idk what im doing anymore

This is a bit of a venting session tbh you may or may not find it relatable
Stream my music → ldre.bio/music
Samples/Vinyl's/Merch → prodbyldre.com

[@LDreTheGiant]

We just venting today fr sorry lol but hopefully someone can relate

[@CarnalCarnival]

that sweater is dope! Haha - can defo relate to the subject of the video too, I watch a lot of vids by Conductor Williams and Kenny Beats and they talk about similar subjects, productivity, motivation, all that kinda stuff. I guess that prioritising the monetization and predicted earnings from making music can take a lot of the fun out of the creative process, but at the same time hard work always pays off, so major credit to anyone who is able to make a full-time living from doing music, or any other creative pursuit.

[@devildoesdemocracy]

what you need is to identify the will of God, that's what your soul is earning for.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Isn't living life all about ups and downs? Part of your feeling is actually how the brain functions, using Dopamine basically. Every time something good happens You get a buzz but onces its faded you feel low end want another buzz.

[@tottywat]

got me wanting to make something similar to this because this is hella relatable!

[@Scuup24]

Bro I get the same feeling every semester it’s all good

[@LLusion]

we love a self aware king not afraid to talk about these things 🤝

[@LDreTheGiant]

My guy 🙏🏾

[@karacoldmusic]

I think you're actually at a great time in your career and you're just looking at it all wrong. You have 700k monthly listeners from not giving 100%. You're literally able to maintain a steady fan base and you don't have to bust your ass. That's a God send dude. So many people out here are hustling just to get 100k. You have built a solid fan base that loves your stuff. You don't realize it but young you in the garage dreamed this up and its all been fulfilled.

[@tinagomez4418]

Best take on this! Great comment.

[@TheEncouragementKid]

BIIIIGGGG FAX!!! we hustling to get even 100 monthlys lol 😭😭

[@bambatacandt7921]

This needs to be pinned🙌🏿💯!

[@Coskunmusic]

Here is some motivation for all creatives: I Gave Up 5 times in my 20 years of making music. I have a day job like everyone and am trying to make music fulltime. But I keep coming back! I LOVE MUSIC!!!

[@Jplazanyc]

Same.

[@calbluemusic]

Bro this is really the most relatable video I've watched in a while. Very much feel that cycle of going hard, getting close to a breakthrough but then falling off due to feeling burnt out or just life in general. Like you, I'm not the most ambitious person, don't really care for social media or making content but I know if you want to get anywhere in music these days it's a must. Through all the ups and downs I still feel like there's nothing I want more in life than to make music and sustain myself from it. Just seeing you be transparent about your struggles even after finding success gives me hope on my own journey. Just gotta keep pushing. Preciate you and your content fam!

[@semixproductions]

This.

[@SonSwiftBeats]

Producing is not for the weak. Consistency is the only thing making sense to me lately because idk what im doing either lmao

[@LDreTheGiant]

Literally just keeping at it no matter what is the way lol

[@prod.shadow]

Definitely feel this bro. I think the lesson to learn here (from what I can observe) is you did it already, you made it. You have a roof over your head, nice things, nice car, etc. something that is WAY too normalized in society is “grind culture” and it’s painfully embedded into music culture (producer culture more specifically). You aren’t a bad person for not wanting to grind, you aren’t a bad person for wanting to relax and have a healthy balance of work to relaxation. Humans were not meant to work as much as we do in the modern era (40+ hours a week). Historically, even peasants worked less than 40 hours a day 🤣 the era we’re in is one of the most extreme we’ve seen in terms of work and output. You have the right idea, LIFE first, work after. Keep creating without expectations, keep prioritizing life, much love 🫶

[@UNIWXV]

You actually are the reason why I started making Lo-Fi , and your content helped me to do my first step in this long road, and at the time I'm typing this comment, I am in the same scenario you were in the days you made music in your mom's garage, and I'm hoping that one day I reach my goal, and it's so comforting to hear your story, it makes me believe in myself that i can do it too. Keep going , you are such a good man! and good luck for me in your contest, I'm waiting the announcements.

