Thank you for this video. It can be depressing, thinking i can´t get anything done and feeling stuck. It really helps hearing, that other artists struggle as well and are not constantly inspired music maschines
Idk how the universe always finds the right messages to send me but I needed to hear this, I always feel the need to be productive and create something / art, I get frustrated when I am not stimulating my creative mind; but I also backed away from social media and it’s greatly improved my mental well-being. Slowly learned to take breaks, the art will always be there to be made and enjoy the world around you.
Agreed - sometimes the videos are on gear I don't have or stuff I sort of already know but Ricky is relaxing and has good stream-of-conscious chat so it's a good watch anyway.
This video contains a message many producers should hear, especially during the strange and sometimes isolated times we’re experiencing now. I don’t even watch your content solely for its musical aspect, but your vibe and general attitude towards producing is just amazing and ACTUALLY inspring, unlike the ‘doo-doo’ content you can find on Instagram. Thanks for this Ricky!
Thanks for the words. I always feel bad about myself when I'm not producing. And like you it can go for weeks or months. As soon as you started talking on the subject I felt a weight lift off my chest and a smile hit my face. Merry Christmas
My mindset has always been to make music for myself. I have to like it and enjoy making it. It's a hobby for me without stress or obligations to produce. If others like my music too, than that's a bonus but not the goal.
I always feel weird when I take a break from music or RUclips, but it doesn't take long for me to get the itch to go back into the studio again... It helps me confirm that yep, I still genuinely enjoy the process.
Jamming for yourself rather than making something 'good enough' to post online is some of the best advice I've heard. Loved the talk, and especially enjoyed the all of the great nature shots. Thank you.
The time when I was enjoying making music the most, was in the early 90's. I was just a kid with no knowledge of music theory or notation, but it does not matter, I made lot of songs in music assembler on ZX Spectrum clone. All that just for myself. No internet, no social networks, not even the microphone or DAW. Just some chaotic chiptune music on noisy cassette. Now I have much better equipment and instant internet access to whole world, but none of that beat that childhood excitement :-).
yea that "beginner's mind" is something i strive for. This book is a staple for me - amzn.to/30X0AYO talks a ton about the subject of wanting to learn more and keeping things easy
Wow, I discovered you tonight, I watched a lot of your video about live setup dawless, now I'm doing breakfast and this video is the most inspiring video I could see, really thanks bro, really thanks
Really dope message here. It's so easy to get caught up chasing things you realize in retrospect you never really cared about. Thanks for all the hangs, sounds and thoughts on music. Truly inspiring, keep it up yo
Man, thanks for putting this out. I feel like this all the time. There’s so much art out there, so many mediums. I do what I feel like doing when I can be creative and so often I get frustrated at myself for not devoting myself solely to songwriting and making beats. I just can’t be that way and it can make me feel pretty down.
The thing o love the most about your videos is to see how fun or how lost you get in the process. It’s so enjoyable and you make me exited to play and just explore w music.
Hi Rick thanks for the video. I remember Osho once mentioned the poet Coleridge who had thousands of unfinished and unreleased poems and refused to complete or revisit them. He said, ”You don’t understand; I cannot do it. Unless existence guides me so politely that I don’t feel the guidance, that I don’t feel the push and pull to do it, I am not going to do it. These poems are the poems of my freedom - existence becoming free through me. These poems will have to wait.” Sometimes a poem was just missing one line and his poet friends said, ”You can compose that line yourself.” He said, ”It does not work that way. I have tried, but the quality is as distant as the sky is from the earth. I can deceive others, but I cannot deceive myself. I will wait; when existence comes - without forcing me, because I cannot do it under force - and it simply persuades me, encourages me, and I know only afterwards that I have been guided, then only will I complete a poem.” Row row row your boat... Gently down the stream... Merrily merrily merrily life is but an advanced simulation we call a dream.
Great advice in this vid! Too many musicians live 24/7 in their creative bubble, but all the deep and meaningful inspiration comes from setting that aside for a bit and giving yourself an opportunity to be a human out in the world. Explore, experience, observe, participate, laugh and love... then come back and let that pour out into your art. This is why music is usually uninspiring when it's written under duress, or after being on the road for two solid years without a break, etc.
The past year and a half for me has been really rough on my musical mind. I’ve got some great gear and wonderful instruments that I’ve hardly had any time for, between being an emergency healthcare worker in the midst of a pandemic, having moved out on my own for the first time alongside my girlfriend 386) us trying to maintain a clean and healthy living environment, trying to grind through school while working full time, and having to juggle all of these newfound aspects of adulthood that leave me drained. My days off are spent doing chores or recovering. My mind is wiped. Music is something I’ve been doing since I was 11 ( I’m currently 24) and I often find myself feeling guilty when I haven’t dedicated any time towards my craft, or defeated when my mind and hands can’t coordinate together to create something beautiful. I really needed to hear this, as I sit here at 4am on my break during night shift. Thank you so much :)
Dude this video is so perfectly timed. I am in a period where I haven't been inspired or motivated to make music for a few months now and I was feeling super guilty about it. This video was really well timed in changing my mindset. I don't make electronic music at all but always find your content really aweosme for something outside my wheel house.
