Be listening
Always
I am always surprised how one meeting, short call or interaction with a new idea can change a mind. At least, my mind.
I am also shocked that after reading all these smart books, I can quickly fall into biases, patterns and fallacies.
The example below happened on Friday; it’s nothing groundbreaking on the surface of it.
In short, after starting my master’s in composition last September, I dived deeper into music writing, orchestrating, and research.
For years I’ve been using one program for all my work - Pro Tools. Which has a label of not being too great with MIDI. It was ok for my work, so I didn’t think about it twice.
However, once I started building an orchestral template and going through the course videos, Discord channels and other resources, I noticed no one was using Pro Tools, especially for composing.
And here, the voices of doubt started.
Am I doing it wrong, then?
Should I change my workflow?
I know I shouldn’t give in to group thinking, but if everyone - tutors, students, teachers are saying the same thing, you’ve got to listen, right?
So I did.
After researching, I bought a 2nd program and split my workflow into two. One DAW for editing and mixing, the 2nd for composition.
I started learning the new shortcuts and options. It was challenging and slowed me down, but I was dedicated. I wanted to be a pro, not an impostor.
Then on Friday, I had a call with a tutor about one of my assignments. It was the first time I spoke to him, and most of the call was about our workflows rather than the project.
His situation and background were very similar to mine and…he did all of his work in Pro Tools.
He challenged me on the new workflow; why did I choose to slow myself down?
To overcomplicate things?
And most importantly, why did I listen to others if I already had a system that worked for me?
What was supposed to be a straightforward call about one of my assignments was an enlightening meeting that challenged my thinking and decision-making.
At the same time, it gave me massive confidence in what I was already doing before.
What is the final of this story?
I spent the evening redoing my Pro Tools template.
I am back (for now).
PODCAST PRODUCER LATEST
The Frankston Murders is out!
It was a fantastic project - with a tight deadline.
But we made it through!
https://casefilepresents.com/the-frankston-murders/
Check the podcast; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
It truly was a team effort.
I’m currently working on the next Casefile episodes and four (yes, four) Casefile Presents shows. These are in various stages of production but not that far off from the release date.
I can quickly get stressed about the amount of work needed; however, prioritisation comes into place.
And understanding that not everything has to be done at the same time.
Deep breaths and one step at a time.
YOUTUBE
Remember the In the Shadows podcast we released beginning of February?
I made a behind-the-scenes video about the production process.
LEARNING
I’m currently working on three assignments for the school at various stages. But, of course, the biggest pain is the essay I have to write; thankfully, it’s the only one we have to do.
We’ve also been organising my Youtube channel, and the course starts next week - 4 weeks of webinars + 12 months of consulting and help.
I’ve also been playing with ChatGPT4 (it costs 20 dollars a month), and the tool is incredible.
The current speed of AI development is scary, but I’m optimistic that these tools will unlock creativity and productivity like we haven’t seen in a long time. Watch this space.
BOOKS
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson. I finally finished the book. It was slower than the rest of them. A lot of world-building that, at points, was overwhelming. However, the action did pick up around 60% of the book, and the ending was fantastic.
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson. Dawnshard is a novella to read between books 3 and 4 of Stormlight Archives, and I finished it this week. A very cool story that explains a part of Words of Radiance.
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. I officially started the 4th book in the series. It’s the longest one, so it should take me a few good weeks to finish. After that, we are waiting until the end of next year for book 5.
FUN
Howards Legacy. I haven’t got much time, but I started the game this week. It looks great, and I have only heard good things about it so far.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you (hopefully!) next week!
Mike
https://mikemigas.com/
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