May-be we'll see you at a show?
Our updates for the month. Take a seat and dig in.
Hey cybernauts! We hope you’ve been doing well.
It’s not easy to stay optimistic in today’s climate, so we hope you can be surrounded by the friendship and love of your close ones.
This month, we have the following to share with you:
Where we’ll be next month
An essay: The art of perseverance
GGT#4
Our memes of the month
Where we’ll be in May
It’s a slow month, yes. We’re still pretty occupied with other work outside the band, and we’re also preparing future releases (more on that in the not so distant future). Next month we’ll play 2 shows:
29/05 - Aveiro (PT) - Rock in Ria Fest
No, we did not misspell it, it’s not Rock in Rio. Always nice to come back to Aveiro, a place that welcomes us so well every time. This will be our first time at the Rock In Ria festival, but we’ve heard good things about it. And there will be great bands and friends, like Vaiapraia, Offtides, and more. And hey, it’s FREE. More info here!
31/05 - Guimarães (PT) - CAAA
After not being able to go to CAAA in January because of van problems, we’ll have our revenge at the end of the month. And we’ll be in the good company of MAQUINA., the superstar darlings of the Portuguese indie music at the moment. There’s still no info here, because the show hasn’t been announced, but there will be.
The art of perseverance
A couple of weeks ago, as I sat with some of my friends at a party, we started discussing the different ways of composing music, and our conversation took an interesting turn. We started talking about the various approaches we take when writing songs, from improvising to each member creating a riff/demo/part to work on. However, the conversation soon developed into a discussion about staying motivated through a creative rut, either when one of us is struggling to come up with new ideas, or a perceived "lack of interest", or when the whole band just isn't clicking. You know, that magical moment when you're stuck and your bandmates are all like, "Dude, just write something already!" and you're over here like, "I'm trying, but my brain is just the Family Guy’s theme song on repeat."
We've all been there - when the music just doesn't seem to be flowing, and the passion that once drove us to create seems to be dwindling. It's as if the connection between our minds and the music just isn't happening, and we're left feeling stuck and unsure of how to get back on track. I've found that during these times, I often remind myself of the words of Pablo Picasso: "inspiration exists, but it has to find you working". This quote resonates with me, as it emphasizes the importance of putting in the effort and being proactive in seeking out inspiration. However, it's equally important to recognize that overworking can lead to creative burnout, causing more harm than good. When we push ourselves too hard, we'll mostly get a decline in motivation, a serious decrease in productivity, and a loss of interest in our creative pursuits. It's a delicate balance, one that requires us to walk the fine line between dedication and exhaustion.
For me, collaboration is key to staying inspired and motivated. When we're working on a new song, we make sure to bounce ideas off each other, sharing our paths and goals, and creativity. This process of building on each other's ideas is where the magic happens, and it's often where we come up with our most exciting music. It's not just about throwing ideas around, but about truly listening to each other, understanding each other's perspectives, and using that to fuel our process. Collaboration fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, making the creative journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, it's always entertaining to watch your bandmates (and yourself) try to explain their "vision" for a song, only to realize they have no idea what they're talking about.
When we feel heard and valued, we're more likely to contribute our best work, leading to a richer and more diverse creative output. The dynamic between people can be likened to a conversation between instruments, with each one responding and building on the other to create a harmonious and cohesive whole. It's a beautiful thing to witness, as individuals with unique strengths and weaknesses come together to create something truly remarkable. Although, sometimes it's more like a conversation between a bunch of crazy people, each trying to out-shout the others with their own brilliant ideas.
However, we've also learned the importance of giving each other space when needed. When one of us is struggling with a creative rut, we don't try to force it or push each other to come up with something. Instead, we take a step back, give each other the space to breathe, and allow ourselves the time to reflect and recharge. This is crucial, as it prevents us from getting frustrated and burnt out, and allows us to come back to the music with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. It's like that old saying goes: "absence makes the heart grow fonder", or in our case, "absence makes the band member less likely to want to kill each other."
To people reading this who may be struggling with their own creative ruts, I would say that it's essential to find a balance between working hard and giving yourself space. Don't be afraid to take a break and step away from your creative pursuits when you're feeling stuck. Sometimes, taking a step back and clearing your mind can be the best thing you can do to get your creative juices flowing again. And when you do come back to your work, try to approach it with a sense of curiosity and playfulness, rather than putting too much pressure on yourself. Oh, and if all else fails, just remember that you can always write a song about how stuck you are, and that's basically the same as writing a hit single, right?
Additionally, setting realistic goals and deadlines can help to maintain motivation and focus. You don't need to (and rarely will) create masterpiece after masterpiece. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable “tasks” can make the creative process feel less overwhelming, and allow each individual to celebrate their own progress and achievements, as well as the collective achievement. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Similarly, how do you create a masterpiece? One small, manageable task at a time. Also, please don't eat elephants.
It's also essential to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance, as a happy and fulfilled person is more likely to be inspired and motivated. By taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, we can make sure that our creative energy remains vibrant and resilient. I mean, let's be real, if you're running on coffee fumes and desperation, your music is probably going to sound like it was written by a caffeine-fuelled zombie crackhead.
So, in conclusion (and at the risk of sounding like Rick Rubin-esque guru-producer bullshit), the creative journey is a lifelong path, one that's filled with multiple challenges and opportunities for growth. It's a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, but one that's ultimately rewarding and fulfilling. And as we take on our creative pursuits, we must remain open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives, and be willing to adapt and evolve as artists and, especially, as individuals. By taking on this journey with courage, curiosity, and passion, we can maybe unlock our full creative potential, bring our visions to life the way we intend them to, and share our gifts with the world, leaving a lasting impact that hopefully inspires and uplifts others. Or, you know, you can just write a song about a pizza boy forgetting to deliver a pepperoni pizza, and that's okay too.
— Carlos
Garden Gnome Transmitter #04
Once again, Carlos brings to you a playlist filled with bangers. These playlists have been a trusty companion to our drives around the continent, for the last few years.
Available on Mixcloud, and as a playlist on Tidal.
Our memes of the month
That’s all, folks!
Thanks for reading this far. Here’s a quote we enjoy:
“I may not have been sure about what really did interest me, but I was absolutely sure about what didn't.”
― Albert Camus, in his novel "L'Étranger"
Have a wonderful week. We love you.
— Sunflowers, the band