[@LDreTheGiant]

I wish you nothing but success!

[@latenightluke]

You're so real for this video. Your transparency and honesty is so helpful

[@BobCCLIV]

I appreciate this. Smoothing out that roller coaster is something I'm always trying to work on and I think there's a way to do it, but it's fucking hard. Same roller coaster with just feeling good about skills. With mixing and making music I'll be proud of myself and then think I suck on a monthly cycle. Gotta just keep working on making the bumps less steep

[@BrendanMiranda]

Very great points. Time with family and going out in the real world is priceless imo. You'll never be this age again so you have to balance your experiences and time wisely.

[@joeford454]

Great video L dre,believe me your not the only going through this,I'm going through this now,I only put my I mac on yesterday,the first time in two months,I think as music people we go through phases where you just lock off the music.i think it's your mind telling you to reboot or refresh,and then after a few months or years you get back on your grind.truss me we all go through this,L dre your videos really help people who maybe feeling a bit of depression.keep up the great work you do brother,peace

[@madkeys_]

Appreciate you so much for this bro. You’ve vocalized a ton of thoughts and emotions that I’ve been feeling lately with the work. I think this is that season where we gotta find balance in both being present in the world around us (aka spending intentional time with loved ones, watching anime, going to brunch etc) and with how we show up online and in our music. That rest is gonna be what that brings all the inspiration & motivation to remain consistent. You’re truly an inspiration fam. Thank you for all you do 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jim_beau]

Totally relate, I have this lingering guilt about not posting enough etc and using that to motivate you is useful in the short term but burns you out over time. Its important to try to be consistent but sometimes I really need to take breaks from music grind to find inspiration again. Also I realise more and more that even if I do have success in music, it won't solve all my problems so I might as well stop taking myself so seriously and enjoy the process

[@davebuchi]

This is so real and appreciate your transparency bruv. It’s a rollercoaster so many highs and lows and everything in between. But you’ll pull thru broski

[@naping]

Man it's nice to see that even at different levels of success everyone still struggles with the same things. I could write an essay on how relatable this video was lol. Thank you opening up about these things, it's a lot more helpful than you probably think.

[@freekmol7965]

It's truly amazing you have the guts to make these kind of videos and be real with us. Very relatable, thanks man.

[@Nerd-mo7mx]

Just finished the video fully, and it was super motivating honestly! Thank you!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Happy to help 🙏🏾

[@billiedoesbeats]

I’m so with you, literally identical feelings. It sounds like you’re happy with your life outside of music and content which is actually something to be proud of. Props to you for finding love and peace.

[@MIXBYMARV]

Thank you for sharing. I just started doing music fulltime and I am scared of getting burnt out. It's good to know someone like you has the same feelings as I do lately. You're doing great man. Just keep going!

[@ethansun535]

i feel like a lotta artists relate to this, i'm glad your speaking about it. i kinda feel the same way

[@nathanaeljames3059]

I feel you. I do think I have become more aware of who I am and what I want in music through the pursuit of a music career. I used to burnout and then take long break but I think I have learned that slow little movements towards something works better than high highs and low lows.

[@beastboybeats]

This is a really good video. I think a lot of us are stuggling with exactly this waves of emotions. I always don't know what I'm doing but I have trust that everything will work out. Even if sometimes everything seems hopeless and this video is sooo valuable. Most people your size wouldn't say that about themselves and that's the beauty of it. You show that no matter how far you have come, you will always have doubts. Much love and repsect 🤝

[@JMESIX]

Thanks for this bro im in that GO GO GO phase rn and its great to get perspective from someones whos been in my position. Don't ever think you letting us down if you need to take a break we all human and sometimes its necessary slow down to take care of yourself. Espically the mental aspect. Its never talked about in the producer community so thank you for opening that conversation. Much love bro

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you G! And we gotta keep convos like this in the open 💯

[@madimakes]

This was *excellent*. Thanks for sharing yourself as a human. I think I needed to hear this and I’m not even a content creator or heavy follower of your work…so I know there are those who need to hear it more! And maaan I think I may try that pancake hack…challenge accepted Also sounds like a dope title for a record

