eboria

Hey folks, Every few months, especially after a productive period, I become convinced that I will never write another song. I come to the irrational conclusion that whatever creative well I was dipping into has suddenly dried up, or perhaps I've used up my alotment of inspiration. During these times - could be days, but once it lasted for about a year - I could stare at the blank screen or the clean page for hours and not come up with a single line clever enough to get me started on a song. As I said, this is completely irrational, made more so because I am totally aware of what's happening on most levels, and still I despair a little! Anyway, a while ago I started combating this problem by following Stephen King's adviceon the subject - if you can't write, write! During these periods, I will sit in a comfortable spot and spend hours writing whatever comes into my head, shopping lists, hopes and dreams, play-by-play of the last argument I had with my girlfriend, anything at all. Most times, nothing comes of it but hand cramps, but sometimes I strike gold. And, of course, once that happens the block is lifted, the flood-gates open and I'm back in business. I know you all experience the dreaded block. What do you do about it?

Sometimes, and these are really magic times, a song will pop into my head complete. I have in the past turned on my computer and within about an hour have the bare bones of the song tracked, lryics and all. Ok. this has actually only happened twice and both times the song sucked. Sleep? What's that? I haven't gotten a full night's sleep since I got ProTools and a guitar.

I'm heartened to see so many people here who haven't released anything and who's music is sitting on a shelf. I'ts not just me!

I have to say it varies. Sometimes it starts with a clever turn of phrase or an intersting opening line, sometimes a snatch of a melody that I keep humming. One thing is, I almost never know what I'm talking about when I first start putting words to page. By the time I get to the chorus, I go "oh, so that's what I'm trying to say!" I use ProTools to help me get the structure of the song down. Once I've got enough lyrics to have an idea of where I'm going, then I just lay down the parts - verses, bridges, choruses - by cutting and pasting them over a simple drum beat. I'm now getting better at honing; working in drafts and such. The song's usually finished by the third draft or so. Also, at this stage, I'm working on the entire song at the same time, perfecting the lyrics, chord structuring, choosing instruments, working out solos, the whole nine. I endup with a complete song.

Now, I'm a complete ludite, but I have a question: I'm using ProTools, not Audition, but when I mix down to disc, I have to apply a "dither" that's supposed to enhance the mix down in ways that I cannot begin to explain 'cause I don't understand it. I just know that with dithering, I don't have the squeezing problem. Does Audacity have dither?