Post-production Depression - anyone experience this?

[toorglick]

I'm not sure precisely where this post should go, so I figured here would be good considering I'm referring to the end-stages of production.

I just finished mixing a demo I've been working on since March. A few more mastering tweaks and I'm done with it. Please! I get so drained dealing with all of the minutiae invovled with writing, engineering, and producing that I have no interest in my instruments or even my computer. After doing this stuff for, what, 16 years, I'm only now beginning to realize that this is normal for me. Still, I get nervous wondering if this is the time I say "I've had enough!" and sell all my stuff.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if any of my fellow home-hobbyists out there go through a similar post-project-depression.

 

[esactun]

Yeah... it's sort of like getting totally sick of the instruments and the computer. It's a sign that one needs to take a break from it.

I spent a loooooong time trying to polish my last turd of a demo into a diamond... instead I only managed to make it less stinky. By the time I was "mastering" it (read: abused with compression plugins) I was considering erasing the whole thing, I hated it so much. I also got a touch of that "sell all the gear!! I irreparably SUCK!" effect.

By the end of the month I was recording new stuff. Thanks to this place, it sounds a hell of a lot better, too!

 

[Seanmorse79]

I've been through that for sure. Thing is, I've been through it so many times that I know I'll regret it if I sell my stuff. I'm involved with a couple of bands too, so that helps to drag me out of it. It seems like this nasty cycle I can't escape from.

I guess I feel kinda like you do - "I'm only now beginning to realize that this is normal for me." - well put. I don't know of a way past it, except that acknowleging it (and in turn, expecting it) makes it easier to deal with.

 

[volltreffer]

High!

Isn't that necessary to ever be able to get something done

Axel

 

[flapo1]

I have a strange "post-partum" depression, and it is that because of an unknown cause, whenever I finish a project, the band I'm in breaks apart. Could that be caused by those feelings? It's really strange.

 

[Seanmorse79]

...as sad and ironic as that sounds - there's probably some truth to it. Recording is a lot of stress for a band. A band I was in a year ago broke up when we were about midway through recording our first CD. The stuff we were writing together as a group was awesome, but a couple of people got wierd about it and stress killed it.

...best thing when a band breaks up ...start another band - kinda like when your dog dies

 

[Whoopysnorp]

...as sad and ironic as that sounds - there's probably some truth to it. Recording is a lot of stress for a band. A band I was in a year ago broke up when we were about midway through recording our first CD. The stuff we were writing together as a group was awesome, but a couple of people got wierd about it and stress killed it.

...best thing when a band breaks up ...start another band - kinda like when your dog dies

Words to live by: every time your dog dies, start another band.

 

[DigitalDon]

First band I recorded - great talent, great sound, fantastic lyrics. Got through 4 songs but didn't get to the 5th before the band imploded. I blew about 80 hours on that one but no regrets. I just hate to see talent wasted because a couple of guys can't pull their heads out of their asses. That first session still tugs at my gut every once in a while. Does that qualify as Post??

 

[flapo1]

What if I dont HAVE a dog?
Do I have a band?
Should I get a dog?

 

[eljay]

KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN!

I go through the same thing, only now I know when to stop and take a break. The key is to just stay off it when you have the slightest thought of not wanting to do it that day.

If I don't feel like working, I just don't do it. And soon I feel the urge to go back to doing it after a few days or so, some times even sooner.


16 years is a long time, so you must really love it. Your not sick of it, just burned out on the stress. It's a lot of work but the fun and the end product really pays for itself in the end

Just remember it's a hobby. And the best way to put fresh life into a hobby is to go buy another toy! Hey it's just money, you can't take it with you, so enjoy it here and now! Follow your love.

 

[flapo1]

With myself it's a bit different. When I finish the project I'm generally very satisfied, as it is the band too, but (maybe it's a curse, maybe just coincidence) shortly after we do it we disband for a whole other reason. But it has happened each and every time we make a recording.

Quite strange

 

[JR#97]

I've been at both ends of the spectrum. I've finished projects and the momentum carried on to the next. But I've also definetely had my share where I wanted to quit... and eventually I did quit my career as an audio/video mastering engineer after 10 years. But instead of selling my gear, I joined a band and focused more on my guitar than on production. After a while, the bug to record came back and now I'm doing both, but in moderation and not as a career anymore. I like not doing music for a living anymore. Keeps it fun and in perspective.

 

[littledog]

I see something similar in a lot of bands i record. They're here for weeks or months in the heat of creative process, which in itself becomes quite addictive, and then, bang! it's over! All finished - no more to be done. Now they have no reason to be hanging around here anymore, but sometimes they need that studio jones. So they start another project right away, even though they aren't really ready... Or they call for no reason just to 'chat" - trying to keep the vibe going.

Now, me, on the other hand... I have a different kind of depression. Call it post-winter depression. The sun is out and the ocean is calling... I don't want to track, I don't want to mix, I don't want to orchestrate string parts or generate lead sheets. I want to be out in my boat. I want to catch bluefish and striped bass. I can't understand why won't anyone pay me forty dollars per hour to do that???

 

[flapo1]

Good point you made there, LD.

I think it's partly what has happened to us. Like we put a lot of effort and when we¿re done, wo don't know how to canalize all that energy.

40 dollars an hour? Great rate! When can I charge that?

 

[crawdad]

Not to sound mystical, but there IS a cycle involved with creativity. There is a time when you soak up and absorb ideas and material and then there is a time when it comes into focus and you write and record it. I think there has to be some breathing time in between projects just to get fresh ideas. The time involved for each part of the cycle is different for each person. I just finished six months of writing and recording and it feels great! I can rest on that for a bit while I soak up new ideas.

If it was just recording itself, I could do that all the time and not get burned out. Being inventive musically, writing songs and such, is much more demanding on my psyche. I used to think I should be able to write a great song every day but not anymore. If anybody has that secret, I'd love to hear it!

I think the cure for that depression is to get out in the world a bit and live. Be aware and know that you are in the process of putting new fuel on the fire you will light down the road.

 

[littledog]

40 dollars an hour? Great rate! When can I charge that?

When you get good at catching fish!

 

[dobro]

"Words to live by: every time your dog dies, start another band."

Whoopy, this is bullshit advice. I'll tell you something... my dog dies *a lot*. If I started up another band every time that damn dog dies, I'd be up to my pockets in excess drummers and bass players before you could say 'Grateful Dead'.

 

[esactun]

Dobro, is your dog named Kenny?

 

[studiowebx]

Yep.

I have had similar feelings as the original post. I have sold all my stuff and said I was done. I planned on going into other things and spending time with other details.

About a year later I hear a great song, well recorded, great harmony's, awsome mix.... etc.

I went and bought all new stuff and am back to doing what I love.

It never leaves your blood. So selling everything won't work.

 

[shortyc]

me too

I get depressed and I don't even have all the equipment yet. It happens not only in music..but for all people doing something they are passionate about.