[@cblanchhiphop]

love the honesty here man - you've accomplished so much and deserve to feel proud. Nothing wrong with enjoying your success and finding a more balanced life simultaneously

[@CalmEverAfter]

SO relatable. Vicious cycle for real, no matter what type of work or art you make. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@bigfuzzztv787]

This phenomenon happen to me a few to many times in the late 90's and I QUIT the music industry. DON'T DO THAT sir. Keep going, change it up and inspire more & MORE my bruvah! #respect

[@paklite_music]

Totally feel this man ive been in the same boat for a while. thanks for sharing 🙏

[@DylanOwenMusic]

your transparency is awesome bro, thanks for this vid

[@LUGG824]

Thank you for this video mam. Been feeling pretty burnout recently, but when taking my first steps into this big music journey, its so comforting hearing other people (especially big names) dealing with the same troubles. I don't know if we can ever avoid burnout, but life and ourselves should be the first priority. I've been learning that even though I am a producer, that doesn't solely define who I am, its just one part of me in a number of other things... :)

[@RayLyleMusic]

bro it is so challenging to uphold these positions when we reach them, its okay to just feel an accpet the feelings openly and thank you for using your platform to show us the other side of this new age of content and music art bro!

[@swandaley]

I really appreciated this video and can relate to a lot of things you said. Between 2020 and 2022, I was going super hard on TikTok and built a sizable following. Since then, I haven't been as proactive since the app has been burning me out. In spite of that, I'm still going though its at a slower pace. Overall, you're right. This isn't all rainbows and what not, especially with all of the data out there that can make feel discouraged.

[@kfrett09]

Same. I hate making content, hate being over analytical, but love making music. Guess I’ve settled on being down for the marathon!

[@Airic]

good timing to see someone of your status feelin this way cus i been goin thru it this week questioning everything lol smh... salute

[@LukeIcardMusic]

Its good to separate chill time, work time, and family time. Set boundaries. Don't burn yourself out. You are playing the long game.

[@carlosmarx3193]

the video is speaking to me directly, thank you it's encouraging

[@lindasson]

I really really appreciate your transparency, and I just got off that Rollercoaster, and feel like I got back in line to ride it again (No Diddy) Keep shining King!!🙏🏾✊🏾💚

[@MilesGotBeats]

Gang I feel you. When I had my union job for Ford in Michigan 4bd/2 & half bth house, life was comfortable. I could've coasted it out and maybe HOPE for a placement or life changing viral moment. I knew my hope could get 10x if I just changed my positioning and level of comfort. Even when that moment comes though, I know the hamster wheel doesn't stop. At the end of the day, it's just about what hamster wheel we can become most comfortable on. That's where the happiness is.

[@Djsatile]

Best way to get back motivated is remember them days of struggling and being broke and watch that fire reunite

[@fdeebeats]

Homie, thanks to you I started making music again for 2 years now. your videos mean so much to me and have helped me in ways you can't even imagine. I wish you only the best and most importantly, stay well. Even if you go to sleep early, the things you do, you do impeccably.

[@MottoTone]

I appreciate the transparency bro. I get like this when it comes to sound design sometimes.

[@prod.cardbored]

totally get you, ive been making a beat a day for almost 2 months straight and starting to feel that burnout and feeling too comfortable.

[@WUNTZN4EVR]

You are not alone. This is a part of the process & it makes the wins sweeter and most meaningful! Thanks for this btw 💪🏾

[@8thNoteBeats08]

Thank you bro for this video! I am in my final month of Music Production and I will graduate at the end of this month. Since I have been in school your videos have been helping me keep going. I am sure you have your valleys and peaks but through it all, you have been persevering! Every week when I listen to Spotify's new releases, I always see your name and that fr gives me motivation and shows how even when you're mentally burned out, you still put in that work! It's goals forreal and I know you're one of my inspirations and I am going to put forth my best efforts and know I will be successful as well too! Take some time to enjoy the fruits of your labor definitely can help if you're burned out and enjoying God's creations! I continue to pray for your success and hope one day to collab with you!

