In my experience,  when I’m inspired I produce my best music.  I like to analyze things so that I understand them better. So I started to take notes on what happens when I’m inspired and what things take away my inspiration. Here is my list of things that inspire me as a producer and also some things that take it away.

Positive Thoughts

When I go in with nothing but positive thoughts my music comes out ten times better. I’ve noticed that if I have that little devil on my shoulder telling me negative things like, “Don’t use that instrument it will suck. I’m tired and I don’t feel like doing this right now.”,  my music just sucks and I end up wasting my time.  If you think negative thoughts when your trying to be creative you actually diminish creativity. Don’t let self doubt stop you. You have to go in everytime thinking you’re going to produce the best beats in your life.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”

Willie Nelson (American country western singer)

Distractions

Usually if I’m alone and able to focus my music comes out much better.  Also, turning off my cell phone,email, and any other type of communication helps me stay on track and put all of my effort into what I’m doing.

Other Music

I found that if I listen to other songs that are hot at the time before I start, my music will start to sound like theirs. Our brains have a natural tendency to mimic the things we just heard.

Taking Breaks

Take a break, eat some food, and drink some water. Avoid caffeine and other stimulates so you don’t crash. If you are falling asleep go to sleep.

Take a Vacation

When ever I take a vacation I come back inspired and re-energized.

Be Around Inspired People

Find an artist or another producer that is inspired  and let their energy energize you.

Producer Videos

Watching other producers like Ryan Leslie and Swiss Beats also inspire me to go produce a beat.

What has inspired you to make better music?