Let’s be real: creativity tends to be described as this crazy, unruly thing something that hits you in the shower or as you stand at the window, waiting for inspiration to strike like a lightning bolt. But according to Hrishikesh Hirway, musician and creator of Song Exploder, the actual magic comes when you couple that spark of creativity with a good amount of discipline.
Creativity is more than a hobby or a part-time guest in Hrishikesh’s life. It’s an integral part of what he is. As a child, he viewed creativity as a means of creating his own space, a space in which his instincts and thoughts could grow even if they didn’t conform to the norms of his environment. And that feeling of accomplishment of bringing something into being became the propelling force in his existence.
But there’s the catch: creativity, as exciting as it is, needs more than chaos. Hrishikesh has found that structure is necessary to actually get things done. He’s not the only one many of the artists he’s featured on Song Exploder have told him the same thing. Some give themselves a challenge, such as writing a song each week for months at a stretch. For Hrishikesh, the secret has been setting aside dedicated time to do creative work. Each Friday, he clears his calendar for music no calls, no meetings, not even a glance at email. This is not about suppressing creativity; it’s about setting the circumstances in which it can thrive.
Naturally, inspiration doesn’t necessarily play by the clock. Technology to the rescue. Hrishikesh keeps his phone within reach, waiting to record those passing thoughts a melody that occurs while driving, a lyric that pops up while taking a stroll. These rough, unrefined voice memos may not play like much at first, but they’re the seeds that can sprout into refined songs. The secret is to grab those seconds before they’re lost, then come back to them afterwards with new ears and a more detached mind.
Maintaining concentration, particularly when working from home, can be its own challenge. Hrishikesh swears by the magic of backing away literally. A short walk outside or simply pacing the garage will do, but giving your brain a time-out can reset your attention and generate new ideas. And though remote work can feel isolating, Hrishikesh finds connection in dialogue, whether it’s a call with a friend or an interview for his podcast. Proximity doesn’t have to equal intimacy; powerful collaboration can occur from anywhere.
Collaboration being said, it’s one of the most effective tools in the creative arsenal. Hrishikesh cites a lesson from Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, who explained how collaborating with Atticus Ross made him think about his own ideas in a different way. Other times, you require another human being to sort through the chaos, identify what is working, and assist in molding it into something better. That outside eye can be analytical and intuitive and bring equilibrium to the creative process.
Ultimately, creativity is a balancing act between intuition and analysis, chaos and order. You require the crazy ideas, but you also require the discipline to catch, sharpen, and then broadcast them. Some are born to be able to do both halves, but for the rest of us, it’s a talent that we develop over time with a little assistance from our friends, a few good habits, and perhaps a reliable voice memo app.
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