WHEN TO WRITE THAT HIT SONG BY DANIEL OVERMEYER

When is it time to create?

I play guitar. I practice the scale. I learn the song. I perfect the epic John Mayer solo. I do it all over again. Notice how, in something as creatively freeing as guitar, I haven’t mentioned anything original. That’s because I, and many other musicians, never think I’m ready or at the technical level needed to create something good. Fortunately, that is false. When it comes to music, I’ve learned that creation and originality is just among many skills that must be practiced every day. The time to create is now! If I want to be a good songwriter, I’m going to have to bear through some terrible original music, but then I can see myself get better and better at writing the music that I want to hear. 

Yes, practice your scales, learn your favorite songs, and do your best John Mayer impression, but know that if you want to create something original, change it to: apply your scales, write and rewrite the song that's in your head, and use what you learned from John Mayer to write your own killer solo. When it comes to improving ANY creative skill I have realized more and more that practicing and perfecting your own voice is above all. That's where the magic is and that’s why we do it. 

I know what I have to do to progress and the time is now….. But I’m going to wait till tomorrow to get a good start...NOT