Hi Moto,
I've been there exactly. I used to learn a few classical instruments, and then got into electronica. I love the variety and control of sounds available with synths.
My first finished tracks were remixes. Good for practice, and to learn software etc. Also really helps to develop awareness of teh whole production work flow, and learn how to put in those finishing touches that can flesh out a mix.
I'm also by nature a very analytical type, and I was working with someone who was even more analytical than me. We used to just stagnate, becomming more like audio engineers than musicians.
I strongly agree with what others have suggested in this thread. There are many ways to let the creative juices flow.
I found it was really important for me to keep playing a real instrument on a regular basis. I keep some hand drums aournd me, and have a piano I can just muck around with.
I listen to all sorts of music, including stuff I don't really like. It can still be really interesting just to have a listen and see how it works.
If I'm working with someone else, and starting from scratch, I like to mix some records, and just have a very free jam with various instruments, and pick up a few elements to work from. Once I've got some ideas, and some key sequences, then I try to be a bit analytical, to plan what could go with the rest of the track. I might not look at the key signature at all, until this stage. I would also usually give some thought to what frequency ranges are still unused in a mix.
If I'm doing an upbeat, or dancey track, I will just close my eyes, and imagine what rhythms I like to move to when I'm off my face dancing at a rave (I can still remember it, just). When I have something in my head that will work with the sequences I've already laid, I will go straight for some drums to hit out the rhythm, and then record it or make some notes with a pen.
If I have some ideas in my head which I can't play straight away, I like to make some verbal notes with a dictaphone. I might say, "Saw tooth bass, with chorus/phaser/flanger" then hum a tune. I've found this works better for me, than written notes, as a first level of memo. I'll do structured notes later, when I have time to really think about things.
I love to just have a jam. I usually do this when I've had a few drinks, or if I feel inspired after a gig. My better tracks have come from unplanned beginnings. When I have tried to plan a track, without having a starting point, they have just sounded too tight, and boring, without enough expression.
I used to use a friend's all analogue home studio. It was mostly old Roland CV/Gate gear. I found that really good for jamming with other people. Midi sequencing can be a bit awkward for jamming purposes.
I think the software one uses is also pretty important. I quite liked the composition tools of Reason, but I really thought the effects were terrible. I didn't buy any pro effects processors though. I'm now using energy-xt 2, and have liked it so far, though I am still in the early stages of learning it. I find it's pretty easy to get things done with.
It's also really important to know your instruments inside out. Learn the full range of what they can do, so when you have some ideas, you can make them come to life with maximum expression, and minimum hassle.
Good luck mate.
Oli
