The one habit that made me a better musician

Howdy! In public school they almost taught me to read, and today I wanted to share some of my favorite books for musicians and creators that I think will actually have a real impact on your workflow and life.
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▼▼▼ The Books ▼▼▼
Essentialism: amzn.to/3KVMiuo
F**k It, Do What You Love: amzn.to/3LqEG4N
The Art Of Impossible: amzn.to/3V6SSDk
Show Your Work: amzn.to/3V51NVR
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows: amzn.to/3L50qlf
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▼▼▼ Timestamps ▼▼▼
0:00 Soundgym
0:31 Books and stuff
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[@VenusTheory]

I'm back y'all! Go out and do you some book lernin' this week. 📢 Soundgym ► soundgym.co/?aff=9058 ▼▼▼ The Books ▼▼▼ Essentialism: amzn.to/3KVMiuo F**k It, Do What You Love: amzn.to/3LqEG4N The Art Of Impossible: amzn.to/3V6SSDk Show Your Work: amzn.to/3V51NVR The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows: amzn.to/3L50qlf

[@tomtabak]

I have the utmost respect for your musical skills and your character (still do, ofc) so i decided to give these books a go. I have to say that I'm deeply disappointed with The Art of Impossible. Sentences like "[play is] the nature's way of instructing us in morality" indicate that the author has no issues with giving statements on things he either doesn't fully understand or he purposefully dumbs down to the point they are factually wrong; he kind of does the exact thing i hoped he wouldn't-little to no arguments, self referencing and "trust mes" buried in authority and scientific lingo. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is brilliant-I've been a fan for a few years now!

[@HeathClose]

Wonderful suggestions, thank you for this. Do you have an order to these if I wanted to read them all? Where would you start if you read them again?

[@Elriri]

Soundgym link is not working :

[@oneshotgangsta]

Thank you for this! Your videos make me continue to believe in myself even when it is extremely hard! I appreciate you and your work!

[@christopherecatalano]

After watching this, every suggestion you have made is on my radar. I went through a similar thing you talk about regarding your last suggestion. It was Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero With a Thousand Faces”. It took forever to get through because I was not ready to process so many of the ideas. When I went away from it, and returned weeks or months later some learning or experiences I had been through allowed me to go deeper into it. It is one you might like.

[@drigrid]

How Music Works, by David Byrne, changed my perspective on a lot of things. Creativity, and what sound does to your head and how.

[@jimshannononsounds]

David Byrne is the Goat in his niche.

[@HankTVsux]

Talking heads guy?

[@Kumie]

Yes! This book really inspired me.

[@jonathanlundquist5845]

​@@HankTVsuxyep that guy

[@smkh2890]

One critic compared it to having your ears syringed. You just hear music differently after.

[@haynescommabrooke]

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Art & Fear, and The Tao of Pooh are all staples that have dramatically changed my approach to creativity and spirituality (which definitely go hand in hand). I still face blocks sometimes caused by fear, perfectionism, comparison, doubt, etc., but man I’ve really come a long way & am finding much more joy in my creative work these days, like I did when I was a kid again

[@Jesiahjesiah]

Oblique Strategies is a deck of cards developed by Brian Eno. Each card has a short prompt to help overcome a creative hurdle. Something like, "make the melody the rhythm" or "emphasis the flaws". I've found it incredibly helpful with music, as it was designed, but also spookily insightful with any creative endeavor or life obstacle. I'm not woowoo, but it's as close as I'll get to tarot or whatever😅 Also my partner swears by The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.. maybe the only woman author in this thread, and it's been in print for decades.

[@platinummonster9755]

It's also a free app (on android, at least).

[@SongOfItself]

I found them a mixed bag. Many are rather cryptic ("Cluster analysis") or generic to the point of meaninglessness ("Courage!"), and that gets annoying quickly. But there's one among them that's really genius in how it hits home: "How would you have done it?" When I'm completely stuck (which is most of the time, lol), I can look at what's in front of me as if somebody else did it, and suddenly it becomes much easier to see what I do and don't like about the thing. It's a magic question to ask.

[@mannmusica]

The creative: A way of being by Rick Rubin is a masterpiece of inspiration and practical advice

[@CanadianUnicornDeathSquad]

I’ve been loving my time with that book. It’s one of few books that have actually tickled my brain in just the right way.

[@kekamirza]

I'm dying to read this book. But it's not available in my country.

[@mlamulinzimande]

Another book I would suggest is Deep Work by Cal Newport. It's similar to Essentialism. It talks about the phenomenon of engaging in deep work, and how to get into "the flow" of deep work through removing all distractions and narrowing your focus to achieve significant results.