[@SamyGali]

I totally feel like that sometimes...Great Video!

[@MondoLoops]

Man this hit hard, I love being a musician but the mental ups and downs can be a lot!

[@SinclairTheMage]

Bro this is facts. That lotto question is serious lol, I think it’s hard because music and creativity is a sense of freedom, no pressure, a lot of content creators who are big don’t have time for fam or exploration. Ur doing way above the norm so your hard work has paid off. All about the balance that fits who u wna continue to be. Bless up g. 👊🏾

[@DevvonTerrell]

My guy the never ending cycle! Peaks and valleys. It’ll never end. Your not crazy and what ur feeling is so normal man we all deal with it bro 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@vigh4696]

That’s really great! Respect to you putting this out. I’m not new to this either, we’re in it together, much love!

[@GullySyde28]

Great candid stuff bro. Thanks for the realness man

[@karengarciabeats7869]

I can definitely relate Dre it’s nothing to be ashamed of but at the end of the day we are all humans we are going to run into these things

[@jeffj6997]

Bro, Love how authentic you are! Don’t sweat the highs and lows… it is part of everyone’s journey! Just make sure you don’t get to a creative burnout … and if you do..it is OK to take a break …

[@MauricioMirapalhetaSound]

Thanks for sharing all that with us, brother, everything you said is extremely relatable, we´re all human beings, we all feel it, that´s just how it is.

[@DopamineOverload]

Feel this SO hard. Thanks, as always.

[@j.d.5709]

This is so relevant to me right now. The opening was a perfect example, too, lol. I will say this cycle highlights something important and that's margin. Learning to pace yourself and be realistic with what you can and can't do in a given amount of time and make sure you have times during the week to relax and take a break from grinding. I admit this is extremly hard to do if you are ambitious. I tend to set goals way too high for myself and not be realistic with what I can produce with the time I have without burning out.

[@jasonnnnnnn346]

I really appreciate this video, I've been struggling with depression for a while, with my drive to continue with producing being at an all time low since I'm also working a minimum wage job. Everyone suggests taking a break, although I don't find entertainment in much of anything besides music which makes it WAY harder to do so. Just went to my first underground show this last weekend to watch a rapper buddy of mines set with my beats, and while the mix seemed fine, the crowd (although small) was enjoying it, I wasn't happy with myself for whatever reason. Finally, my downloads were deleted last night meaning many of my projects using samples or interpolations of my own work have been ripped leaving just drums and vocals. All in all I apologize for this rant and thankyou L.Dre.

Dude, you're going through a low moment but you're coping well, you're being strong. Keep it up and you will never fail!

[@geezus6191]

EVERYONE! Just make MUSIC

[@greyjaye7115]

This felt like a therapy session, pretty cool..

[@paulchristie8416]

It is always good to do music when u r inspired so don't force just make it come naturally.

[@Hashtagman]

L dre. You inspired me to just START making music, and pursuing my dream. It's completely normal to feel the way that you do, but like you said just HOLD ON! You're doing GREAT! and you will continue to do so, the show must go on, but if you need a break, just remember it's okay to take one every once in a while. Look back every now and then at what you've accomplished, and keep pushing and chasing your next big thing. TLDR: Thank you for inspiring me to continue, and thank you for not being scared to speak up about things like this. I'll be with you till the end. THANK YOU!

[@Inspirmentalist]

i feel you on this... nowadays i just make a few beats a month here and there. i know i'm not where i wanna be at yet but sometimes i feel burnt out. best to just take a few steps back and rest and then come back to it.

[@musicbyjon5447]

Always real, keep putting out the content, we need it!

[@DeadSilent]

Man this is exactly what I needed to see today

[@navnijher]

Appreciate all of your work.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@divinesoul7]

I think what you’re experiencing is growth. Your desires and priorities change as you get older, and especially once you start a family. You’ll go through another shift once you have kids. I say enjoy where you are and the progress you’re making, not just in your music career, but in life in general.

[@creativedwill]

Brooo!! This video is so on point! I thought I was the only one 😂

[@MrMokeyMokey123]

Needed to hear this thank you

[@OXYreal]

Hope things will go better than what you're expecting next year, Insha'Allah, you have been one of the few inspirations to me last years and still, I wish you all good man! 👏💎

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you!

