Creative Constipation

If you're a creative person you probably, literally, have creative cravings that come on out of nowhere.  Sometimes they are triggered by something you see or hear, but other times (for me its usually the most inopportune time of my day...Like the toilet) it just hits you!

You're going about your day, minding your own business, and WHAM.  Suddenly you absolutely have to create something.  Its like getting hit in the face by Hulk Hogan, if he was cupid, and cupid gave out creativity instead of a crush... 

But what happens when you hit a block?  I suppose sometimes it is just a block you bump in to or smack your head on and something great may be on the other side (darn you Mario!).

But what do you do when you REALLY get stuck?  Like, "holy crud I have no idea where to go with this lyric.  NOTHING rhymes with orange!"

Without going in to a bunch of details you probably wont need, here are a few little tips to help get the juices flowing again.

1.  Know what you want to say.
Think about the story or the message of your song.  Whats the basic idea?

2.  Think about your audience.
If you're a blogger this is VERY important.  Who are you writing too?

3.  Go back and read or listen to some of your old work.
This is actually a huge one for me.  Its encouraging to hear some of the things I've already created and helps get my brain working again.

4. Focus on whats in front of you.
I suffer from ADHD (although I think it only aids in making life more entertaining at times) and can easily become distracted.  When I write I have to find a space that will help foster the creative process. Right now, living with my lovely wife and our 2 year old in rather cramped quarters, this "creative space" is the back seat of my car.  Find a spot that works for you!

Best Apps for the Songwriting Worship Leader

I don't know about you, but I get really excited about really cool apps that feed my songwriting addiction and aid me as a worship leader.  When I say "excited" I mean I genuinely geek out probably more than I should.  I've become rather skilled at containing myself... Most the time.

Here is a list of some of the best apps on the market and they're sure to become priceless gems in your arsenal.

Read on... www.chrisfromcanada.com/best-apps-worship-leaders/

The Daily Tune: NYC

Today's tune is brought to you by yours truly.

This is a little ditty I wrote years ago after an amazing trip to New York City for the IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Conference.
While I was there, I instantly fell in love with the incredible city and all the history and culture it's literally jam packed full of.
After a good 48 hours of no sleep, I finally brought all engines to full stop, only to start feeling the creative itch kick in.  So with my feet kicked up in the window of our hotel, near Times Square, I put pen to paper an crafted this song.

This is a very special tune to me and pays homage to one of the greatest songwriters who's ever graced a stage anywhere.  Billy Joel.
While the song itself sounds nothing like his mega hit, you will catch a little snip of my 'ode to Joel' in the chorus.

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