What Would the Setbacks Do?
Email questions to advice[at]thesetbacks.com
I have complete and utter writers block
December 5th, 2002
Todd from Ottawa writes:
Where do you derive inspiration? If the band ever ran into a collective black hole like writers block, dear jeebus, what would the Setbacks do?
 Trevor |
I think when the well runs dry you gotta quit.
Just kidding, actually I'd say just wait it out. There have been lots of songs that The Setbacks have come up with that never see the light of day. During your dry spell just keep writing and eventually you'll hit something you like. Another technique is to put the song in a different situation. When I write a song (by myself, on an acoustic guitar) it sometimes is just ok. Nothing really good, but when I bring it to rehearsal and we flesh it out as a group it can completely turn a song around. Of course if you're coming up with nothing at all - not even bad songs - I'd say rip something off. Just change the words to a Weezer song or something. Whatever you do, do NOT listen to eighties music for inspiration. |
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 Steve |
Great question Todd. When you're in the business of being creative, it's hard to be "on" all the time. Sometimes you hit dry spots, and if you let it get you down, those dry spots can become a rut...and everyone knows how hard it is to get out of a rut. My advice to you is this...get a change of scenery - go over to a friend's house, or your parents place and see if that gets the juices flowing. I think you'll find this really works wonders. I like to call it my "sweet sanctuary" remedy. |
 Paul |
That isn't an easy one. The thing that I like to do is change things up. If you always write lyrics about lost love then try to write about good times. Mix it up. Musically, do the same thing. Try a new guitar or a new sound. I find that new sounds or feels bring out different music. No matter what you do to get out of your "rut" don't panic! It will only make things worse. |
 Chris |
What in the sweet hell is this shit? Is this you, Matsunaga? Goddamn it is, I know it! What other Todd do I know except maybe Todd Kearns from The Age Of Electric.
You have writer's block, eh? Why don't you stop playing Suikoden III on PS2.... Whenever I have writer's block, I enjoy doing jumping jacks, or listening to a variety of early eighties wickedness, like Air Supply, and Godley & Creme. You make me wanna cry... |
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