[@fdeebeats]

Homie, I've been making beats again thanks to you for almost 2 years now. I had completely lost my passion for music. I will have watched some of your videos dozens of times to motivate me and learn. Even videos like this point out that despite the cycles of ups and downs, the things you do you do impeccably. I wish you only the best, I hope you find a middle ground in all of this. 🙏🏻

[@PhantomGHOSTProd]

Wow I needed this

[@TheCelestineProph]

Maybe you're "true purpose" in life is to HELP other people make music which is needed in this world right now: 1- for the musician / producer making the music they feel good doing what they love to do. 2- the music you and they produce makes people feel good (that's a good thing). I was a surgeons' assistant for many years. I've been retired for about 4 years now. Every now and then I feel like my life has no meaning. Friends remind me that I have saved THOUSANDS OF LIVES and have trained hundreds of future doctors and surgeons that will help save many more lives. You can take your time doing what you do. You have a foundation setup already (its not like you're just starting out). Kick back and enjoy the rewards of your labor. REMEMBER , ON YOUR WAY TO YOUR "PRECIEVED" DESTINATION YOU'RE SUPPOSE TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY!! CHEERS MATE!! ✌❤

[@LDreTheGiant]

Love this thank you for sharing 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@sanosketheboss]

Beautifully said

[@TARRAN_]

Hey bro we all love and appreciate the honesty so much. Just trust your heart brother that's all, give it time

[@LianDyogi]

When I was pursuing the artist career path, I remember constantly feeling this EXACT cycle of burnout. Recently swapped out to composing for media and I realized that I felt so burnt out because I was climbing a mountain that I thought I should climb instead of a mountain that brought me joy no matter what part of the journey I was on. I also came to peace with my pace only when I found something where the entire process (highs and lows) was. "enjoyable" or that I felt was fulfilling. I dunno if you have the same feelings but that's been my experience! Also you do not have to grind 24/7 like others said. I think that's so normalized in today's culture. I think maybe you just started enjoying your irl life even more and that's so wonderful! Props to you.

[@masterbogus.]

you keep going bro, that fire is still there

[@GeorgeToox]

I've come to relize that this is just what being an artist is man... Highs and lows. Self doubt gets heavy sometimes but I find that it's learning whenever you can.

[@barnabasthefrog]

Hey L.Dre - You’re dope, man. An inspiration to many of us, I think largely due to how relatable you are in terms of your love for music as well as the challenges you face/overcome. I feel like the stuff you ranted about in this video are things your community has also experienced and thought about to some degree; being a creative, along the self-criticism and doubts that follow. I recently heard some advice that I believe would be applicable here: Whatever advice you’d give to someone else in your same position is the one that you should follow. You’re clearly introspective and have a high EQ - trust your gut and push forward, I know as long as you do that, whatever you define as success, you will achieve. I believe in you brother. Stay chill & keep up the good vibes ✌️

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you for sharing that. It’s a great point many people don’t take their own advice

[@Xzoude24]

I felt the same way bro Especially after my mixtape dropped in March bro worse it didn’t get that much streams but yet I don’t wanna do the content regurgitation of what everyone’s doing on tik tok or IG tho it’s good promo but I’d just really love making music and I have fun doing and I don’t feel comfortable doing that for the sake of content and I felt like there’s something wrong with me for feeling like that

[@Carelesslamp]

this is so comforting thanks 😊

[@LDreTheGiant]

Ofcourse

[@DonovanHallMusic]

10:32 -facts, I can relate to that feeling

[@NeapolitanDynamite1]

you makin sick beats thats what! hope youre good man

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you!

[@alexzehnmusik]

Always here to support you L.Dre

[@LDreTheGiant]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@GreasyDaddy]

Dude it’s totally okay to feel unmotivated sometimes. I think it’s something that everyone struggles with and goes through. Take a break! Come back and look at your schedule and figure out a flow that keeps you excited!

