How to Get Inspired
When writing music, we have to start somewhere.
Something has to spark the idea. We have to hear something, feel something, or decide we want to move in a particular direction.
But how do we actually create that spark of inspiration?
That’s what this newsletter is about.
The truth is that inspiration can come from almost anything. The key is learning how to find it and use it.
1. Listen to the Music You Want to Create
One of the best ways to spark inspiration is by listening to a lot of music.
If you want to write film music, listen to composers like Hans Zimmer or Michael Giacchino.
If you want to write library music, listen closely to what you hear on TV.
If you want to create lo-fi, study the artists making the kind of tracks you want to produce.
Whatever style you want to write in, listen to that style.
But don’t just listen casually. Actively listen.
Ask yourself questions like:
What chord progressions are they using?
What sounds or instruments stand out?
How is the piece structured?
What is happening in the mix?
What exactly makes you like the track?
Breaking down music this way helps you understand how it works — and gives you ideas for where to start.
2. Use Images or Video
Another great way to spark inspiration is by using visuals.
Sometimes when I’m writing, I’ll put an image up on a monitor next to me.
If I want to write something fantasy-like, I might use an image from a movie scene I like.
If I want something bright or uplifting, maybe I’ll put up a picture of the beach.
You can even play B-roll footage and try writing music to the visuals.
Images and video can instantly create a mood, and that mood can guide the music you write.
It’s a technique I use quite often.
3. Learn From Tutorials
Watching tutorials can also help spark ideas.
Of course, you don’t want to fall into the trap of watching endless tutorials and never actually creating anything. But seeing how other producers and composers work can be very helpful.
You can study their process, see the techniques they use, and try similar approaches in your own music.
The important thing is not to copy exactly, but to take the ideas and make them your own.
4. Experiment
Sometimes the best inspiration comes from simply experimenting.
Spend time exploring your sound libraries. Try instruments and patches you’ve never used before.
You can also experiment with sound design. Start from scratch and shape sounds using effects and processing until you create something unique.
You can do the same thing with harmony.
Try new chord voicings. Experiment with different progressions. Play melodies you normally wouldn’t think to try.
All of that experimentation can lead to ideas you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
Final Thoughts
There are countless ways to find inspiration.
In this post, I only covered a few, but the real key is discovering what works best for you.
At the same time, inspiration alone isn’t enough.
Turning an idea into a full piece of music requires technique, structure, and creative decisions along the way. And sometimes you even have to create when you don’t feel inspired at all.
That’s something I’ll be talking about in future posts.
Thanks for reading.
