The first two weeks of January, I travelled to Florence to write. For the past couple of years, working on the debut album, I have struggled to create new music and have been uninspired. I was thinking that going away could be a new start, finally getting some time to myself away from work and commitments, and being able to let my creativity flow again.
I think this idea of the solitary artist going somewhere far away to write, is often romanticised. At least it is in my head. What I first encountered when I arrived was feeling quite scared and lonely. I could see the beauty around me and appreciate it, but for the first few days, most of my energy was directed towards processing the anxiety that washed over me. Was I even worthy of being here, in this gorgeous artist residency apartment, when I haven’t written anything in over a year? Do I even still have it in me, or was my album the end of my creativity? Every day for the first week I was debating wether or not to just go home.
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned from these two weeks is this; You don’t have to go through everything alone. You don’t have to be a solitary artist all the time. And you need people - both in music and in life.
I wanted to share these thoughts in case it might be of help to other introvert and “lone wolf» artists, maybe especially female ones, who feel like they have to prove themselves doing everything on their own, and who might be scared to reach out to other artists. I’ll definitely do my best to open myself up more creatively. It can only give you inspiration, knowledge, and community.
Thank you Florence, I can’t wait to come back! xx
Mörmaid
🤍Postcard from Florence🤍
The first two weeks of January, I travelled to Florence to write. For the past couple of years, working on the debut album, I have struggled to create new music and have been uninspired. I was thinking that going away could be a new start, finally getting some time to myself away from work and commitments, and being able to let my creativity flow again.
I think this idea of the solitary artist going somewhere far away to write, is often romanticised. At least it is in my head. What I first encountered when I arrived was feeling quite scared and lonely. I could see the beauty around me and appreciate it, but for the first few days, most of my energy was directed towards processing the anxiety that washed over me. Was I even worthy of being here, in this gorgeous artist residency apartment, when I haven’t written anything in over a year? Do I even still have it in me, or was my album the end of my creativity? Every day for the first week I was debating wether or not to just go home.
From previous experiences though, I know that facing these demons and doing what I want despite of them, is crucial. So I stayed, let myself feel everything I felt - and gradually the storm subsided. I made a handful of song sketches. I sang and played guitar. I learned new things. I had amazing food. I sat in cafés and wrote. I spoke to my loved ones back home every day. I was even lucky enough to meet some wonderful people that made the whole stay so much more joyful. Cheers to you guys!
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned from these two weeks is this; You don’t have to go through everything alone. You don’t have to be a solitary artist all the time. And you need people - both in music and in life.
I wanted to share these thoughts in case it might be of help to other introvert and “lone wolf» artists, maybe especially female ones, who feel like they have to prove themselves doing everything on their own, and who might be scared to reach out to other artists. I’ll definitely do my best to open myself up more creatively. It can only give you inspiration, knowledge, and community.
Thank you Florence, I can’t wait to come back! xx
2 months ago | [YT] | 16