[@DavidMauerMusic]

Bro the struggle is real… started releasing original music last November and had a plan of releasing one single a month for 2024. Then my father died on Christmas Day. Since then I’ve been on track of releasing every month but feeling lost, defeated and in the depths of grief. Kicking myself for not producing more content or having my brand together or posting consistently. Having little moments of success that help to spur me on but mostly just a bunch of L’s that remind me I’m in it for the long haul. Now I’m in a place where I’m trying to remember why I’m doing this in the first place, because I love making music and that’s a part of me that will never go. Whatever success or failures I endure on this journey. Love the content my man and I feel you ✊

[@vvm_signed]

man you deserve to follow your dreams. if you want to grow in music take your time

[@dracul74]

Good talk. I think the cycle has always been true for a lot of successful artists. The Beatles even had this… Paul was the one that drove the band to release songs and albums (at least according to Ringo). I think u have to appreciate that desire to push yourself… not everyone has it

[@denmilli]

Damn, I thought there’s something wrong with me… Thank you for talking about this, L Dre! Been following you since 2019!

[@Fraend]

I just think that sometimes you need to take breaks. Breath all you've done before and just challenge yourself on making something that continue to help and don't care about numbers and all that stuff

[@DavidNorrigan]

Man as long as you can support yourself and your wife and your good mentally, don’t stress over it, you’ve helped so many people, when you stop stressing is when your true potential shows.

[@LyVuiMusic]

I am just like this! I have been wanting to make a video just like this. Love that you shared how you feel. My numbers are no where near yours. Almost non existent.

[@bemcibeats5041]

make contents like this bro... what i've noticed is that we try to perfect our thought process with scripting, editing, the whole production process is overwhelming.... but contents like this of you just talking and airing your thought is the real deal... because people relate to people. we go through the same things, you might not have the answer to my problem, but hearing it from someone else helps me to navigate through my sh!t another way. so LESS edit and more thoughts. p.s people would click off, even if your edit is worth a million dollars... keep going Dre... i've been fucking with you since 2019....

[@andresmorales2775]

We need more of these type of videos fr

[@mastermelardoz]

This is validation that producers may have feelings and opinions and not just make drums all day

[@dotkiiy]

Challenges are exciting, when we’re no longer challenged we’re no longer excited/fulfilled. You challenged yourself to of achieve your goal of getting out of the garage and maybe even surpassed your own expectations. Try setting new goals that may not even have anything to do with music, goals that excite you again. That’s the cycle of a challenge. Thank you for the vulnerability to show all sides🙏🏾

[@LDreTheGiant]

Very good point

[@dotkiiy]

@@LDreTheGiant 🤛🏾

[@SONWU]

Nice talk…I completely understand the feeling! Who really needs another video reacting to some stupid beef? Do what you feel like, when you feel like it. Don't let yourself be burnt out :)

[@NotEvenOverThere]

Haven’t been able to feel the music for a few years now. At first I thought it was something wrong with me, then I realized I changed. Now I don’t know what to do about it. We change as we go through life and it’s inevitable, but it can be hard to be the one going through it.

[@NORBZMUSIC]

Learn the keys bro, best thing you can do for yourself in this music thing. I've reached M's now with my catalog and still growing, can retire, but won't. It's a passion, obsession, 30 years of it and though it has felt like a job at times, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my life and ability to make music daily, and do it out of passion vs the chase for more bags.

[@BrizyBeatz]

So so relatable ❤

[@nickneutronz]

thats whut LIFE is i think. Life is dynamic, i think its always gna be an up and down which is characteristic of one's personal energetic signature, no matter how you change ur occupation or whut kinda success u have... I don' thtink it can be fixed. I think getting some distance from ur losses AND WINS helps u to see those dips as growing and building and the wins as temporary. This applies politically too, like we need solutions but we not ever gna get away from the pain. Whole thing just turning and transforming over n over n never gna get solved. I'm waaaaay more "undermotivated" than u i def relate to this, i have long realized i don't have the TORQUE. The more success u have, the less torque u have.

[@ProducersAssembleMusic]

I've felt like this since Spofify accused me of fake streams and taken down my albums.