One day i decided to stop making music, cuz i was overwhelmed by how much music is on internet and how my music drowning in this stream, i almost felt like it's not worth it on this point. And i dont touch any music gear or daw for 2 years But year ago realization come to my head - i just enjoyed the process, why the fuck i look at other musicians as competitors? Since then i make like 8-10 tracks and publish just one, but i realy happy that i decided to make music my main hobby
Word Ricky! I'm starting out "trying" to make music. I see the cool stuff other are making and inspiring me. The stuff I make is only good for fertilizer, at least I think. I almost don't want to try. I even bought a some hardware and software music making items but still make crap. Thanks for the permission to forgive myself and enjoy the process of music making rather than seeking the approval of others. Thanks for keeping it real!
watching your videos and your life grow has been more peaceful than my own life and marriage, and i find the peace in that, whenever I can. love what you are doing.
I had a problem somewhat like this. I've had a release once, and i putted so much pressure on myself becouse i had to make something better. And everytime I didn't spend my time on music after work, i feld shit the day after becouse it feld like I wasted my time. It was a time when i feld the worst becouse of the stress i put upon myself. I had to accept the fact that I won't be doing music for a living, and now after 2 years, I'm actually fine with that idea and start to enjoy doing music again and explore new things, but only if i want to make music. I think it's great that you talk about stuff like this! Thanks for the video
It's nice hearing it from you man. Someone I really lookup to, your approach is inspiring. So when you come out and say this, it's like getting a hug from a friend, we're not alone. I get stuck in this loop of having put music out because there's not much out there with my name on it, followed by Damn... I could've sat on that track for a day longer... It's comforting dude and thanks for sharing! Peace.
I watch your videos because I feel like we're chilling. Thank you again for your friendship and viewpoints. In a world of gray, you bring out color for me
Thanks for that message, needed it. It's weird when we see people whose videos look so great it gives us the impression they must be perfect? Even though that's obviously not true. Thank you!
Hi Ricky! This is a great and very important video. Thanks for making it. I think most creative people have these phases and it is very important to know that it is OK to slack sometimes. Sit back, play a video game...go outside...read a book. Just do something you enjoy. If you enjoy it, it's not wasted time. Then get back to making music when you feel like it. Knowing yourself and this process also takes practice, just like everything else.
Thank you so much for this video. The influence of social media on our mental health, one way or another, can have so many downsides and i saw myself in this same spot so many times. So thank you for speaking out about this (particular aspect).
I often have dry spells, thanks for the reminder it’s ok. I enjoy your videos 20% for the music you make and 80% for the person you are. Your chilled vibe, honesty, and perspective is much appreciated.
I’ll be honest. There are channels we follow just for entertainment and tutorials. And then there’s channels like this one where we just tune in cuz we genuinely enjoy watching and just relax. I mean, I don’t even use modular synths, hardware or SP-404. I use my laptop, but watching these videos make me feel good and relaxed. Amazing content.
Thank you for your honestly Ricky, it was just what I needed to hear. I have been off the music for a long while. Even bought the OB6, but couldn't even find the energy to play with it properly, which makes me kind of embarrassed, so I know what you mean. In my own way at least. I appreciate your videos and this one especially. In some weird way it inspired me to just plug in the synth that I have been dreaming to have for 4 years and just play for the sake of playing and not for the sake of impressing anyone. Man I needed to hear this, thank you :)
Sometimes, it’s inspiring enough to hear words from people you look up to. No matter what level any musician is on, we all have times when we don’t make music. I suffer from a lack of confidence, that my music isn’t good enough to be heard by others. I constantly have to remind myself that if I like what I do, so will others. It’s honest and pure. Thank you for this video and putting a piece of you out there to show a more personal side. Having talk to you in person, I’ve seen your genuine personality shows in all your videos. I hope you had a good holiday and wish you more success in the upcoming year. Cheers, brother!
For somehow, in a way, i'm starting to realize the same thing you talked in my own life and music, and decided to pause and take a walk like my childhood. I've been away from my computer and banging room for almost a year and thinking is this the end? won't my ideas ever appear again? I thought i was the only person who thought social music jam is uninspired to me, putting me down so bad. OMG Ricky, thanks for letting me know i am not lonely to think like so for many years. I am so comfort to think of the upcoming time with a Digitakt and do transient and jam for myself, i love it as always and thanks for making me in love with it more. Wish you luck Ricky, always healing to see your videos. I have been hear ever since you started
This is such an important message and so very validating that other people feel this way too. I'm so glad that over the last few years we have started to talk more openly about these things. Thank you for this and for these points of reminder. Much love
I needed to hear this because I haven't been doing music and I also fell off the wagon. Working on getting clean again and praying I can do it so I don't sell & destroy the things I love & or people I love.
