Release: a loop of reinforcement

How does releasing my music actually affect the creativity that follows? Beyond the incredibly liberating feeling of finally letting go of a long and carefully crafted project, I never expected how valuable it would be to invite more than just my closest circle into my creative bubble. I have gained new influences and perspectives, and I am more motivated than ever to keep shaping and sharing my music.

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Doubt and vulnerability

Right before the release of Schwimmbadblau, I could hardly listen to the song anymore. Maybe because I had already dissected it for too many hours, but also because I was afraid of discovering flaws afterwards without the chance to fix them.

No matter how much effort and dedication flows into a project, the inner voice of criticism sometimes cannot be silenced. That is when the feeling of being an imposter sets in all too quickly. Whether on LinkedIn or Spotify, the constant comparison with others makes it hard to feel like you belong, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Creative projects often reveal something deeply personal and intimate, which heightens vulnerability to criticism. So how do you break free from this cycle of self-doubt? Similar to therapy for phobias and anxiety disorders, conscious exposure is necessary. Avoidance is never a long-term solution, as it only keeps self-doubt alive while countless bytes of atmospheric sounds gather dust on the hard drive.

After my first release, I can confirm that overcoming this insecurity and laying oneself open can, in fact, be the key to more creativity and growth.

P.S.: This short paragraph also reminds me to finally face my long-standing fear of wasps. Because I do not want to miss out on more outdoor jam-and-bread brunches in Berlin.

New perspectives

In my favorite moments during the production of my song, I was never completely alone. Although switching to home production has given me a great deal of freedom, it can also become quite lonely, and I sometimes miss the attic rehearsals with my old band. So, perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised by how positive and inspiring feedback from others can be, but it still caught me completely off guard.

What I underestimated most was how my first song reconnected me with old friends and resonated with them. The variety of musical tastes among the people around me made the specific, detailed feedback especially exciting and helpful. It has opened me up to outside influences even more and made me a little more relaxed, since opinions often diverge widely. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and which feedback I integrate is entirely up to me.

What's next?

Through feedback, I have not only strengthened personal connections, but also built more trust in myself and my musical abilities. Releasing has become a small exercise in handling uncertainty, one that continuously encourages me to create something new. With every release, the loop of reinforcement closes once again, preparing me for the next creative leap.

And perhaps only through writing these lines of self-reflection have I truly internalized the meaning of releasing and its effects. So, thank you as well for motivating me to keep this loop alive until we meet again with the next release.