Hey Andrew: Firstly - and most importantly - congratulations on that wonderful milestone of first year birthdays for your twins (and fatherhood for you)! Secondly, this article really resonates because I have a feeling it speaks to personal challenges any and all of us have when trying to compose and make music. The ways in which you're choosing to deal with them are instructive. Finally, the track at the end is awesome - love it! It kind of reminds me of a lot of things while at the same time doing it in a new way (if that makes any sense); and sounds possibly like a new evolution in your sound. Cheers, FP
Thanks so much, as always, Frank. I really appreciate the kind words and support you’ve extended throughout my time here on Substack. It’s been nice corresponding with you and getting to know you. I love your description of the demo track, too! I consider that a job well done, in that case! Thank you once again.
Thank you for this deeply personal view into your life and creative process.
When I’m in doubt about my musical creation (almost always!), I try to think of my output as a story - literally words to correspond with notes, sounds, movement… it’s often nonsensical but I’m more of a writer than a musician so I feel it helps to have this link… also enjoying the demo very much!
Thanks Mark. I have also found it useful to frame things as a narrative or story-telling exercise…it helps me focus and push forward to finish my thoughts. I totally understand!
I appreciated reading about your process here - thanks for sharing. There are some great lines interwoven in your writing as well (including the title). I also found that the sound example suits the mood of what you're writing about. It struck me as pond like, reflective more than compulsive. I hope your transition phase continues to feel positive.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for reading! I really appreciate it. Very nice to know that the words and music synced up too. Love to hear that.
Without wanting to disturb the calm waters of your pond, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the glimpse through the door into the potential new sonic territories, hoping they take you somewhere when you're ready. As I said elsewhere, thanks so much for writing this.
Really nice piece, Andrew. I too have twins (now 4 years old) and have struggled mightily with how I view myself when creative output slows to a trickle. Thanks for this honest reflection.
Thanks for reading and for the kind words Charlie. Always lovely to meet a fellow twin parent too! Congrats on surviving 4 times the stressful experiences that I have!! Haha
Wonderful insights. I’m glad you are finding a new way of working. It’s a tough thing to do after such a big life change.
Thanks Daniel! I know you know this too…and thanks for being so supportive and kind with your outreach this last year.
Hey Andrew: Firstly - and most importantly - congratulations on that wonderful milestone of first year birthdays for your twins (and fatherhood for you)! Secondly, this article really resonates because I have a feeling it speaks to personal challenges any and all of us have when trying to compose and make music. The ways in which you're choosing to deal with them are instructive. Finally, the track at the end is awesome - love it! It kind of reminds me of a lot of things while at the same time doing it in a new way (if that makes any sense); and sounds possibly like a new evolution in your sound. Cheers, FP
Thanks so much, as always, Frank. I really appreciate the kind words and support you’ve extended throughout my time here on Substack. It’s been nice corresponding with you and getting to know you. I love your description of the demo track, too! I consider that a job well done, in that case! Thank you once again.
I'm going to have to book another private mentoring session with you soon!
Thank you for this deeply personal view into your life and creative process.
When I’m in doubt about my musical creation (almost always!), I try to think of my output as a story - literally words to correspond with notes, sounds, movement… it’s often nonsensical but I’m more of a writer than a musician so I feel it helps to have this link… also enjoying the demo very much!
Thanks Mark. I have also found it useful to frame things as a narrative or story-telling exercise…it helps me focus and push forward to finish my thoughts. I totally understand!
I appreciated reading about your process here - thanks for sharing. There are some great lines interwoven in your writing as well (including the title). I also found that the sound example suits the mood of what you're writing about. It struck me as pond like, reflective more than compulsive. I hope your transition phase continues to feel positive.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for reading! I really appreciate it. Very nice to know that the words and music synced up too. Love to hear that.
lovely insights, and i connect a lot with the rocking chair self-reflection. this demo is rad too, múm-esque!
thank you Cynthia. I appreciate the kind words - as one of their biggest fans, the múm comparison is a real honor!
Without wanting to disturb the calm waters of your pond, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the glimpse through the door into the potential new sonic territories, hoping they take you somewhere when you're ready. As I said elsewhere, thanks so much for writing this.
Thank you Greg. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts on it! All the best to you.
Really nice piece, Andrew. I too have twins (now 4 years old) and have struggled mightily with how I view myself when creative output slows to a trickle. Thanks for this honest reflection.
Thanks for reading and for the kind words Charlie. Always lovely to meet a fellow twin parent too! Congrats on surviving 4 times the stressful experiences that I have!! Haha
> Most importantly, I’m having so much fun with music when it does happen.
That's the important thing
Exactly. And I’m very glad to be feeling this way!