writers block doesnt exist - Earl Sweatshirt's advice to Lucki

in an interview with rapper Lucki, he speaks about advice Earl Sweatshirt gave him on how to approach creating and avoid writers block. every creative person has dealt with writers block to some extent. it seems so obvious, but the potency and simplicity of the clip still resonates with me, so i thought i would expand my thoughts and perspective on the topic here (which is what i do every week anyway!)
Twitch - / ro7777777ro
Discord - / discord
full interview with Lucki - • Lucki Shares Earl Swea...

[@hazelpoppin]

i think this video may have just saved my life - ive been going thru the longest artist's block i think ive ever experienced and even though i just produce and i can't really relate to the mindset of lyrics coming thru experience, some of the more universal things u spoke on like just having the mindset where it's ok not to at all like what u made one day really resonated with me. im realizing that ive been subconsciously working myself into this perfectionist mindset for so long and this video and the idea of "if u wanna escape artist's block, you have to create something even if you hate it" might be the thing that breaks me out of it. thank u so much

[@sleepfieldro]

glad it resonated! creating is important but sometimes taking a step back is necessary as well. u got this!

[@swgstolen]

so true

[@B6byloveme]

And I may not know you but I believe in you

[@skinnytimmy1]

You gotta make bad art to make good art. Sometimes you don't even know what is a "good" song from you cuz people will tell you they like a certain song and you think "Really? That one? ". Also recognize the difference between not being able to create (writers block) vs not wanting to create (burnout), take breaks, don't force it if you're not in the mood.

[@sleepfieldro]

well said!

[@royalpalace9368]

Wow that's exactly what I was lol I was super burnt out

[@MastaRavenkroft]

So true, then you develop a personal grudge against the song, like it's better than you

[@RyLokey]

This was much needed. I been going thru writers block past few months and this is gonna help. Thank you

[@7sins654]

Was struggling writing this past year with how tough it’s been man and I can’t make this up I deadass finally made some music I’m happy with again I got excited to write again because of how well you related in this video I had to show my homie this I appreciate you my man can’t lie to you

[@sleepfieldro]

thats so great!! thank u for ur kind words

[@whosyourdaddv]

This a so fucking amazing video, as a songwritter I had that thought of "Song writter doesn't exist, you are just uncomfortable about what you are living/thinking" but never find a way to express it as clear as you did. Great video, great thoughts, great way to think.

[@sleepfieldro]

i appreciate the feedback, thank u!

[@danemarkic]

I greatly appreciate the book recommendations. Really nice to hear someone with such similar outlooks and opinions, but much more experienced and weathered in the independent music journey. Will be purchasing Steal Like an Artist tomorrow.

[@sleepfieldro]

its a great book u will get alot out of it!

[@yomom4281]

Talk that talk 💯 I draw as a hobby and wanna take it far but that perfectionist mindset keeps me from doing anything even tho Ik I don’t have the skills to perfect it. I related to every point in this video n it gave me at least 5 inspirations for pieces I could draw. Good stuff bro keep it goin 💯💯

[@sleepfieldro]

thats amazing! im glad u enjoyed, keep drawing !!

[@rockout2966]

Actually crazy ... keep these bangerz coming roro

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@theloniousvic]

As a non artist commenting, I know some incredible artist who go thru this and my advice to them is to “lay off the social media!” Social media forces us to draw comparisons with eachother and often may discourage or disrupt an idea an artist naturally has. Ive grown up and lived 25 years of life without an instagram or a facebook to remind me of who others think i am. Hopefully that helps, love yall 🙏🏽

[@sleepfieldro]

i agree! i deleted all of my social media in march and im never going back. i only use youtube, twitch, and discord now and its been incredible

[@pxsoul888]

@@sleepfieldro but how do you promote your artistry without media such as TikTok and Instagram?

[@sleepfieldro]

@@pxsoul888 i dont lol, havent put out music in a year im just focusing on my youtube channel right now

[@armorsniper8194]

Underrated video fr ! Can’t wait to hear more

[@sleepfieldro]

new video every sunday!

