How to furnish a room to enhance creativity, specifically songwriting?
January 3, 2016 8:15 AM Subscribe
My wife is a singer-songwriter who typically composes and rehearses in our bedroom. The room is a decent size, with a bed, love seat, small desk and bay window.
She has a goal of composing a song a week this year, and I would like to help her arrange the room so she can more easily reach her goal. Have any of you writers/composers/poets made changes to the spaces where you write that have enhanced your creativity? I'd love to hear about anything - if it's a chair, statue of a Buddha, poster, whatever. Does a de-cluttered area make a difference to you?
She has a goal of composing a song a week this year, and I would like to help her arrange the room so she can more easily reach her goal. Have any of you writers/composers/poets made changes to the spaces where you write that have enhanced your creativity? I'd love to hear about anything - if it's a chair, statue of a Buddha, poster, whatever. Does a de-cluttered area make a difference to you?
A great-sounding room that gives back a little reverb + knowing that others can't hear me (or that they truly don't care if they do). My favourite room to sing in had hardwood floors. (And a tall ceiling, but not sure how one would do that if it's not there already.) But for me, certain acoustics are really helpful, as in encouraging, when I'm singing or playing. A dry room that sucks up all the sound feels horrible.
The beginnings of the ideas I think I like the best tend to come to me when I'm showering or washing the dishes - something about the sound of the water, and it masking things a bit, being relaxed, plus the reverb, maybe. And when I'm out walking, I think because of the rhythm of movement, and seeing/hearing slightly novel things, dunno.
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:16 AM on January 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
The beginnings of the ideas I think I like the best tend to come to me when I'm showering or washing the dishes - something about the sound of the water, and it masking things a bit, being relaxed, plus the reverb, maybe. And when I'm out walking, I think because of the rhythm of movement, and seeing/hearing slightly novel things, dunno.
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:16 AM on January 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
The big thing IMHO is a place where the tools she needs for her craft can always be out and readily accessible. Having to unpack all your tools before you can get to work, and pack it away afterwards, is a pain in the ass.
How much equipment does she need?
posted by egypturnash at 10:30 AM on January 3, 2016
How much equipment does she need?
posted by egypturnash at 10:30 AM on January 3, 2016
Headphones and/or lack of interruptions is more what I found/find useful. Does she use a computer to compose or is she strictly pen and ink? Also, does she have recording devices available to catch spontaneous composition on the fly?
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 12:04 PM on January 3, 2016
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 12:04 PM on January 3, 2016
The reverb mentioned by cotton dress sock is greatly increased by the presence of a piano.
I think comfort is the most important thing. Cold feet or a sore back are not going to help anyone. I like good light, maybe a Micro Sun lamp, and plenty of space.
posted by SemiSalt at 1:54 PM on January 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think comfort is the most important thing. Cold feet or a sore back are not going to help anyone. I like good light, maybe a Micro Sun lamp, and plenty of space.
posted by SemiSalt at 1:54 PM on January 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful answers!
I appreciate the point of considering the "interior" of the mind as part of a productive environment as well. Does tidyness matter to her process?
We have hardwood floors throughout the house, so I think we're good on the acoustics.
Agreed on the accessibility/convenience of keeping gear set up and ready - I'm a photographer, and it's a killer if you can't find what you need to make what you have in mind. It's a real disincentive.
Good point too about having a recording device ready to catch that good phrase or riff. And yes, it best be comfy and spacious.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Very helpful!
posted by hick57 at 5:24 PM on January 3, 2016
I appreciate the point of considering the "interior" of the mind as part of a productive environment as well. Does tidyness matter to her process?
We have hardwood floors throughout the house, so I think we're good on the acoustics.
Agreed on the accessibility/convenience of keeping gear set up and ready - I'm a photographer, and it's a killer if you can't find what you need to make what you have in mind. It's a real disincentive.
Good point too about having a recording device ready to catch that good phrase or riff. And yes, it best be comfy and spacious.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Very helpful!
posted by hick57 at 5:24 PM on January 3, 2016
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