Trimming essential components from a music composition: A ruthless approach to completion might yield more finished music

==========================================================================

In the world of music, creativity knows no bounds. However, for many musicians, fitting music creation into their busy schedules can be a challenge. To combat this, some artists have turned to self-imposed rules to push their creative boundaries and save time.

One such set of rules was created by Brian Eno and multimedia artist Peter Schmidt in 1975, known as the 'Oblique Strategies'. These cards were designed to help musicians think outside the orthodoxies of their practice and spur creativity. Three significant artists who have applied these strategies in their work are Brian Eno himself, David Bowie, and Coldplay.

The rules suggest limiting the number of tracks in a project to 10, keeping the bassline repetitive throughout every part of the song, and using only the DAW's provided instruments and tools. Another rule encourages a one-chord tone/strum, while another bans guitars. The temptation to swing into a chorus or drop is to be resisted, keeping on a relentless verse.

The mixing process is a delicate, painstaking art, even for professional musicians. To simplify this, the rules suggest using only one mixing tool per mixing aspect (one EQ, one compressor, one limiter, etc.). Two elements are to be removed from the arrangement after it's finished.

Loops are another element that can be used according to these rules. The number of melodies is limited to three in this rule set. Imposing limitations on options and time during the music creation process can help shake things up, trust instincts, and push one out of comfort zones.

The act of creating music provides purpose, satisfaction, and a sense of life-affirmation for many people. Not having enough time to work on music can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a strong desire to return to the musical zone as soon as possible. Brian Eno, a renowned music innovator, believes that deadlines can provide a destination, context, and reason for finishing a track.

Examples of 'Oblique Strategy' cards include "Cut a vital connection," "Turn it upside down," "What wouldn't you do?," "Don't be afraid of things because they're easy to do," and "Do we need holes?" These cards encourage musicians to think differently and approach their work with a fresh perspective.

In conclusion, self-imposed limitations have been used by many music innovators to push their creative boundaries and spur creativity. Whether it's the 'Oblique Strategies' or other self-imposed rules, these techniques can help musicians overcome creative blocks, save time, and produce unique and compelling music.

Trimming essential components from a music composition: A ruthless approach to completion might yield more finished music