With the release of his new Flashpoints EP on Vivrant alongside Stockholm-based rising star Fahlberg, melodic house icon Jeremy Olander returns in rare form. The three-track collaboration is Olander’s first in five years, combining hypnotic grooves and emotive club energy with a touch of 90s UK flair. Built for both peak-time dance floors and headphones alike, the EP highlights what happens when two artists at the top of their game allow instinct and trust to lead the way.
In this feature, Olander shares five personal tools for escaping creative paralysis and reconnecting with inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or simply stuck on a loop, his tips serve as a reminder that sometimes the best progress comes when you stop chasing perfection.
Open Your Mind to Fresh Inspiration
Leave the studio, go outside and have a think about what unexpected things could be a source of inspiration to you. Go to the museum, theatre, or just sit on the subway for 2 hours and observe people, sounds or the environment.
I’ve learned over the years that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places and moments.
Allow Yourself to Experiment
Set aside sessions where completion isn’t the goal. Just pure sound design and exploration. These laidback more easygoing sessions remove the pressure of creating a finished track. A lot of my best stuff has come out of “no expectations” experimental sessions.
Create an Alternate Music Identity
Sometimes working under a different musical persona frees you from your regular sound and expectations.
My Dhillon project allowed me to explore techno directions that felt stuck when working on melodic Jeremy Olander stuff. Creating this separate creative outlet helped renew my perspective when returning to my main productions.
Collaborate with Someone
Do what I did.
Hit up Fahlberg or some other producer you like to get fresh perspectives and get inspired. I’ve tended to work alone for most of my career, but there’s really no substitute for sitting next to someone and getting an insight into their mind and how they approach different challenges in the studio.
Set a Strict Time Limit
When I’m overthinking things, get stuck and can’t move on, I’ll give myself three or four hours to complete a sketch from start to finish. The time pressure eliminates perfectionism and forces instinctual decisions. When you learn to trust your instincts you develop confidence.
While these quick productions rarely become final releases, they often give you dope ideas you can develop further later.
The post Jeremy Olander Shares 5 Tips to Break Through Creative Block appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.