Guess most of us here have the same "issue". My thought is that if i try to push creativity to hard rarely nothing happens. If i "flow with the force" interesting things usually happens :) Have Great xmas and a Great New Year Ricky!!
happy holidays ricky, that was a good thing to say. i rarely even finish/record anything - which certainly has its downsides, but i just refuse to put that pressure on myself. i don’t think anyone should feel that pressure - unless they want it of course!
I try to do the same with my message. Inspire others by sharing my stories. That is the human story. Respect what you are doing. Do what feels right for you. And it’s ok. Words I came across in 2019 and remind my self each day to combat the noise. Good stuff!
I would like to thank you, Ricky! Along with those videos you create to share your experiences and your joy of creating music (which, at least for me, is more often than not quite inspiring, making me return to humble experiments in making music), the ones like this come across so … honest, relaxing and most important reassuring. I want to thank you for sharing so many different aspects, even quite personal ones, and almost always showing that special relationship you have with music, the joy and fun you it is able to give you. And I totally subscribe to your point, that the most important thing is and should be that it, well, feels like it when messing around with a musical idea or an interesting piece of gear. And that we are all different when it come to creating music: even when there are days, weeks or even months when there is no attraction to be felt coming from instruments and no idea coming to mind, as long as there is joy and fun when it feels like jamming or simply sketching an idea, all is perfectly fine. Thank you so much for taking your time to produce your videos, for sharing your music, your ideas, everything. I am glad that I came across your channel: I am lost for words to express how great this is. Thank you, Ricky!
Great points. I've been really uninspired throughout Christmas, and have just been digging through the ol' demos and kicking myself a bit for not making something new. It'll come.
Love this video Ricky, and I love you. I want to add that there is no amount of work that will get you there. The idea that if i “just work harder” actually leads to the same failures. Absolutely we need to make honest and intentional effort but putting in extra work does not mean extra success.
I was listening then I started to really listen to your words as they suddenly rang so true. To be honest I think you are more than the sum of your music and that is why we come to your channel. So, just keep doing what you do and we will do the same.
It was your music last year which got me out of a rut, and I started looking at modular. From there I got the mpcone…then this year into modular, taking advantage of your tip to grow slowly with the system. Today being xmas, got a few more carefully selected modules. Years ago I did a lot of song writing. But then I got stuck. Everything sounded th4 same. Even with a decent daw I got stuck in the detail, so really struggled. But since getting the mpc… and then the modular I’ve made more music in one year than in the last ten years and have regained my passion for it. I have my own peers who are djs and they are raving about what I’m creating. Much of this is down to you, so cheers mate, from the uk, much appreciated :D happy xmas.
Thanks Ricky. For all the vids this year and the knowledge sharing. I’m watching this on Boxing Day. Been creating since I was 15. I’m now 50 and like you have said in this vid you have dry spells of not creating music and that’s okay. Still sometimes feel I should be although the best music is made when you are inspired or have the urge. Stay humble and keep learning, don’t change bro and keep doing what you are doing. You have a great outlook and channel ❤️
Over 600 years ago the book on Deep Inner Contemplation was written called "The Cloud Of Unknowing" containing Pure Gold. The path taken in contemplative prayer will always result in a Light that shines in the darkness & a million beautiful pieces of art.
Even though I absolutely love your music videos, and what I llike to call your zen approach to music (it's a bit of both light and dark, process and chaos). I loved this video's departure from that. And as I look out my window at the snow on my back porch an hour west of Toronto, I miss living in Monterey; that waterfall reminds me of the few I've hiked to in the Big Sur area. *sigh* I miss it. That's for being a huge inspiration to my son and I; thank you for sharing your dazzling skills and talent. And happy holidays!
hey rickey this video really helped me feel better about myself & not making music as frequently or as passionately as I want. you really inspire me to keep progressing & Ima cop some merch finally since I got some holiday shmoney
Dude, I really appreciate this and your other videos. The chill vibe and chat nature of them is so awesome. Stuff like this and Adam Neely's video on depression really speak a lot to me, to help me find peace since I honestly do feel guilty for not making music with all the gear I have, but I know there are reasons. Seeing this all normalized is amazing and has helped me start again this past week after an awful, awful long time. Hope you're well and have a great holiday. Thanks for all the knowledge drops. Peace.
I get tremendous guilt when I do anything other than music stuff (PS4, reading, etc!) And when I'm out and about I feel the pull to go back home and do music stuff and it means I'm not living in the moment at all. Really appreciate you putting it out there and making me realise I'm not alone. Merry Christmas and a happy new year dude.
