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Mike Garrigan\'s Blog
Blog of the Music and goings-on of Mike Garrigan.

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Everyday Writing Part 3 - Finish What You Start
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Over the past few weeks, we’ve been musing the necessity of writing everyday. Here is a third technique I use to keep the creative flow flowing.

Technique #3: Finish an Idea

One of my favorite live DVD concert videos is the Foo Fighters’ Skin & Bones. It’s an unplugged evening with one of the greatest rock bands of the last decade. While explaining some of the group’s writing and recording rationale, band leader Dave Grohl comments that there were “A LOT of bad songs” written in order to arrive at the good ones.   In my estimation, the group consistently offers well-crafted, creative rock songs.

It’s hard to tell if a song is bad if it’s not finished. A third technique I use on a daily basis is seeing an idea to completion; or, simply finishing an idea.

The best way for me to finish an idea is to complete a simple vocal and acoustic guitar recording of it. I used to use a Zoom handheld recorder for this. Now a days, I use the voice memo application on my iPhone. The quality on the iPhone is fantastic, too.

On these simple recordings, I make every best effort to fill in all of the lyrics with something that’s the best thing I can come up with. If there’s gibberish in my head, I try to transform it to some kind of word. Even if it’s a non-sensical word, sometimes that placeholder will give rise to a real keeper.   Paul McCarntey’s “Yesterday,” one of the most revered and covered compositions of the 20^th Century began as the song “Scrambled Eggs.”

If you’re stuck, trying finishing what you’ve started. You’ll be surprised when you put some space between you and your idea…it’s probably a lot better than you think.

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Everyday Writing Part 2 - The Aleph List
'); document.write('Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0400
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Writing everyday is an effective discipline for avoiding writers block. Here’s a second method that helps with that blank page.

Technique #2: Keep an Aleph List

In a college poetry class, we learned of Aleph Lists. I haven’t seen this term anywhere else since that class so please excuse its obscurity.

An Aleph List is a list of images, ideas, concepts, or (in the case of music) melodies that are in a fragmented, yet-to-be-used stage. It is very helpful to draw on this treasure chest of ideas when the need for something special arises.

I’m a believer in Aleph Lists for the sole reason that they’ve always worked for me when I’ve used them. Example. Back in 2000, right before the Collapsis album came out, I went to Birmingham, AL for a week to visit family and to write. I wrote all day for about four days straight. A lot of what I worked on didn’t come to much, but I culled down the best stuff into a set of lyric sheets to be used at another time.

A week after I came back, Mark Kano (future compadre and lead singer of Athenaeum) called me up and wanted to know if I’d like to do some co-writing for the next Athenaeum album. I agreed. He showed me an awesome song that had a fully developed verse, chord structure, and basic outline for a chorus. He needed a chorus lyric and melody to complete the song and wanted to see what I had. I pulled out my list and sang the chorus of what would become the song “Plurabelle.” Intuitively, it fit. And, there’s no way that would have happened by chance if I hadn’t done the work.

What do you think? Do you keep an idea list going? I’d love to hear about your creative techniques.
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Everyday Writing Part 1 - First Things First
'); document.write('Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0400
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When I first began writing songs, I would often just get a “spark,” a mysterious, fragment of a song that appeared out of thin air.   Then, I would work on the idea, molding it into a finished tune.   It worked for a time, but then, eventually, the spark didn’t always come. Sometimes it would be days, weeks, or even months in between inspired ideas.

Ramshackle, unpredictable inspiration is a real problem for a professional creative. The solution: daily process—write everyday. Sometimes, it’s not necessarily that there’s no spark. Perhaps it’s that there’s nothing to set fire to. What follows are some techniques I use to foster everyday writing.

Technique #1: Write in the morning, first thing.

Just about every creative book, program, and course I’ve read emphasizes writing first thing in the morning. Why this is, I don’t know. I can attest that it does get the creative juices flowing early, and therefore, throughout the whole day.

What many authorities differ on is what to write about in these morning sessions.    I believe in these authors and techniques. Where noted, I’ve provided links to Amazon.com so you can check out these books in greater detail.

Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way suggests writing “morning pages” that are essentially a brain drain or emotional dump, after which the real creativity can begin. These pages are useful for idea generation as well as a map to what areas of one’s life really need some care and attention. The Artist’s Way is worth reading if you are interested in becoming unblocked or simply want to be more creative. Voyage of the Malamander, my newest album, arrived 100% out of my morning pages.

A different suggestion by Pat Pattison in his Writing Better Lyrics is to complete object and sensory writing in the morning. This book is also highly recommended. After trying object writing for a few days, I noticed that my lyrics became more focused, purposeful, and, well, better.

Still another suggestion by Anne Lamott from Bird by Bird would be to write 300 words a day and that’s all. But, do write the 300 quality words a day five times a week. What I noticed from writing in this manner was that I was able to cull images, situations, and themes from my childhood experiences.

I’ve tried all three of these techniques, sometimes just each individual method up to a hodge podge of all three. The point is that writing early in the day gets it done.