[@marozela]

Ayy are you from Southa?

[@mlamulinzimande]

@@marozela Fede? Born and raised my guy. I'm in JHB. Wena?

[@marozela]

@@mlamulinzimande aweee im Swati though dawg...born and raised in Manzini...I just peeped your and figured you're most likely Nguni

[@yashark1893]

Yes, a life changing book for me. Another impactful one is "Four Thousand Weeks" written by Oliver Burkman. I hope you check it out and enjoy as much as i did.

[@Man0fMetal]

Awesome book.

[@viridianloom]

I wrote a song called Aubadoir based off the same word in the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. It perfectly described this lonely feeling of being up at like 5am with the dark blue morning light beginning to creep in around the window. The track I was writing was kind of dark "etherealwave" and about insomnia, so it felt like a perfect fit.

[@christopherecatalano]

I know that light all too well. Also insomniac😵‍💫😜

[@vincedulay5751]

Mastery by Robert Greene is also a great read for artist and career as a whole.

[@buckycore]

Reading in general helps with creativity as well. I'm talking reading fiction.Reading fiction develops your ability to visualize (with all five senses) and Empathy, as you're inside the head and experience a world view people who aren't like you. Also, well researched fiction can help educate you on various topics, such as history and the inner workings of different professions. And this will make a deeper impact because it's in the context of connecting with living through these characters rather than being "informed" through standard textbook teaching. All of which augments creativity in all the mediums in billions of ways. I know this might be so stupidly obvious to some, but it's still an important reminder to those who may not have thought about this before I didn't mean to take away from the topic of Cameron's finely curated list though. These are brilliant books, and these latest videos are some of the most amazing videos ever

[@GalaxiaDeFavio]

I stop reading a fiction book now I will continue thanks!

[@konamax9]

There are very few KZbinrs that I watch their videos all the way through. You are one of them. Always insightful and enjoyable to watch. And even though I am a synth nerd, I feel like many of your videos have a lot to offer people of all creative areas. I’ll be adding these books to my reading list. Thank you for making inspiring content!

[@Waroxe]

such a healthy atmosphere comes out of this video, it's incredible! these kind of videos on book recommendations are some of my favorite videos, thank you so much for your sharing and your energy! can't wait to read them! :)

[@musmerized658]

Found your channel right when I needed it. Love this type of content specially when I’m feeling unmotivated. It really helps me get back on track. Keep up the great work!

[@ceekei_]

Just want to say thank you for always going deep into the ideas you want to share with us. I'm sure I'm not the only one your videos resonate heavily with, but you've single-handedly gotten me out of several ruts in my musical creativity. I'll be sure to give each one of these books a read, thank you for the list!

[@jezzakanezza]

Your authenticity always shines through Cameron, and that means a whole lot in a sea of videos on this platform. Thankyou for showing your true self to us!

[@tylerlannan5935]

Man, of all the production channels I follow yours is without question my absolute favorite. It's great to get the tips, tricks, and technical bits for sure, but you're one of the very few that talks about the mental and philosophical side of making music and being a creative. I really love these ones. Thanks mustache man!

[@fiero_sound]

I've already finished Essentialism and Art of Impossible, and I want to thank you for mentioning them in the older video. Great read, very inspiring!

[@IsaiahGrande]

This kind of content are why your channel stands out to me. The music world needs this kind of positive, thoughtful information to make is better. Thanks

[@luizfreitag]

Cameron, your work has been really really important and insightful for me! thanks and keep going.

[@VIRALBEATS360]

Great selection. You are going to be a really cool old guy, in your later years. I'm glad you posted this because it reminded me of a book that I need to read, but forgot the title. Thank you, mustache man! 🙏

[@nikitosha1000]

Since I started watching your videos, I got a growing feeling that you forged the formula for a content I really need. Everything works great - voice, script, topic, background music. Thank you, Cameron! You inspire me to get out there, and make something awesome.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

I really appreciate your frequent videos on the creative headspace. Thanks for sharing these recommendations!

[@Synic42]

I've read Essentialism after you showed it in one of your videos and it has helped me stay focused on what's important through some very tough situations. It helped making difficult decisions a lot easier and getting my life back on track a lot quicker. It basically describes a lot of things I already thought and did, adds more principles to it and combines it into a way of living your life I can totally get behind. I'm now reading it a second time and I'm fully commited to becoming an essentialist.

[@Elixirmusiques]

Personnally, I got a lot out of Zen in the art of archery. In its essence, it boils down to avoid to focus on a result but rather to focus entirely on the different aspects of the task at hand, one at a time with full attention. Great suggestions, Cameron!

