Epic Fail (How Failure Can Lead to Success)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
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Topics discussed
Host note
I made a bad thing. I'm not going to release it. That's where this episode starts, not as a metaphor, but as the actual situation I was in when I sat down to record.
The thing about scrapping a song is it robs you of nothing except the song itself. Every lesson inside it travels forward. I get into the two failure modes: cutting loose too early (before the process has taught you anything) and holding on too long (after you already know it's not working). The diagnostic I use is simple, go to bed, even just a nap, come back and listen as a critic instead of a creator. Sometimes I've surprised myself. The deeper principle: if you aren't failing, you might just be operating in too narrow a band of expression.
What you leave with is a practical after-action framework for creative setbacks, how to separate what went wrong from what you learned, and why the nonlinear path is the only path there is.
Selected moments
- Introducing the theme of failure 0:46 I discuss a darker side of music making, emphasizing that failure is a normal part of the creative process.
- The emotional impact of scrapping a song 2:16 I describe the difficulty of letting go of a song that isn't working.
- Key lesson on timing in the creative process 3:56 I explain the balance between cutting something loose too early or too late.
- Importance of personal style 4:30 I emphasize the need to embrace a unique vocal style rather than conforming to trends.
- Trusting the creative process 5:17 Discusses the importance of letting the process unfold and not rushing to judgment.
- Utilizing reflection to improve 6:43 I share the idea of conducting after-action reports to learn from experiences.
- Embracing failure as a stepping stone 7:31 I highlight how failure can indicate that you're pushing creative boundaries.
- Recognizing the nonlinear nature of creativity 9:48 I discuss the unpredictable path of creative success and the importance of flexibility.
Selected excerpts
It just doesn’t very good. You know? I made a bad thing. I’m not going to release it.
There are two things that I want to take away from it... it would have robbed me of all the lessons that I’ve learned from this song that I can apply to the next song.
...if you aren't failing then you might just be in too narrow of a band of expression.
...the best way is to go to bed, even if it's a nap, even if it's 30 minutes, but like literally reset the brain, come back, listen to it, and now you can be a critic because sometimes I've surprised myself.
Everybody's got other things going on and you need to be flexible, risk-taking, always assessing and napping a lot when you can.
FAQ
What are the key lessons from failure in music production?
Failure can provide invaluable lessons that enhance the creative process, leading to personal growth and better artistic outcomes.
How can artists effectively assess their work?
Going through a reflective process, such as conducting after-action reports, enables artists to understand what went well and what can be improved.
What role does self-reflection play in the creative process?
Self-reflection allows artists to separate their inner critic from their creative instinct, facilitating better decision-making in their craft.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.