Thinkless: The Art of Not Trying

This story is going to be quick, and there’s a very specific reason for that.

After producing four pieces in rapid succession, I hit a wall. I expected to keep up that frantic rhythm—I thought I could produce ten pieces in a week—but suddenly, the well felt dry. I worried I was hitting a “composer’s block,” but I was wrong. I was simply catching my breath.

“Thinkless” didn’t come from a struggle. It arrived out of the blue, born in a ten-minute spark of carefree abandon.

Pure Instinct

Usually, creating music is a deep dive into emotions and stories. But with this piece, the process was purely physical and spontaneous:

• I put my hands on the keyboard.
• I let them wander wherever they wanted.
• I focused only on happy thoughts while “singing” rhythmic patterns as the fingers moved.
• The transition from the keyboard to the DAW was seamless; the track was finished in a single day.

I’m not sharing this to brag, but to be sincere. This piece had no agenda. It was pure instinct. Some might listen and think it’s too simple, but I’m at peace with that.

Empty the Mind

I chose the title “Thinkless” because sometimes a spontaneous process creates something that puts a smile on your face without pretending to be anything more than it is.

Next time you find yourself stuck, try to empty your mind. Take your instrument and jam without caring about the result. Let the music flow through you and let your thoughts have their own voice. You might be surprised by what happens.

Not every piece of music has to be a “hit.” Sometimes, the achievement is simply the act of creation itself—and that is always enough to make you feel better.

While you meditate on those “deep” thoughts, take a listen to Thinkless.

See you in the next entry.

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