When I was a kid, I loved the idea of "method acting".
That's when an actor takes ample time both on and off-camera to explore, hone, and embody the character they're portraying.
Something about the pure artistry and make-believe quality of that practice was deeply inspiring to me.
But I never realized just how important it would turn out to be for my own creative inspiration.
See..
For the past decade, I've focused all of my effort INSIDE my work, but not OUTSIDE of it.
I've spent countless hours composing, doing score studies, practicing my mockup and mixing chops, and scoring to picture for client projects.
But over time, I began experiencing burnout from a lack of inspiration.
You've probably heard the expression "Inspiration is for amateurs"...
There's truth to it in the sense that when you're on the job, you don't always have the luxury to wait for ideas.
BUT...
That doesn't mean you don't owe it to yourself (and your art) to seek that inspiration outside of your paid work.
And I'd forgotten that over the years.
So when I decided to embark on my dark fantasy album, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to build that muscle again.
I decided to prioritize inspiration-seeking and become a "method composer" again.
The first thing I did was redecorate my studio from scratch.
I went thrift shopping, bought new furniture, and tried to make the space embody the kind of music I was interested in writing.
Instantly, I felt a deep desire to spend time in this space.
Instead of it being the place where I work, it's become the place where I play.
Then, I began absorbing dark fiction art.
I perused through horror stories from Lovecraft and Poe, dystopian novels like 1984, and short pieces from Conan Doyle.
I played horror games like Darkwood and Little Nightmares.
I watched shows like The Terror and Cabinet of Curiosities.
And I'd do it all dressed in a black robe, sitting by our gas fireplace on a leather armchair.
In other words...
I steeped myself in the world I was trying to build as an artist, both inside and outside of my work.
Because that's what being a "method composer" means to me.
It's not just about knowing how to write in a certain style or keeping your nose glued into theory and orchestration books.
These things are simply tools to help you express the art that exists in your soul.
The real pursuit - the deepest pursuit, for me at least - is to explore your soul itself.
- Who are you?
- How do you see the world?
- What do you want to tell people through your art?
Because artistry isn't a craft - it's a lifestyle.
👋 Ready for More?
When you're ready, here's 4 ways I can help:
- 🎥 My YouTube. Watch me in action over 300+ videos spanning nearly two decades.
- 🎻 Orchestral Mockup Fundamentals. Transform your mockups from good to great in my no-fluff, 3-hour crash course on MIDI performance, programming, and mixing.
- 🎬 Composing Career Bootcamp. Start getting paid to compose by learning how to build authentic relationships in the industry and pitch your work without feeling sales-y.
- 🚀 Work Closely With Me. Interested in direct mentorship with me? Book a call so we can discuss your goals and determine together if we're a great fit.
That's all for now!
Leave a reply to share your thoughts, questions, or just to say hi.
(I love hearing from my readers. 🙂)
Otherwise, happy music-making and I'll see you next time!
- Zach
(P.S. Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe here.)