[@levirphillips]

It's the opening show title names that keep me coming back 😂 loving all the content that comes out of this channel. As a struggling creative on a cycle of imposter syndrome relapses I find the content empowering and inspiring. Hard to say this of many places on the internet...🎉

[@didgegirl6]

Thank you Cameron. This sounds like a great list. I had a copy of Show Your Work at one time and loved it. Maybe it's time for a re-read.

[@johnhricko8212]

Love you man! You are so multidimensional in so many ways... Artist, teacher/communicator, producer... (do you do voice work?) The book list looks great. - thank you! I studied electronic music in 78, in bands, music repair shop in SF... you know your stuff!

[@Faerragamo]

Man.., i am lost of words. I love your videos. Never stop posting up vids like these!!

[@jasongravely7217]

Hey man, I love your videos. The lighting, shots, the script/content, the music ,your voice and humor. Oh and the mustache. Thank you 🙏

[@bpossible]

You’re describing the instructions for being happy. Do what excites you the most to the best of your ability until you can take it no further. And no assumption as to what the outcome should be. Keep creating.

[@colortheory]

Download samples of four of them and bought the last one straight out. Thanks for getting us inspired about finding inspiration!

[@craigpurdie3528]

Thank you for your inspirational thought-starters!

[@unit333angel]

Wow I haven’t heard of most of these book. Really glad you shared them, thank you!!!

[@RobertMatichak]

I really enjoy your book reviews/recommendations! I’ve read 1 of the 5 based on your recommendation. Keep it up! And thanks again! Peace.

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Dang, another video reinforcing how valuable you are to the creative folks out here in youtube land. I now have sone books to investigate! Thanks Cameron.

[@HoofCreaition]

Because of how you explain and introduce this information.. I have now ordered 3 e-books just based on that. And I kind of know that it is valuable. Thanks man.

[@Imblakeimblakethatsrght]

I always love you videos. Keep doing you!!!!!

[@bennbutterworth4593]

Thankyou for this mate! Much appreciated - was looking for some books on this field.

[@lopez_guitar]

Great videos, you have inspired me to make my own youtube videos, and right now working on my first solo album, hopefully will be released this year. Have read some of those books, and you are so right, they are great! Awesome video!

[@greggunther]

Great suggestions. I will definitely check out these books. They sound very helpful.

[@bricethebruce121]

Nice! I'm always looking for books like this, very precious video. Gonna order some of them now :)

[@johnfehringer]

Thanks Camron. Excellent.

[@ZachHeyde]

Oh dude, you're hitting the nail on the head on all of these recommendations. Essentialism is my desert island book 🙌

[@musiclabouratory8828]

Brilliant tips, I have heard of some of the books and this inspired me to finally get them.

[@philipernst9515]

Tao Te Ching is so good for minimalism as well, which can also be applied to music pretty well to me. Trusting your intuition and not be misguided by fear while making stuff. Try something, don’t be afraid to suck at it :)

[@BLUEGOBEATS]

Thanks for the recommendations. I recommend Rick Ruben’s book The Creative Act

[@yashark1893]

Thank you for the recommendations and great content.

[@statiksky1]

Adam Savages "Every tool is a hammer " is a great read. Every time I picked up the book to started reading. I got the urge to put the book down and go create something. Loved it.

[@_icarus_two]

Came here to recommend this one. Great book.

[@smkh2890]

"...then a sight she'd never seen made her jump and say "Look, a golden winged ship is passing my way" And it really didn't have to stop. It just kept on going And so castles made of sand Slips into the sea eventually" That's a Hendrix lyric that comforts me for my lack of success as an artist. I have seen it from close up and seen it pass me by. So you find another way to define success for yourself, like I brought up my kids well, I looked after my parents, I never damaged anybody. I can feel happy some days.

[@chadbechard1731]

great video. thank you for the recommendations!!

[@JureJerebic]

Cool, added a bunch of these to my Audible, thanks!

[@Max10_B]

Not really a book but a blog I have read weekly for literally years often based around creativity, writing, music, poetry, spirituality, human nature is the marginalian. Has a search bar too. Used to be called brainpickings. Has even helped me through some rough times. Also enjoy books published by the school of life. Easy quick reads and pick them up from time to time

[@FiRezfps]

11:32 The Art Spirit by Robert Henri is amazing. I lost count how many times I've read it. It's focused towards visual arts but I think many of its lessons are applicable to any creative medium

[@WinfriedSitte]

Thanks Cam that is a great list!

[@Noise-Conductor]

That book list seem very powerful. Thanks I took a screen shot & now I can click on the links from there...NICE!