In my next post, I’ll describe a second technique, the Aleph List.

Please let me know what you think of these books. If you’ve read this, and had a question come to mind, please click on the “Ask Mike a Question” link on the top of the Tumblr page.

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Dealing with Writer\'s Block
'); document.write('Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0400
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How do I deal with writer’s block? It’s a daily thing, really.

In medicine, a “stroke” sometimes refers to a blockage of a necessary blood supply to the brain. Writers block is kind of like a creative “stroke.” We’re cut off from what inspires us. There is no muse. A white page is a fright rather than a possibility. It doesn’t feel so good.

When I formed the band Collapsis, we signed a record deal quickly and began to work on our album. About halfway into the demo process, I was asked to write some new songs. Unfortunately, I was blocked. And, I didn’t know why.   Eventually, I worked my way out of the cave.

After countless dead-end paths, writing courses, and creativity support groups, I can tell you that, now, I know how to get unblocked. I have three techniques that work for me. They may not work for you, but I’ve found them helpful.

Tool #1: Write everyday, no matter what.

My senior honors thesis class advisor used to joke about our 100+ page collegiate writing project. From day one, his mantra was “we’re always writing.” That’s the first tool I use and remember on a daily basis.  I try to write everyday. Something. A snippet of melody. An image. A chord progression. I keep a data bank of these ideas that I can use later when it’s time to write.

Tool #2: Work on Life

Anton Chekov, one of the greatest playwrights of the 19^th century, once aptly said, “If you want to work on your art, work on your life.” How true. One of the biggest bricks that can block us is when our minds are somewhere else, obsessed with something that has nothing to do with what we’re supposed to be doing. How can I write a song when I’m mentally in crisis somewhere else? Being in a positive mental state is key to effective, long-term creativity.

Tool #3: Effectively Dealing with Criticism

When you put something out there, someone’s going to judge it. One of the things that shuts me down creatively is when I receive negative criticism, whether it’s constructive or not. Learning how to process negative criticism is a skill I’m still working on.

How do we deal with it? Well, for one, not taking criticism personally is a starting point. Second, there’s always a silver lining in even the most scathing of remarks; I mean, perhaps there’s something constructive in there?   With any piece of art, there are elements that work, things that don’t, and a lot of stuff that just goes unnoticed. All of it is part of the process.

In my next post, I’ll outline my everyday-writing processes…tips, tricks, and techniques I use all the time to get my creative blood flowing. Please feel free to comment on this post.  I’d love to hear from you; follow me via the Tumblr portal or on Twitter at jimsteele1138.

Happy creating!

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Set list, August 22 2010
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Set list, August 22 2010
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Mike Garrigan - Acoustic Solo at Deep South, Sun August 22 9 pm
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I’ll be performing at the Deep South 15th Anniversary weekend tonight (Sunday) in Raleigh, NC. It should be a fun evening.

Deep South is located at 430 South Dawson Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1723.

Doors are at 7 pm. I’ll play at 9 pm.

See you there!
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Being Creative
'); document.write('Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:00:35 -0400
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I love being creative.

Most of my days are spent creating music. The studio is home. The road is comfortable. Being within a loud rock band is a space I know well.

The Wikipedia defines creativity as “the ability to generate innovative ideas and manifest them from thought into reality.” That seems like a good definition. With music, there is very little that is not creative. Writing is creation. A musical performance is creation. Even being in a cover band requires a level of interpretive creativity.

About 20 years ago, I stumbled upon writing my first song. Almost by accident, I picked up a guitar and poured out a song, one with my own lyrics and my own melody (although, now looking back on it, it sounded more like R.E.M. covering a Beatles song).   Since then, I’ve always been writing and creating.

Lately, while walking a creative path, my thoughts and experiences have inspired three searches.

First, I am continuously in search of ways and methods to stay free from writer’s block.

Second, I am constantly looking for my true artistic voice.

Third, I am always welcoming my own creative evolution.

Here, over the next few months, I’ll explore these three creative locales. I welcome your comments and replies.   New posts will appear on Thursdays and Mondays at noon.

If you’re reading this on mikegarrigan.com, follow along, if you’d like, by clicking the “here” button in the left side column—that’s the RSS feed. If you’d like to follow this blog in tumblr, just click the “follow” tab on the top right of the blog. Or, I’m also on Twitter as jimsteele1138.

Thanks! Happy creating.

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Waiting for October on Broadway
'); document.write('Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:41:54 -0400
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We had a great time opening for Edwin McCain at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, August 13th. The above photo is of our 30 minute set list.

We added Jerry Chapman to our acoustic duo show. I guess we’re a trio, now. That’s fun. Anyway, we played a few new songs. Of Mark Kano’s, “I Will Survive” and “The Wanderer” were newbies. “Lost?” from Voyage of the Malamander is also relatively new; it was inspiring with the bass guitar. If we added a tom drum and a mandolin, we’d totally be recreating the album version.