Wild oyster boys lookin tasty. It’s an interesting paradox ‘I’ll never be good enough - so I better keep practicing’. Especially when you work in the music gear industry. ‘More gear must be the answer’. We aren’t music making robots - even if the things we idolize are ‘robots making music’ Happy holidays! 🎄
Thanks for the video and the message, Ricky. Unfortunately I think a lot of artists are planning their next piece of work from what is getting attention on social media. I know I've done it. It's kind of soul crushing in the long run. Just finished reading Austin Kleon's "Keep Going - 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad" which has lots of great points on this topic. x
This video exemplifies so many things I love about Ricky. Inspiring, comforting, honest, endlessly brilliant. I’m not the only person who needed this. HAPPY NEW YEAR RICK
Wow.. I was just sitting on the couch telling myself that I need to stop making music for everyone else and start making music that makes me happy. Literally an hour ago… so wild. Thank you for this, Ricky!
Really appreciate and respect your thoughts about social media. I normally roll my eyes when people “share” their thoughts. This though was meaningful and honest. IMAO. 👍🙏
This is exactly how i am with music making at this time. I want to enjoy making music, and not have this pressure of having to make it just because of social media or having x amount of followers. At this moment i don't even have a place for anyone to check out my music, except for the old stuff i used to make. I want to do this my way, at my pace, considering my happiness and my well being.
Great video and message Ricky. As I’m just getting started it’s great to hear you say what you said. Taking a break from music makes me feels unproductive, but obviously needed. Making music for your self is perhaps the best advice I hear from many talented music makers. Thanks for everything you do Ricky.
Love this, great message, just chill and the music will call you when you’re ready. The best to get outside often too. I’ve found lately I’m not worried about finishing tracks now, I love just switching on and simply playing the keys and jamming in Ableton. I’ll spend hours playing the keys, if good comes out of it, great, if not, I’ve still have fun playing! Have a wonderful Christmas thanks for all the videos, you more than keep me inspired. 🎄🎅❄️❄️❄️👍
I love the outdoor shots of LA/Surrounding area. I think you did one in Chinatown a while back where you went to a little club and and did a set. That was cool too. Your camera captures the vibe perfectly. I need to head back out there soon, it's such a sweet place and a quick flight for me.
I’m watching this on Christmas Day, and this is the message I needed to hear today. Thanks for the honesty and vulnerability, Ricky. Based on the other comments, I think what you shared has resonated with a lot of us. Peace to you and keep up the good work. 🙏
Dude, I'm with you. Sometimes I just need to get out in nature and sit. I've been known to take a small recorder once in a while and get some cool samples too. Other times I just get a reset.
I love this, that's exactly it. It's nice to go out and listen and try to engage with it all and come back with some sounds,. But it's just as important, maybe even more so, to go and just be there. no recording nothing.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Just a heads up, you're all absolutely amazing, and i love you. Thank you all for everything, seriously.
Thank you for this video. It can be depressing, thinking i can´t get anything done and feeling stuck. It really helps hearing, that other artists struggle as well and are not constantly inspired music maschines
And we love you and your video's, thank you!
Idk how the universe always finds the right messages to send me but I needed to hear this, I always feel the need to be productive and create something / art, I get frustrated when I am not stimulating my creative mind; but I also backed away from social media and it’s greatly improved my mental well-being. Slowly learned to take breaks, the art will always be there to be made and enjoy the world around you.
thanks ricky u too brother!
You're the true definition of a real one. Love you man
Half the time I don't even watch you for the tunes, it's just nice to check into the zen zone for a while. Don't ever change.
So right! Have to agree 100%
True.
Absolutely, his humanity and enviable chill nature is what keeps me coming back. I truly wish I was more chill...
So true.
Agreed - sometimes the videos are on gear I don't have or stuff I sort of already know but Ricky is relaxing and has good stream-of-conscious chat so it's a good watch anyway.
This video contains a message many producers should hear, especially during the strange and sometimes isolated times we’re experiencing now. I don’t even watch your content solely for its musical aspect, but your vibe and general attitude towards producing is just amazing and ACTUALLY inspring, unlike the ‘doo-doo’ content you can find on Instagram. Thanks for this Ricky!
Completely agree
Outdoorsy Ricky is such a joy, we need more of this!
Thanks for the words. I always feel bad about myself when I'm not producing. And like you it can go for weeks or months. As soon as you started talking on the subject I felt a weight lift off my chest and a smile hit my face. Merry Christmas
I feel you. I‘m going through this like all the time
My mindset has always been to make music for myself. I have to like it and enjoy making it. It's a hobby for me without stress or obligations to produce. If others like my music too, than that's a bonus but not the goal.
I always feel weird when I take a break from music or RUclips, but it doesn't take long for me to get the itch to go back into the studio again... It helps me confirm that yep, I still genuinely enjoy the process.