[@Hamstir90]

It's here and it didn't disappoint. Thank you!

[@mwhitelow9312]

Thanks for the tip Brick Top!!

[@DerekPower]

Books I read and that aided me in being creative: Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

[@QidLove]

Great recommendations, I bought a couple of the books from your list. Cheers!

[@nush3n]

These video’s are helpfull, relaxing, and such high quality! I even use them as some sort of asmr to be able to sleep! Thank you for creating! Happy to call myself a bucarooney! ❤

[@howtoeattv]

Very dope list. To get motivated about your craft, A Practicing Mind. Also, a Million Miles in a Thousand Years is the most inspiring storytelling book I've read.

[@lexgblack]

These are great suggestions, I'll add another one that I really love: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. It's similar to Essentialism but with an added dose of what to do with your existential dread.

[@PeteLamont]

Thank you! Lots to think about

[@IVANLEEespinosa]

Thank you for sharing this! As a musician, I also read productivity books to inspire ideas that will motivate me to take action or take action that will motivate me. 😎

[@Colvin.crochet]

thank you literally 100% for soundgym absolute game changer

[@howardanderson3061]

Fantastic segment, the title grabbed me right away. Thanks for sharing, I will check these books Although with the book title of “Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows”, I must start there. Thanks!

[@spronga3305]

less of a book suggestion and more of a literature suggestion: read more fiction. i cannot stress enough how informative fiction can be through it's storytelling, but also how great fiction novels are at sparking inspiration for a new creative project of your own

[@jimharris6389]

Nice choices. One of my faves is "Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Cute dog.

[@Gabriel_Mercado]

I love this video. I’ve been forced to step away from music due to life endeavors. However I’ve been filling that time with studying 50cent and Robert green. Reading the 48 laws of power and the 50th power. Such great reads and powerful lessons to learn in life. Reality is a difficult pill to swallow but I intend to see the world for what is it to have better control in all aspects of my life, including creativity.

[@marc1alexandre]

Kae tempest "Connexion" Love your work, thx for your amazing sharings!

[@wardsnauwaert6709]

Great video! So inspiring!

[@CaptainJack2048]

This is good stuff... I've always found it hard to create because of that nagging fear that I'm not any good or can't make anything good. Even with positive feedback from others, it's hard to quiet those voices. What's worse, I procrastinate on my projects by buying more gear. As soon as I get that new compressor, or mic preamp, or better cables, or a different keyboard, I can finally get started. Anything that helps me get out of the headspace and back into making is welcome, thank you.

[@billweir1745]

I'm currently reading "Chatter" by Ethan Kross that deals with your inner voice and how it can hold you back or completely cripple you. Definitely a good read for dealing with that.

[@bobbriggs-firmin1560]

Hi Jack, I sometimes simply pick a sound out of LABS from Spitfire, pick a few notes out and often it starts to form into something interesting. It's not the gear, it's the sounds that fall on our ears. I should know, I've always been on a very tight budget, so much so that all of my sounds are from free sources and so are any plug-in devices I have. Go back to earlier stuff that you have done and compare the progress you have made. I bet some of it is funny because it was over complicated, waaaay too long or extremely niece. All the same good ideas are most likely there just a bit abused by lack of knowledge that you are now in possession of. Self-doubt is a pain in the butt, don't give in to it and just enjoy creating instead of worrying.

[@bobbriggs-firmin1560]

Niece? I meant not quite there.

[@jeramiahrossnz]

nice bro, this was a good video, yeah, success for me is writing a good song I like and waking up happy to want to work on it and finishing it, the rest is up to everyone else what they think about that. I've been in that sports statistical numbers game before in the past, racking up cool points in that perception game, but yeah, i know myself well enough to know that's just a spotlight, and you can only see a little bit in there metaphorically, long story short before I hit the TLDR, be the tide, allow it to rise and fall, its ok when you can surf, and its ok to just chill on the beach :)

[@Kumie]

The Practice by Seth Godin…really anything by Seth Godin…gets me motivated and working.

[@thisisampo]

Your channel is very inspiring!

[@ficarbs]

Literally was looking for how to get unstuck yesterday and this showed up on my feed today! Thank you @Venus Theory!!!

[@compucorder64]

Good choices. One book I'd recommend is The Musician's Way: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness by Gerald Klickstein. It's intended audience is traditional instrumental or vocal musicians. And it sets out to help them form healthy and creative approaces and mindset in instrumental practice. But like all great books, it applies to almost any highly creative human act. My oddball book choice would be The Zen Teaching of Huang Po and the Transmission of Mind. Some of the key themes it discusses are escaping distractions in order to pay full attention to the important point. You could think of it like the radical great ancestor of modern books like Essentialism.

