Where do you get your inspiration from?

I have always thought that the concept of ‘inspiration’ is really fascinating, simply because there is so much to be inspired by. Nature, Objects, Stories, People, Science, Art or even the previous creations and compositions by various musicians and composers.

To me, the fact that many of us find the motivation and energy to create through engaging with different aspects of the world and other people’s creative endeavours, seems remarkable. And yet, perhaps it is inevitable, since we are all a product of our surroundings and personal experiences. Nevertheless, do we ever consider how a change in our inspirations could transform our work and overall creative direction?

Whenever I have spoken to other composers or creative people, discovering what inspired them is always one of my favourite things to do. Not only can this information bring context to the work they have produced, but also I think it says a lot about the person who created it. You see, many of our inspirations come from the other interests we have within our lives, or the various things we have been exposed to, either from other people or perhaps purely by chance. Therefore, individually, we can end up with a rather diverse mix of stimuli to draw inspiration from, helping us to go onto create work that is unique to us.

Now, of course, many people can be inspired by broad concepts such as Nature or Art, therefore this wouldn’t be enough to encourage individuality. Instead, distinctiveness can be found when people are inspired by a specific facet of nature or a specific work of art. A lot of composers also choose to write music inspired by their own lives and emotions, which is, of course, an enormously personal approach, almost like creating a musical diary.

Although, there is so much out there to draw inspiration from, there is the risk of seeking it out in the same areas you have previously exploited. For example, if you have written a successful piece inspired by a painting, you may automatically want to choose another painting to inspire your next piece, because of the success of the last. However, often it doesn’t necessarily lead to another success, perhaps because the inspiration wasn’t captured in an instinctive way, but instead forced into a particular direction. Now, this isn’t to say that you can never be inspired by another painting again, but the next time you are, the motivation and energy should come naturally and you should be excited to create the work you have planned!

This brings me onto my last point which is that if you are ever struggling to know what project to start next, or which direction you want to head in, perhaps start by diversifying where you get your inspiration. Take a step away from your instrument or manuscript paper and go and see the world.

Watch that film you have been meaning to watch.

Start that hobby you have been meaning to try.

Spend time with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

I am sure you’ll find that the more you engage with new ideas and new experiences, the more ideas and incentives you will have of your own, giving you more of an opportunity to move forward with your work.

I know, probably more than many, how disheartening it can be to sit staring at the keyboard hoping inspiration will strike, which is why this was a lesson that was important for me to learn, in order to keep my experience composing fresh, exciting and inventive.

Therefore, I hope my message today will help anyone who feels stuck, and encourages them to change how they view their music and how it relates to what inspires them and motivates them to press on!