Cool to see you here, I love your content. Keep pumping out jams with drum machines
Nice change of pace man. Dig it…
I appreciate how introspective this is, through that it becomes really valuable as advice for everyone. Keep doing it for yourself. 🙏🙏
Jamming for yourself rather than making something 'good enough' to post online is some of the best advice I've heard. Loved the talk, and especially enjoyed the all of the great nature shots. Thank you.
The time when I was enjoying making music the most, was in the early 90's. I was just a kid with no knowledge of music theory or notation, but it does not matter, I made lot of songs in music assembler on ZX Spectrum clone. All that just for myself. No internet, no social networks, not even the microphone or DAW. Just some chaotic chiptune music on noisy cassette. Now I have much better equipment and instant internet access to whole world, but none of that beat that childhood excitement :-).
I totally recognize this.
yea that "beginner's mind" is something i strive for. This book is a staple for me - amzn.to/30X0AYO talks a ton about the subject of wanting to learn more and keeping things easy
@@RickyTinez Thanks a lot for the book recommendation. Definitely next on my to read list!
Wow, I discovered you tonight, I watched a lot of your video about live setup dawless, now I'm doing breakfast and this video is the most inspiring video I could see, really thanks bro, really thanks
Really dope message here. It's so easy to get caught up chasing things you realize in retrospect you never really cared about. Thanks for all the hangs, sounds and thoughts on music. Truly inspiring, keep it up yo
Man, thanks for putting this out. I feel like this all the time. There’s so much art out there, so many mediums. I do what I feel like doing when I can be creative and so often I get frustrated at myself for not devoting myself solely to songwriting and making beats. I just can’t be that way and it can make me feel pretty down.
The thing o love the most about your videos is to see how fun or how lost you get in the process. It’s so enjoyable and you make me exited to play and just explore w music.
Hi Rick thanks for the video. I remember Osho once mentioned the poet Coleridge who had thousands of unfinished and unreleased poems and refused to complete or revisit them.
He said, ”You don’t understand; I cannot do it. Unless existence guides me so politely that I don’t feel the guidance, that I don’t feel the push and pull to do it, I am not going to do it. These poems are the poems of my freedom - existence becoming free through me. These poems will have to wait.”
Sometimes a poem was just missing one line and his poet friends said, ”You can compose that line yourself.”
He said, ”It does not work that way. I have tried, but the quality is as distant as the sky is from the earth. I can deceive others, but I cannot deceive myself. I will wait; when existence comes - without forcing me, because I cannot do it under force - and it simply persuades me, encourages me, and I know only afterwards that I have been guided, then only will I complete a poem.”
Row row row your boat... Gently down the stream... Merrily merrily merrily life is but an advanced simulation we call a dream.
Great advice in this vid! Too many musicians live 24/7 in their creative bubble, but all the deep and meaningful inspiration comes from setting that aside for a bit and giving yourself an opportunity to be a human out in the world. Explore, experience, observe, participate, laugh and love... then come back and let that pour out into your art. This is why music is usually uninspiring when it's written under duress, or after being on the road for two solid years without a break, etc.
100% on this message. 2022 plans, breaths, quiet, inspiration, way less comparison and hella less socials.
really needed to hear this today. thank you 💜
The past year and a half for me has been really rough on my musical mind. I’ve got some great gear and wonderful instruments that I’ve hardly had any time for, between being an emergency healthcare worker in the midst of a pandemic, having moved out on my own for the first time alongside my girlfriend 386) us trying to maintain a clean and healthy living environment, trying to grind through school while working full time, and having to juggle all of these newfound aspects of adulthood that leave me drained. My days off are spent doing chores or recovering. My mind is wiped. Music is something I’ve been doing since I was 11 ( I’m currently 24) and I often find myself feeling guilty when I haven’t dedicated any time towards my craft, or defeated when my mind and hands can’t coordinate together to create something beautiful. I really needed to hear this, as I sit here at 4am on my break during night shift. Thank you so much :)
Man, great video. Most of the time, I just tune in for the vibe. I love how real and down to earth your videos are. Don't change!
Dude this video is so perfectly timed. I am in a period where I haven't been inspired or motivated to make music for a few months now and I was feeling super guilty about it. This video was really well timed in changing my mindset. I don't make electronic music at all but always find your content really aweosme for something outside my wheel house.
Ur right, we all need downtime.
I love field recording ❤ wishing u and every1 a merry christmas and a happy new year.
One day i decided to stop making music, cuz i was overwhelmed by how much music is on internet and how my music drowning in this stream, i almost felt like it's not worth it on this point. And i dont touch any music gear or daw for 2 years
But year ago realization come to my head - i just enjoyed the process, why the fuck i look at other musicians as competitors?
Since then i make like 8-10 tracks and publish just one, but i realy happy that i decided to make music my main hobby
Thanks. I really needed to hear this.