I’ll return to Raleigh, NC on Sunday, August 22nd for the Deep South 15th anniversary show weekend. Stay tuned for details. There’s also a CD release show coming to Charlotte, NC on September 18th.
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Mark Kano & Mike Garrigan & Jerry Chapman opening for Edwin McCain
'); document.write('Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:54:57 -0400
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Wow. That’s a long title.

Anyway, this Friday (August 13th), we’re opening for Edwin McCain at the Lincoln Theatre. It should be a fun show for us. We’re the first of three acts. Monika Jaymes performs after us. Doors are at 8 pm. Music starts at 9 pm.

Directions to the club may be found here.

For those of you who might not know Jerry Chapman, he’s going to play bass with us at this show (and hopefully for many shows to come).

See you there!
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The Smitt
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The Smitt
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Photo of a creative to do list.
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Photo of a creative to do list.
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Sidewalk at dusk.
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Sidewalk at dusk.
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Fan video of Mark Kano’s “Walking on...
'); document.write('Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:27:06 -0400
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Fan video of Mark Kano’s “Walking on Broadway” from our July 24, 2010 Blind Tiger show. Check out www.markkano.com for info on Mark’s solo album.
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Random photo of a hallway view.
'); document.write('Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:18:36 -0400
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Random photo of a hallway view.
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New T-Shirt/CD/mp3 Package
'); document.write('Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:51:22 -0400
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Just a quick note…

We’ve created a new merchandise bundle on our Bandcamp page for Voyage of the Malamander.

Now, when you order a t-shirt, you can receive a CD Digipak copy as well as an immediate mp3 download of the album.

Thanks!

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Malamander on the Radio
'); document.write('Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:34:12 -0400
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I’ll be stopping by WQFS radio today (July 14, 2010) around noon (EST) to dialogue a bit about Voyage of the Malamander.

If you’d like to tune in, it’s 90.9 on your FM dial (for NC Triad residents). To hear the show on the web, click here for details.
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Athenaeum Set List, July 10, 2010.
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Athenaeum Set List, July 10, 2010.
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Malamander on iTunes and CD Baby
'); document.write('Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:21:31 -0400
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Voyage of the Malamander is now available on iTunes.

Check out the cool button/link below.

$\"Voyage\"/$

I am surprised by how quickly CD Baby was able to get this record on to iTunes. I was expecting three weeks. In reality, it was less that 24 hours after I approved the digital submission forms. Thank you CD Baby for being so swift.

While I’m mentioning CD Baby, the album is also available through their retail store, click here for details.

Have a great weekend.
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Malamander: Single Speed Glass Mastering
'); document.write('Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:00:00 -0400
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For my new album, Voyage of the Malamander, I included some notable extras in the packaging and presentation. The potato tray package (www.oasiscd.com) is an obvious, eco-friendly feature. One element that might not be readily apparent is the “single speed glass mastering” that appears on the underside of the CD.

I’ve included a photo above. That’s the underside of the disc.

What is “single speed glass mastering”? Well, if nothing else, I think its amazing.

When CD’s are replicated, the “master” is transfered to a glass disc. For efficiency, it is common to run the program at 8x (eight times the normal speed). In the digital domain, it is reasonable to expect that an 8x transfer will produce a near perfect clone. It usually does. A single speed glass master is when the “master” is run at 1x, or at the normal speed. The result is the closest duplication of the “master” that is possible.

Is this a little tweaky? You bet. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Here’s why.

In the studio, from pre-production to mastering, a lot of care is put into what goes on. Making meticulously sure that the arrangements are right, nudging performances a micron of a second, and completing several passes at a mix are common. It doesn’t make much sense that in the final stage, you’d just do a quick rip of the master. First reason 1x glass mastering is worth it: care.

I really like Oasis Manufacturing. I appreciate that they offer this service. I’ve worked with several different duplication houses in the past. Sometimes I’ve been told that things have been run at 8x (the industry standard), but the result on a final product ends up being slightly grainy or just a little bit off. Second reason 1x glass mastering is worth it: you know what you’re getting.

Now-a-days it’s rare to print a master on anything but a CD-R. About six years ago, I released an EP that was mastered to a digital 1630 tape. The master was impeccably completed and sounded exactly the way I wanted. In the end, when I received the CD of the project, the result was quite different. It was almost as if the project were improperly dithered. In layman’s terms, that’s when you take a high-resolution source and reduce it to a low-resolution source, but pick the wrong elements to feature. Another asset of the single speed deal is that this kind of thing could have been avoided.

Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the disc. Most will listen on an iPod or computer device. But, if you do still rock the CD player, you’ll notice a bit more clarity and punch when you hear this album.

Thank you, Oasis Manufacturing. I have had a great experience with this CD. I look forward to bringing my future projects to you.

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Mike Garrigan performing “Obscure Momentum” from...
'); document.write('Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:00:00 -0400
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Mike Garrigan performing “Obscure Momentum” from Voyage of the Malamander. July 4, 2010, Greensboro, NC.

Photo by Mark Medendorp.
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