[@LeateqOfficial]

Thank you !

[@morten1]

I love this channel Good work

[@Morroh]

Books are the cheat codes for our life. While a video can present you with propositional knowledge visually tailored by its creator, books force you into mental participation where the words on the page are transformed by the readers imagination. Rather than just absorbing the information, you play with it. The knowledge and experience in it become unique to the reader.

[@jimboggs1041]

Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking - David Bayles, Ted Orland LOVE IT

[@JonathonChilders]

The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin is one of the best books I’ve read in this vein. Very inspirational. I’d also suggest Someday is Today by Matthew Dicks. Dicks’ book goes to some heavy extremes with time management but got me thinking hard about all the time I can waste in a day and all the small chunks that can be recaptured. Great stuff! I think I heard about both of these books on Brian Funk’s excellent “Music Production Podcast”

[@JonathonChilders]

Thanks for this video! Self improvement through reading has been something I’ve focused on in the last year. Great to hear some more suggestions.

[@kelvynification]

The interesting thing is that one should allow oneself to not do anything… the trick is not to feel guilty about it. If your flow is to just be with no goals and you are fine with that then you have reached your happy place. Other peoples active lives should not be a negative mirror to ones inactivity.

[@Ashen-XP]

Awesome content, pleasant video & audio design, well spoken. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@tomprice7885]

Great content and info. Thank you.

[@afi6061]

Very inspiring. ❤

[@MarkAdajian]

Interlaced is #goated Cam! Keep up the great work :)

[@tomkillsjerry]

i have all of these but The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows just ordered it. Cam coming in clutch again

[@peterelfman]

I was gifted The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows a few years ago. I 100% corroborate everything you said about it. I will also add that it can sometimes be triggering if someone is going through an emotional struggle while perusing the pages.

[@A-Z0-9463]

TUTORIAL ON HOW YOU PROCESS YOUR VOICE WILL BE GREATLY GREATLY APPRECIATED...

[@JunkyZice]

thank u for the info

[@RinnRuannan]

A book I've read five times over some thirty years is Brian Eno and the Vertical Colour of Sound. While not a dictionary, the reading of it has affected me differently each time. Wonderful examples, and topic, here. Thank you.

[@evanmscala]

I think a key thing this list is missing is that reading good fiction is a subtle but equally potent lightning bolt to creative receptors in our brains. I’ve personally been chewing through Gravity’s Rainbow (and it’s companion book with relevant references and explanations to the plot) and I have never felt so effortlessly inspired and creatively invigorated by everything around me. Masterful works of narrative imagination - especially when deftly melded with very real events and themes from reality - change the way we view everything, and the subconscious manner in which it shapes our brains compulsions feels perhaps even more potent than prescriptive nonfiction

[@kroh]

agree, especially helpful for writing lyrics. learning to love the feel of good words helped me so much

[@ATolerableQuietude]

Yes, this makes a lot of sense. If you're stuck on your work, reading more ... about work ... can sometimes feel like the wrong thing. Reading really good fiction does help us get out of our own heads, gives us someone else's perspective on the world. Good poetry does this too!

[@bronaghtadhg]

I took a songwriting course in college, and one of the things the prof talked about a lot was that reading, in general, was so important for songwriting because it "fills your creative well".

[@derrick-cruz]

Nice. Thank you.

[@vurnt22]

Just bought the @audible version dictionary of obscure sorrows. Thanks 🙏🏾 for the recommendation.

[@LuisDavelouis]

Great content. Thank you!

[@JONTHEDREAMER]

great video! im 40% through essentialsim. lots of gems.

[@DavidPalmer_blinder]

stop thinking in terms of outcomes, and just enjoy the experience of doing the thing you love. everything else is just gravy on the cake! oh yeah and remember what the Buddhists teach us: practice not having expectations :D

[@alobassmann]

This is a very interesting video. I feel like the list is very personal and in my case, the books that helped me the most, aren't necessarily related to music/creativity, but rather books that helped me overcome personal barriers. Books like "Outliers" - Malcom Gladwell: "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life" - Wayne Dyer; and "Brain Rules" - John Medina, are books that profoundly changed my outlook on the world and helped me work around my own limitations. The biggest lesson out of all of these was "Nothing is set in stone, you can change and influence your reality to a larger degree than you realize"

[@notwasnot]

I will save this video for future reference. This was great. My favorite summer thing is hamak , book , music and some malt beverage. By the way I thought the life enhancement bit was really funny.

[@iknikblackstone9082]

thanks!!