Why Writing Music While Listening to Music will Free You Up

Writing music requires silence, but what if we try something different just for fun? I’ve always complained of one thing about my work: I cannot listen to music while working. I know, it is a kind of procrastination device, but I have always been jealous of other people who can listen to their favorite songs while working.

I know, I know. I love my job and I am lucky. I also want to be able to listen to music while writing music or proofreading scores and not believe that it will affect me negatively.

Writing music with other music on… Is it crazy?

Yes, it does sound crazy. How can you compose something while you are listening to other music? It does not make sense in my head.

This is the reason why I wanted to try it. That might make me crazy too, but stay with me for a minute.

Some writers listen to music while they write their books to help them get in the zone. Many people put on their headphones as a ritual for work to enjoy their day. Taking their headphones to work or workout is even more important than filling up the water bottle.

Some writers mention that blasting their favorite song on their office helps them get to the zone of free writing and storytelling, so why not try it? You might be thinking

“Sure, but isn’t what you are proposing like writing a book while reading a book?”

You

Kind of… but we will ignore logic! I should make a podcast episode about ignoring logic.

How can I write music while listening to music?

I have tried this in different ways. I bet it will be different every way I try it and I cannot attest that it will be the same for you, but I recommend you try it because it is an interesting exercise.

I’ve written pieces while on concerts, while on rehearsals (when I go with Ryan to his different chorus rehearsals), while listening to music in the office, or in random coffee places where there is music in the background.

I recommend you pick one and try it. The easiest one is to put on music in your room or office and go on to write your music. Don’t put your favorite piece on earth, you will be distracted and will ditch your writing (hehe). Put something that pleases you, but that you can ignore any day.

We all have a list of these songs because that’s how humans work! It is not disrespectful. We like some things more than others. Like food.

When you are writing on a concert, be respectful! I have done this on concerts where I have attended several performances and I know the piece from head to toe so by the third night I allow myself to go to the back where I can’t be a distraction to the audience or the performers and I scribble ideas in my notebook.

Why do I do this?

I don’t like silence. It drives me crazy.

I know I need to work on this, but for now, this technique allows me to not have a background while I create, and it eases my silence anxiety. It allows me to free my music to be the one that needs to fill this silence. Plus, it makes my session more playful and fun.

I do not do this so often. But when I do, it adds a new spice. It gives me a new tempo or new sensation. It is just one more way to bring creativity to my life.

Why would you try this?

Because you have nothing to lose!