From Constraint to Creativity

We often think of limitations as a bad thing. They hold us back after-all, right?

I recently learned about a rising artist who has a unique constraint: they can’t save their music projects. While the reason behind this is personal, the impact of this constraint is what inspired this post. How can limitations shape our own work?

Music, alongside other artistic mediums, are built on limitations. We have scales, Beats Per Minute (BPM), genres, song structures. These all act as constraints that guide and focus our creative energy. In this context, we’re not limited, rather empowered.

Step back into your DeLorean and you’ll see that entire genres were born through limitation.

• Punk: Embracing a DIY aesthetic, cheap guitars, modified amps, to create an aggressive anti-establishment tone.

• House: Emerging Chicago’s Underground forged by found Soul and Disco records, DJ’s, and pawn shop drum machines and synthesizers.

Using limitations to elevate your music:

• Focus: Limitations force you to be intentional. Instead of getting lost in the realm of endless possibilities, you can approach the studio (bedrooms count!) with a clear vision and purpose.

• Overthinking: Limitations can be the remedy to overthinking. By trimming your options down, you free your mind to focus on what truly matters.
• Resourcefulness: Working with constraints encourages you to make the most of what you have. This can lead you to finding unique sounds quicker.

This brings me to another point: Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S). It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we need the latest and greatest to make good music (surely, that’s whats been keeping me from winning a Grammy). The unfortunate truth is, that creativity comes easier when we learn to master the tools we already have.

Of course, balance is key. Limitations that are too loose become meaningless, and those that are too restrictive can kill creativity. The sweet spot lies in finding constraints that challenge you without boxing you in.

Next time you’re in a rut, try setting some limitations for yourself. Some fun ideas are:

• Limit your palate of sounds.
• Use a single instrument (or two).
• Compose a track in one hour.
• Try a different genre.