Ricky - you are a beautiful human being.
Word Ricky! I'm starting out "trying" to make music. I see the cool stuff other are making and inspiring me. The stuff I make is only good for fertilizer, at least I think. I almost don't want to try. I even bought a some hardware and software music making items but still make crap. Thanks for the permission to forgive myself and enjoy the process of music making rather than seeking the approval of others. Thanks for keeping it real!
watching your videos and your life grow has been more peaceful than my own life and marriage, and i find the peace in that, whenever I can. love what you are doing.
Great advice. Walks outdoors have super powerful healing abilities
This is why Ricky’s the best RUclips channel. You learn something in every video
I had a problem somewhat like this. I've had a release once, and i putted so much pressure on myself becouse i had to make something better. And everytime I didn't spend my time on music after work, i feld shit the day after becouse it feld like I wasted my time. It was a time when i feld the worst becouse of the stress i put upon myself. I had to accept the fact that I won't be doing music for a living, and now after 2 years, I'm actually fine with that idea and start to enjoy doing music again and explore new things, but only if i want to make music. I think it's great that you talk about stuff like this! Thanks for the video
It's nice hearing it from you man. Someone I really lookup to, your approach is inspiring. So when you come out and say this, it's like getting a hug from a friend, we're not alone. I get stuck in this loop of having put music out because there's not much out there with my name on it, followed by Damn... I could've sat on that track for a day longer... It's comforting dude and thanks for sharing! Peace.
I watch your videos because I feel like we're chilling. Thank you again for your friendship and viewpoints. In a world of gray, you bring out color for me
Thanks for that message, needed it. It's weird when we see people whose videos look so great it gives us the impression they must be perfect? Even though that's obviously not true. Thank you!
Hi Ricky!
This is a great and very important video. Thanks for making it.
I think most creative people have these phases and it is very important to know that it is OK to slack sometimes.
Sit back, play a video game...go outside...read a book. Just do something you enjoy. If you enjoy it, it's not wasted time.
Then get back to making music when you feel like it.
Knowing yourself and this process also takes practice, just like everything else.
Thank you so much for this video. The influence of social media on our mental health, one way or another, can have so many downsides and i saw myself in this same spot so many times. So thank you for speaking out about this (particular aspect).
I often have dry spells, thanks for the reminder it’s ok. I enjoy your videos 20% for the music you make and 80% for the person you are. Your chilled vibe, honesty, and perspective is much appreciated.
Thank you for the honesty and respecting the process of sharing content. Def conscious. Glowing positive
I’ll be honest. There are channels we follow just for entertainment and tutorials. And then there’s channels like this one where we just tune in cuz we genuinely enjoy watching and just relax.
I mean, I don’t even use modular synths, hardware or SP-404. I use my laptop, but watching these videos make me feel good and relaxed.
Amazing content.
Thank you for your honestly Ricky, it was just what I needed to hear. I have been off the music for a long while. Even bought the OB6, but couldn't even find the energy to play with it properly, which makes me kind of embarrassed, so I know what you mean. In my own way at least.
I appreciate your videos and this one especially. In some weird way it inspired me to just plug in the synth that I have been dreaming to have for 4 years and just play for the sake of playing and not for the sake of impressing anyone.
Man I needed to hear this, thank you :)
Sometimes, it’s inspiring enough to hear words from people you look up to. No matter what level any musician is on, we all have times when we don’t make music. I suffer from a lack of confidence, that my music isn’t good enough to be heard by others. I constantly have to remind myself that if I like what I do, so will others. It’s honest and pure. Thank you for this video and putting a piece of you out there to show a more personal side. Having talk to you in person, I’ve seen your genuine personality shows in all your videos. I hope you had a good holiday and wish you more success in the upcoming year. Cheers, brother!
For somehow, in a way, i'm starting to realize the same thing you talked in my own life and music, and decided to pause and take a walk like my childhood. I've been away from my computer and banging room for almost a year and thinking is this the end? won't my ideas ever appear again? I thought i was the only person who thought social music jam is uninspired to me, putting me down so bad. OMG Ricky, thanks for letting me know i am not lonely to think like so for many years. I am so comfort to think of the upcoming time with a Digitakt and do transient and jam for myself, i love it as always and thanks for making me in love with it more. Wish you luck Ricky, always healing to see your videos. I have been hear ever since you started
This is such an important message and so very validating that other people feel this way too. I'm so glad that over the last few years we have started to talk more openly about these things. Thank you for this and for these points of reminder. Much love
I needed to hear this because I haven't been doing music and I also fell off the wagon. Working on getting clean again and praying I can do it so I don't sell & destroy the things I love & or people I love.
Guess most of us here have the same "issue". My thought is that if i try to push creativity to hard rarely nothing happens.
