How starting with a groove informs decisions about structure; anti-creative desires within the songwriter; conflicting emotions that emerge when trying something new.
Ticket link for June 8th gig: bit.ly/3A5zZa3
A strategy for overcoming biases in creative thinking and expanding the range of one's creativity.
Ticket info: https://bit.ly/3A5zZa3
How physical sensation can be used to identify and understand emotions.
The possible value of celebrating successes.
Should you adapt your songs when you perform them? How making lists is an important step in the writing process. How semi-dream states could be gold mines for creativity.
Can we change our behaviour or environment to boost creativity? Probably, but we need to watch our attitude when we do,
I explore the idea that the distinction between composer and performer is more blurred than I had previously thought.
Ticket links for upcoming gig: http://bit.ly/41ly1Ph
Trying to understand what makes music corny. How is corny music different to cheesy music? Also, does songwriting make one more self-absorbed?
Reflections on the pros and cons of making multiple drafts. Under what situations do we find ourselves drafting and re-drafting the same part of a song?
Here are some ideas for creativity inspired by listening to the songs of Burt Bacharach.
I discuss techniques to keep the mind in a state where it feels it can keep creating material. I discuss the role of intuition and some things I have learnt from studying the Fugues of JS Bach.
I introduce a number of concepts to describe possible causes and solutions to being stuck on a creative problem.
Given that AI is getting increasingly sophisticated and widely accessible, how does an artist stay committed to their practice, knowing that there is a machine that can basically do their work, just much quicker?
In this episode, I discuss one strategy I use in situations where the song I'm writing seems to find itself in a boring dead-end.
A detailed explanation of how to organise songwriting sessions to boost motivation and productivity.