We crave freedom to do whatever we want but a structure-less endeavour leaves us with a scattered resource, ambition and undercooked art.
So let’s get things in order.
A foundation for creativity. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, a routine encourages you to show up and do the work daily, making space for ideas to emerge. Instead of waiting to be called an "artist," the focus should be on the "doing" – the daily practice of making art. Routine facilitates this consistently. If no one ever calls you an “artist”, you might never end up making anything.
Protect your mornings. The first couple of hours will establish the tone of the day. Avoid outside distractions, especially digital ones. Do something every morning that involves movement, natural light and gratitude. If it helps you, here’s what my current routine looks like:
07.30am - get up (phone lives in the hallway) and exercise (or walk)
08.00am - coffee and meditate
08.30am - shower and get ready
09.00am - play, make sounds, try things with no end goal, for joy
10.00am - get to work
Freedom. Routine not restrictive, it is liberating. Having a framework frees you from the fatigue of constant decision making of figuring out what to do next, allowing you to focus your limited time, energy, and talent on the creative work itself. Once you know what to do next because you’ve made a plan in advance - be it a list for the day or a schedule on the calendar - you’ll have far more effective hours and days.
slices
4 things worth sharing
Christina Boyle - Born and raised in Scotland, and based in Glasgow’s Southside, her artistic journey has been deeply influenced by the rich heritage and natural beauty of her surroundings. Christina’s paintings often draw inspiration from the textures, colours, and forms found in interior spaces.
Hey ChatGPT, finish this building - In June 2023, Belgian agency IMPACT launched a viral campaign with a billboard on an unfinished building in Antwerp, highlighting the irreplaceable skills of tradespeople.
A Lightness of Being - Dance artist Takeshi Matsumoto leads a guide to unleashing your creativity through paper, play and movement, celebrating Japanese kite-making and the art of origami with thoughtful brand TOAST.
Inside Brian Eno’s Studio - Brian Eno welcomes Zane Lowe into his studio to discuss generative art and the importance of consciously recentering creative expression in our lives.
have you heard..
Niobrara ?? We are all waiting for Tony Anderson to release his next album. Until then, he’s given us a playlist of new songs that will (probably) end up on his anticipated record. You never know with Tony, so enjoy it while its here.
life update
Cricket season in full swing. My garden furniture is out. The sun beams onto my living room piano in the morning so that’s where you’ll find me. Also we’re selling our home.. I went from the Isle of Skye (writing my second album) straight to Malta where my wife was working, and had a lovely holiday. Did you know that Malta has free parking on the whole island?
music
Remixes are here! Okay, part one.. which means there are a couple more on the way. Huge thanks to Hollie Kenniff, Laurel Violet and Steven Weston for their amazing work. You can listen to them here.
Currently, I’m listening to all my unfinished/finished demos, from what was progressed in Scotland - on repeat, fixing, adding, re-doing, deleting, pushing, pulling. I’m collaborating with some wonderful artists on a few songs which is really exciting. Also.. remember this..? if I can be honest. My first EP with Elle Limebear was a small collection of songs for everyday life, healing and reflection. Well, we’ve been quietly chipping away at a second project. May your anticipation grow even more with this information.
coffee
Ngaindethia, Kenya roasted by Father Carpenter is what I’m enjoying this month.
ambient cafe radio - ep1
tracklist: sometimes it’s scary but its still just you and me by Leaving Laurel > Bloom by Alaskan Tapes > Signs by Ólafur Arnalds, Talos > in between seasons by The Field Tapes > Melt by Haruhisa Tanaka > Moving Wings by Hollie Kenniff, Goldmund, Harbors > Early Memories by Patricia Wolf > Sentiment by Blurstem, Be Still The Earth.
Thank you so much for being here. If you enjoyed this month’s read and listen, please leave a comment, get involved in the chat and hit me up on Instagram & TikTok. I’d love to hear from you because I’m excited about building a community and bringing you closer to what’s happening in my world.
Paid subscribers get access to an unreleased demo, a sample pack and exclusive bts from the studio. This month you get a sneak peak of Joy Paradox The Remixes: Part Two, an ambient sample pack and a vlog rundown of all my gear in the studio.