If i "flow with the force" interesting things usually happens :)
Have Great xmas and a Great New Year Ricky!!
Flow with the Go
happy holidays ricky, that was a good thing to say. i rarely even finish/record anything - which certainly has its downsides, but i just refuse to put that pressure on myself. i don’t think anyone should feel that pressure - unless they want it of course!
yesss. i just took a break for two months, uncovered all my kit, and happily back in the groove!
I try to do the same with my message. Inspire others by sharing my stories. That is the human story. Respect what you are doing. Do what feels right for you. And it’s ok. Words I came across in 2019 and remind my self each day to combat the noise. Good stuff!
Thanks so much Ricky ✨
I would like to thank you, Ricky! Along with those videos you create to share your experiences and your joy of creating music (which, at least for me, is more often than not quite inspiring, making me return to humble experiments in making music), the ones like this come across so … honest, relaxing and most important reassuring. I want to thank you for sharing so many different aspects, even quite personal ones, and almost always showing that special relationship you have with music, the joy and fun you it is able to give you.
And I totally subscribe to your point, that the most important thing is and should be that it, well, feels like it when messing around with a musical idea or an interesting piece of gear. And that we are all different when it come to creating music: even when there are days, weeks or even months when there is no attraction to be felt coming from instruments and no idea coming to mind, as long as there is joy and fun when it feels like jamming or simply sketching an idea, all is perfectly fine.
Thank you so much for taking your time to produce your videos, for sharing your music, your ideas, everything. I am glad that I came across your channel: I am lost for words to express how great this is. Thank you, Ricky!
Great points. I've been really uninspired throughout Christmas, and have just been digging through the ol' demos and kicking myself a bit for not making something new. It'll come.
Love this video Ricky, and I love you. I want to add that there is no amount of work that will get you there. The idea that if i “just work harder” actually leads to the same failures. Absolutely we need to make honest and intentional effort but putting in extra work does not mean extra success.
Thank you so much for this Caleb, I appreciate your time in making this comment. Sending the love right back
It’s just what I needed to hear
Today in particular I really needed to hear this message. Thank you, Ricky.
I was listening then I started to really listen to your words as they suddenly rang so true. To be honest I think you are more than the sum of your music and that is why we come to your channel. So, just keep doing what you do and we will do the same.
Wow, thank you for the kind words! Much love and thanks for the support
@3:10 I totally get this. Man, you're the coolest dude on the internet. Thanks for the honest and refreshing vid.
It was your music last year which got me out of a rut, and I started looking at modular. From there I got the mpcone…then this year into modular, taking advantage of your tip to grow slowly with the system. Today being xmas, got a few more carefully selected modules. Years ago I did a lot of song writing. But then I got stuck. Everything sounded th4 same. Even with a decent daw I got stuck in the detail, so really struggled. But since getting the mpc… and then the modular I’ve made more music in one year than in the last ten years and have regained my passion for it. I have my own peers who are djs and they are raving about what I’m creating. Much of this is down to you, so cheers mate, from the uk, much appreciated :D happy xmas.
Was just on vacation and captured sounds on every hike I went on!
"Termite Poop" would make a great band name.
Thanks Ricky. For all the vids this year and the knowledge sharing. I’m watching this on Boxing Day. Been creating since I was 15. I’m now 50 and like you have said in this vid you have dry spells of not creating music and that’s okay. Still sometimes feel I should be although the best music is made when you are inspired or have the urge.
Stay humble and keep learning, don’t change bro and keep doing what you are doing. You have a great outlook and channel ❤️
I love this.
thank you for your honesty ricky
Over 600 years ago the book on Deep Inner Contemplation was written called "The Cloud Of Unknowing" containing Pure Gold. The path taken in contemplative prayer will always result in a Light that shines in the darkness & a million beautiful pieces of art.
Some awesome advice, I can totally relate to. Thanks for doing what you do and sharing the knowledge - always inspiring. 💚
What a great video and message for all of us to consider. Thank you for being transparent. You are a teacher in the truest sense.
I cried during Coda. it was the first time in a long time since a film had made me that emotional. big reccomend.
Your doing just fine. It’s nice you share your thoughts weekly
Man, I really love your message and your kind attitude, thank you so much!
Even though I absolutely love your music videos, and what I llike to call your zen approach to music (it's a bit of both light and dark, process and chaos). I loved this video's departure from that. And as I look out my window at the snow on my back porch an hour west of Toronto, I miss living in Monterey; that waterfall reminds me of the few I've hiked to in the Big Sur area. *sigh* I miss it. That's for being a huge inspiration to my son and I; thank you for sharing your dazzling skills and talent. And happy holidays!
hey rickey this video really helped me feel better about myself & not making music as frequently or as passionately as I want. you really inspire me to keep progressing & Ima cop some merch finally since I got some holiday shmoney
Dude, I really appreciate this and your other videos. The chill vibe and chat nature of them is so awesome. Stuff like this and Adam Neely's video on depression really speak a lot to me, to help me find peace since I honestly do feel guilty for not making music with all the gear I have, but I know there are reasons. Seeing this all normalized is amazing and has helped me start again this past week after an awful, awful long time.
