Electronic music is a genre that has taken the world by storm, with its upbeat rhythms and catchy beats.

However, what many people don't realize is that behind every electronic track is a songwriter who infuses their own state of mind into the music. From the upbeat club bangers to the melancholic ballads, the state of mind of the songwriter plays a crucial role in the final product. In this article, I want to explore the influence of state of mind on songwriting in electronic music, with a particular focus on the impact of sadness on the creative process.

From exploring the link between sadness and creativity to discovering how electronic music producers draw inspiration from their own emotions, let's take a closer look at what it takes to create thought-provoking electronic music that resonates with listeners on a deeper level. So dive in and explore the fascinating world of state of mind and songwriting in electronic music.

The role of state of mind in music composition

Music composition is a highly creative process, and the state of mind of the composer plays a significant role in the final output. The emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the composer are reflected in the music he creates, and this is especially true in electronic music. The state of mind of the composer can influence the melody, tempo, and even the lyrics of the song.

The impact of positive and negative emotions on music creation

Positive and negative emotions can have a significant impact on music creation. While positive emotions can lead to more upbeat, energetic tracks, negative emotions can lead to more melancholic and introspective tracks. Both positive and negative emotions can be a source of inspiration for the composer, but negative emotions can often lead to more thought-provoking and emotionally charged compositions.

For example, a composer who is feeling sad may draw inspiration from his emotions and create a track that reflects his state of mind. This can lead to a more emotionally charged and thought-provoking composition that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.

On the other hand, a composer who is feeling happy and upbeat may create a track that is more lighthearted and fun, but may not have the same emotional impact as a more introspective composition.

Here some example of electronic music from the newly created #nftshowroom gallery.

Feeling good can be considered Low-Fi Electronic

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My favorite is Moon Dog, the father of what is today considered electronic music.

Moon Dog was an influential musician who paved the way for modern electronic music. Born Louis Thomas Hardin in 1916, he was a blind composer who lived on the streets of Manhattan, playing his self-made instruments and composing his own music.

Moon Dog was ahead of his time, using unique instrumentation and electronic techniques to create his music. He developed his own synthesizer, the "Trimba," which combined the sounds of a keyboard, percussion, and string instruments.

Moon Dog's music was a blend of different styles, combining classical, jazz, and electronic music. He was known for his use of unconventional time signatures and his use of repetition and looping.

Moon Dog's influence can be heard in the work of artists like Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, and Aphex Twin. His pioneering work has earned him a place in the history of electronic music, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

The science behind state of mind and creativity

The link between state of mind and creativity has been studied extensively in recent years, and there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that a positive state of mind can enhance creativity. Studies have shown that people who are in a positive state of mind are more likely to come up with creative ideas and solutions to problems.

One of the reasons for this is that a positive state of mind can lead to increased dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and it has been shown to play a key role in creativity. When dopamine levels are high, people are more likely to feel motivated and focused, which can lead to increased creativity.

Techniques to cultivate a positive state of mind for music composition

Cultivating a positive state of mind can be challenging, especially for composers who are dealing with negative emotions. However, there are several techniques that can be used to help cultivate a more positive state of mind for music composition.

One technique is to practice mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing your attention on the present moment and letting go of negative thoughts and emotions. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a more positive state of mind.

I have to be honest, creating music for me is a way out from depression; I have a weird disease called "Displasya Fibrosis"

This disease "Fibrous Dysplasia" causes an inflammatory state in the bone structure, so the patient lives in constant pain-- but this is not the biggest problem, because if you were born with this disease maybe you don't even know what it is not to have pain.

Unfortunately, this inflammatory state increases the risk of depression, and I lived my entire life in and out of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, etc.

Despite the challenges, music and meditation have helped me to live better with this disease. I have learned that it is important to find things that give you joy and purpose, and to surround yourself with support and positivity. Above all, it is essential to never give up hope, and to keep pushing through the pain to find your own path to happiness and healing.

Another technique is to engage in physical exercise. Exercise has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can lead to a more positive state of mind. Exercise can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be beneficial for composers who are dealing with negative emotions.

Case studies of successful electro-folk musicians and their state of mind

Many successful electro-folk musicians have attributed their success to their state of mind. For example, Bon Iver, who is known for his emotionally charged compositions, has spoken about the importance of his state of mind in his music creation process. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said,

"It's really about trying to get to a place where you're feeling good about yourself and your life, and that's where the music comes from."

Similarly, James Blake, who is known for his introspective and emotionally charged tracks, has spoken about the role of his state of mind in his music creation process. In an interview with The Guardian, he said,

"I think that the only music that has ever really connected with people on a deep level is music that is honest and comes from a real place."

Collaborating with other musicians to enhance state of mind in music creation

Collaborating with other musicians can be a great way to enhance the state of mind in music creation. Working with other musicians can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, which can be beneficial for composers who are feeling stuck or uninspired.

Here is one the website I use to collaborate with other musicians and share ideas. It is totally free and you can find really great features for composing music directly from your browser:

BANDALAB

Collaborating with other musicians can also be a great way to build a support network. Music composition can be a solitary process, and having a support network of other musicians can be invaluable for composers who are dealing with negative emotions.

The importance of authenticity in electro-folk music

Authenticity is key in electro-folk music. Fans of the genre are drawn to the emotionally charged and introspective compositions that are a hallmark of the genre. Composers who are able to infuse their own state of mind into their music are more likely to create compositions that resonate with listeners on a deeper level.

Here you can find some of the Folk-electronic music i like the most

Authenticity is also important because it helps to build a connection between the composer and the listener. When a composer is able to create music that is honest and comes from a real place, it can create a sense of empathy and understanding between the composer and the listener.

Tools and resources for improving state of mind in music composition

There are several tools and resources available for composers who are looking to improve their state of mind in music composition. As I wrote, I use meditation. But the best way for me to really come out from the shit is "mushrooms": I did them for one month every day a little bit, just enough to get inside my soul, down deep in my nightmares, and then... you gonna come up any way.. it's a law of physics.

Conclusion: Embrace the power of state of mind in your electro-folk music creation.

In conclusion, the state of mind of the composer plays a crucial role in the creation of electro-folk music. Whether positive or negative, the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the composer are reflected in the music he creates. Cultivating a positive state of mind can be challenging, but there are several techniques that can be used to help improve state of mind in music composition. Collaborating with other musicians and cultivating authenticity in music creation can also be beneficial. By embracing the power of state of mind, composers can create thought-provoking and emotionally charged compositions that resonate with listeners on a deeper level.

Pictures by Pexel

Mario Farinato is an Italian musician, video producer and blogger. Winner of SanRemoRock 32nd edition and La Settima Nota National Competition, he has produced one album playing two guitars simultaneously. The album is available on Spotify and on all digital platforms, Mario Marco Farinato is distributed by VSAdviceMusic