Hack Music Theory

Replaced by Robots.

The truth is that AI has already taken over.

Before I read my new essay, I just wanna let you know that everything on our website is now half price. Whether you’re a complete beginner…

Overwhelmed With Content? Use This Method.

One simple question can get your time (and your life) back!

I deleted all my social media accounts 11 years ago, yet every day I’m overwhelmed with things to listen to. And…

AI Hitmaker to AI Hitman.

Wow, that escalated fast!

It was only two years ago that I was sitting here at my desk watching a video on how generative-AI was now able to make music. I remember thinking: Man,…

Counterclockwise Music.

This Song Makes You Feel Good.

When I listen to “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood in the ‘80s. In fact, if I close my eyes while listening to it, I’m…

Odd Time Signatures

That Aren’t Odd.

Rare Rhythms That Move People.

American band Death Cab for Cutie recently released their new album “I Built You a Tower”, and the song “Stone Over Water” is a brilliant example of how…

Wanting Fans Is Not Wanting Validation.

Music is social. No fans = No relationships.

My previous essay, titled “Making Music Is Bad for Mental Health”, was a kind of eulogy to the pre-smartphone fan. You know, that person who…

Making Music Is Bad for Your Mental Health.

Songs need listeners, but most people are too busy scrolling nowadays.

You’ve just finished a new song. You love it! You’re beyond thrilled. You can’t wait for people to hear it,…

Life in a ‘90s Grunge Band.

Comparing the music world of 1996 to 2026.

It’s 9pm. Friday night. December 20th, 1996. Cape Town, South Africa. I walk out on stage. The air is thick with smoke from the fog machine…

Creating Calm Through Song Structure.

How to make a sonic sanctuary, like Tamikrest.

My favourite Saharan rock band Tamikrest just released their new album “Assikel”, and I’ve had it on repeat this week. Why? Well firstly, this is a…

A Couplet a Day,

Keeps Insanity Away.

Daily creative habits for better mental health.

We’ve just moved. Again. For more than a decade now, Kate and I have been averaging about one move per year. Last year we…

Forget Meditation, Listen to Music.

Meditating isn’t effective enough anymore.

As people become more addicted to their phones, society’s obsession with mindfulness meditation grows. I think that’s because the collective unconscious knows that we desperately need to take back…

Writers & Readers Against AI.

If you’re pro-human, join Paul Kingsnorth’s campaign.

The brilliant English writer Paul Kingsnorth recently launched a campaign for everyone who loves humans and human creativity. So if you also miss the good ol’ days…