Hope you're well and have a great holiday. Thanks for all the knowledge drops. Peace.
I like that you touch on things like imposter syndrome, self doubt, and reality vs social media… many kids don’t understand these things now a days…
I get tremendous guilt when I do anything other than music stuff (PS4, reading, etc!) And when I'm out and about I feel the pull to go back home and do music stuff and it means I'm not living in the moment at all. Really appreciate you putting it out there and making me realise I'm not alone. Merry Christmas and a happy new year dude.
Hell yes, im the same. with basically the same things haha. Thanks for being around James, i appreciate you
I really needed to hear this. Thank you so much. You have no idea.
Dude… once again you’re spouting deep wisdom from a humble place. All creatives need to hear this ✨😌✨
The vibe. The flow. Pure bliss. Thanks for that, man!
Wild oyster boys lookin tasty.
It’s an interesting paradox ‘I’ll never be good enough - so I better keep practicing’. Especially when you work in the music gear industry. ‘More gear must be the answer’.
We aren’t music making robots - even if the things we idolize are ‘robots making music’
Happy holidays! 🎄
Thanks for the video and the message, Ricky. Unfortunately I think a lot of artists are planning their next piece of work from what is getting attention on social media. I know I've done it. It's kind of soul crushing in the long run. Just finished reading Austin Kleon's "Keep Going - 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad" which has lots of great points on this topic. x
This video exemplifies so many things I love about Ricky. Inspiring, comforting, honest, endlessly brilliant. I’m not the only person who needed this. HAPPY NEW YEAR RICK
Wow.. I was just sitting on the couch telling myself that I need to stop making music for everyone else and start making music that makes me happy. Literally an hour ago… so wild. Thank you for this, Ricky!
This was such a good thing for me to watch. Thank you for this. I appreciate your talent, craft, and videos. Thank you.
My favorite videos of yours so far. Thanks for that.
This is so wholesome. I love when you bring the "Mr Rogers" style real talk. We don't deserve you, Ricky!
Really appreciate and respect your thoughts about social media. I normally roll my eyes when people “share” their thoughts. This though was meaningful and honest. IMAO. 👍🙏
Dude this video is so comforting. Thank you.
This is exactly how i am with music making at this time. I want to enjoy making music, and not have this pressure of having to make it just because of social media or having x amount of followers. At this moment i don't even have a place for anyone to check out my music, except for the old stuff i used to make. I want to do this my way, at my pace, considering my happiness and my well being.
Great video and message Ricky. As I’m just getting started it’s great to hear you say what you said. Taking a break from music makes me feels unproductive, but obviously needed. Making music for your self is perhaps the best advice I hear from many talented music makers. Thanks for everything you do Ricky.
Beautiful video man, we all need to hear that. Gorgeous shots too. You're the realest
awesome video love the outdoor conversation
Thank you for this!
I’m not sure how else to express my gratitude other than a huge thank you! 🙏🏻
Love this, great message, just chill and the music will call you when you’re ready. The best to get outside often too. I’ve found lately I’m not worried about finishing tracks now, I love just switching on and simply playing the keys and jamming in Ableton. I’ll spend hours playing the keys, if good comes out of it, great, if not, I’ve still have fun playing! Have a wonderful Christmas thanks for all the videos, you more than keep me inspired. 🎄🎅❄️❄️❄️👍
Beautiful video.
I love the outdoor shots of LA/Surrounding area. I think you did one in Chinatown a while back where you went to a little club and and did a set. That was cool too. Your camera captures the vibe perfectly. I need to head back out there soon, it's such a sweet place and a quick flight for me.
I’m watching this on Christmas Day, and this is the message I needed to hear today. Thanks for the honesty and vulnerability, Ricky. Based on the other comments, I think what you shared has resonated with a lot of us. Peace to you and keep up the good work. 🙏
thank you David, i appreciate having you around.
Amazing introspective video on being creative in these times!
One of your best videos, exactly what I needed right now!
This was a great way to start the year.
Dude, I'm with you. Sometimes I just need to get out in nature and sit. I've been known to take a small recorder once in a while and get some cool samples too. Other times I just get a reset.
I love this, that's exactly it. It's nice to go out and listen and try to engage with it all and come back with some sounds,. But it's just as important, maybe even more so, to go and just be there. no recording nothing.
This is kinda the best video you ever made. I think you're super cool.
Thanks Cameron! I really apprecaite the kind words and support as a member!
Damn I really needed this man
Just because you can make music, doesn't mean you MUST make music. I've struggled with that for decades. Much love.