Kicking the can down the road: We all do it, we know it, we live it. In the world of music, we almost seem to breathe it. What if it’s a complex script between putting things off and prioritizing what matters?

Kicking the can is both an art form and a necessity. It’s a fascinating tango of deadlines, inspiration, and that ever-elusive muse. We perform a ballet against the backdrop of the passion that drives us.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

The Procrastination Waltz

Why tackle one project when you can half-starve five?

We artists are dreamers, creators, and often, master procrastinators.

Dawdling is not only a habit, but an art form.

You know the drill. In your mind’s eye you have penned the hit song that sends chills down your spine. There is that guitar riff that’s been stuck in limbo since 2010. Or that first draft of the Kid’s Book, the half-rendered palate, the unfinished album. We say to ourselves, “I’ll get to them soon.” “Soon” is a tricky term. Is it tomorrow’s tomorrow? Exactly when is the time to get busy?

I’m sure Hemingway had wasted days, staring at a blank page, waiting for that first sentence of truth.

But hey, let’s not be too hard on ourselves. The key is to understand that procrastination is often a sign of something deeper. Could be you’re afraid your song won’t be perfect, not sure where to start. I know what is – you work best under pressure. Yeah, let’s go with that last one.

In the labyrinth of artistic creation, projects pile up like records in a dusty attic.

You aren’t the only person who puts things off. Despite his prolific output, Leonardo da Vinci was notorious for delaying project work. His masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, took 16 years to complete. Check it out – she doesn’t have eyebrows. I don’t think he finished that one, either.

The Sweet Siren Call of New Ideas

There’s something intoxicating about starting new projects. Each new idea is like a siren song, beckoning us away from our current tasks. We dive in headfirst, abandoning whatever we were working on. The problem is, new ideas are shiny and exciting until they’re not. They become another item on the long list of “things to do later.”

Musical minds are especially susceptible to this phenomenon. The initial burst of inspiration can feel like a sugar rush. The endorphins propel us forward with a sense of invincibility. But as the work progresses, the reality sets in. You have face discipline, persistence, and often, a bit of drudgery. You want to finish the project, right?

So the cycle continues: we kick the can down the road. It’s more exciting to chase the next spark of inspiration. We leave a trail of half-finished projects in our wake.

The Symphony of Getting Things Done

While procrastination can be a comforting zone, prioritization is the symphony that brings it all together. It’s about deciding what matters most and tackling it head-on. In the music world, this can mean the difference between finishing that album or having a hard drive full of half-baked ideas.

I don’t know. Should I finish the album? Or throw more half-baked ideas onto the hard drive? Actually, five Terabytes, to be exact. Which is nothing in the world of pro-level production. Still, that’s quite a few half-baked ideas.

Here’s my current quandary: My mastermind group is breaking in a new room in my studio this weekend. I’m scrambling to get this very blog scheduled early. There won’t be time on Saturday and Sunday to write.

Prioritizing isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Think of it as composing a song. You start with the main melody, the part that carries the tune. Then, you layer in the harmonies, the rhythm, and finally, the little flourishes that make it unique. Each element has its place and time.

Easier said than done, you might say.

Process

Consider yourself a pro? The following is standard operating procedure for The Big Folk:

Imagine starting a project with clear goals and a timeline. Shocking, right? Producers do this wild thing called “working backward.” They decide when they want the project done and then figure out what to do each day. It’s like they’ve cracked some ancient code. Tracking progress and making adjustments keeps everything on track. Well, most of the time.

Budgeting in music production is like juggling flaming torches. Producers determine what to spend on – fancy equipment or skilled musicians. They avoid blowing all their cash on the latest gadget because, you know, rent is still a thing.

Successful producers and engineers are like the ultimate delegation ninjas. They decide who does what, sticking to their strengths and letting others handle the rest. They keep everyone on the same page. It’s important no one ends up playing the wrong song in the wrong key at the wrong time.

Producers and engineers keep their workspaces organized. Being meticulous is crucial. My friend Evan is a prime example. You should see his workbench. He also knows precisely where that guitar riff is from the recording last week. Project management is vital because sticky notes on the studio wall only work for so long.

Shit happens – sudden software crashes or guitarists having an existential crisis. Producers adapt. Plans change and keep the project moving. Flexibility is their middle name, or at least it should be.

Seeking feedback is a big deal. It’s not unusual for producers to ask for constructive criticism. They aren’t afraid to collaborate.

Sometimes, the muse leaves the building. Staying motivated and disciplined is crucial. Setting small goals, taking breaks, and celebrating tiny victories keeps the energy flowing. Self-motivation and a bit of external accountability ensure long-term success.

You want to move ahead? Rethink what you’re doing.

The Balancing Act

The Beauty of Chaos

Musical projects can thrive in chaos. The best ideas often emerge from the messiness of procrastination and the unpredictability of inspiration. By embracing the chaos, we can find new ways to approach our work, letting go of rigid timelines and allowing creativity to flow naturally.

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back, kick the can down the road, and let ideas marinate.

The Beauty Of Deadline Panic

Nothing fuels creativity like the panic of an approaching deadline. It’s the caffeine of the creative world. Suddenly, that song you’ve been putting off for weeks comes together in a flurry of inspiration and last-minute genius. The recording session you’ve rescheduled three times? Nailed it in one take.

Deadlines force us to focus, to strip away the unnecessary and get to the heart of the matter. They push us to make decisions and commit. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need

Kick That Can

Is procrastination always a bad thing? No. Sometimes, what looks like procrastination is actually prioritization in disguise. Pushing certain tasks aside is often because we’re focusing. Sometimes there is an urgency to get that creative idea finished. Other times, you have to abide by a schedule. The challenge is distinguishing between productive prioritization and mere avoidance.

Consider this situation. You want to finish your album. But there is also an opportunity collaborate with a renowned artist. Lucky you. The collaboration could open new doors, except it means putting the album on hold. This is where the internal battle intensifies. Prioritizing the collaboration might seem like procrastination, but it’s actually a strategic move in your musical journey.

So how do we find the balance between procrastination and prioritization? It starts with recognizing that both play a crucial role in the creative process. Procrastination gives us the space to reflect, recharge, and explore new ideas. Prioritization ensures that we stay focused. We want to make progress on our most important projects.

The Beauty of a Well-Kicked Can

There’s a certain beauty in a well-kicked can. It represents a journey of stops and starts, detours and diversions. Each kick down the road is a reminder that the creative process is rarely linear. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often, the destination is less important than the journey itself.

Take the legendary album “Smile” by The Beach Boys. Initially started in the 1960s, it became one of the most famous unfinished projects in music history. Decades later, it was finally completed and released. The long, winding road to its completion added layers of depth and mystique to the album, making it a testament to the beauty of a well-kicked can.

The Final Note

As musicians, our journey is filled with countless cans, each manifests a project, an idea, or a dream. We kick them down the road, not out of laziness or fear, but because the road itself is where creativity thrives. It’s a path of discovery, filled with unexpected turns and moments of brilliance. So next time you find yourself procrastinating, remember: sometimes, kicking the can down the road is exactly what you need to do.

Can We Help You?

First, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers. Your support and engagement mean the world to us. We wouldn’t be here without you, sharing our passion for music and creativity. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post and for being part of our community.

Has something in this post struck a chord with you? Have you ever found yourself kicking the can down the road? We’d love to hear your stories. Share your experiences with procrastination and prioritization in the comments below. Your journey is an inspiration. Share it.

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