[@rosepurpp_]

I stopped writing and recording for nearly 2 years. That’s is after a pervious 1 year break. Something recently snapped in me and I’ve now pumped out 9 of my favorite songs I’ve ever made in just 3 moths. And I can only feel myself getting more comfortable and confident in the work that I make. I think you were spot on when it came to building and maintaining momentum. I can even accept them as simply okay songs. But comparing them to my works from years ago is astonishing to see how much I’ve grown individually and creatively. It is indeed a “high on life” feeling that inspired me to get writing again, and I do agree with the idea of living some kinda of fulfilling life, or pride in sharing one’s story of life. This video is a good reminder to me at just the right time to keep pushing. I set a goal for myself to write an 8 bar hook, or to write a 16 bar verse every, or every other night. Not every hook or verse will get used of course but the practice will prove worthy. And I’ll constantly document different ideas I can build on later, or combine for something greater. Thank you for such a dope video and the inspiration! You got a sub here!

[@sleepfieldro]

amazing!! i can relate to alot of what you said, the best songs usually come from short bursts of inspiration that you couldnt plan to get. thank u!

[@effective_cmpote]

a finished project is better than a perfect one. Great vid with good points. I want to add, pushing yourself to learn new things if a great inspiration. As a musician, learning theory always keeps me interested and motivated because it gives me new tools and ideas to experiment with. Trying new tunings (on guitar) etc. Earl is def one of my fave artists. Smino just dropped some heat and MIKE is gearing up. Oh and that new Mavi joint is fantastic. I'm a rock musician in a band that's currently finishing our first EP while writing new tracks for the next wave. It's true that you have to just keep pushing. Shit wasnt easy at first AT ALL. like it took us a year to find a real groove and get traction but that year was filled with hard work and writing and frustration.... kicking a member out and finding our roles. I was forced into a vocalist position while still having to play lead so that has been my personal journey of exploration and learning. Find what you want to get better at because learning and practicing things you aren't good at feels so rewarding. Sharpen your sword while searching for new tools.

[@sleepfieldro]

great perspective! yeah being in a band is tough, thats why im a solo artist lol i have a hard time working directly with other musicians constantly

[@luckifaith]

what a great video, happy I randomly stumbled upon it. Subbed bro.

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@meshachbrown662]

Funny this was in my algorithm today. Definitely something I needed to hear so thank you

[@sleepfieldro]

great to hear how u found the vid, thank u!

[@the_wolf_of_willingboro]

Literally was contemplating this very exact notion today! You articulated everything perfectly

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@thatboysteez]

Fantastic thoughts and ideas been tapping into my creative conscious a lot more recently you earned a sub

[@sleepfieldro]

i appreciate it, glad u enjoyed!

[@THEODSTKING117]

great video and commentary dude

[@t0qn]

always loved that part of the interview. glad someone made a video on this, thank you.

[@sleepfieldro]

right?? ive thought about it constantly since i first heard it

[@t0qn]

@@sleepfieldro i think it's the same interview but he talks about if he can't ride around to his own music he doesn't fuck with it. honestly if you use that same theory for any piece of work you consider your art it's true in a sense too. but yeah you're not gonna fuck with all of it or you really did like it like you mentioned. but what you were talking about is building the habit of being consistent to draw inspiration. it's that first step.

[@chrisj5778]

great video man!

[@YUNGXx]

This video helped alot and I wish the best for u and I really fw u

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed, i appreciate it!

[@indigovault7755]

Your gonna blow up keep up w content like this! Mega insightful and in a sense the inspiration to seek

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u glad u enjoyed!!

[@trustnunbrando9854]

Thank you for the video. This really helps me to think outside my box of music. When u said back yourself in a corner I felt that because since my mom died I’ve been making every song to dedicate to her. But honestly maybe I need to experience more life and get away from that pain. Thank you

[@sleepfieldro]

i feel you homie, my grandma just passed away its been rough. dont pressure yourself to create if it doesnt feel like something youre enjoying, but creating art is definitely a healthy way to cope in my opinion. you got this!!

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

🙏🏽💪🏽💪🏽 my condolences to you both

[@FRISSONJOHN]

Love you for making this

[@y3no]

finally somebody is speaking about this tbh iv ben thinking about quitting fr but its good to know that somebody else feels how I feel when it comes to either making their own music or what they love in general I just hope I can overcome how I'm feeling fr and push thru it

[@sleepfieldro]

make what u want to make and what satisfies you, and fuck everything else!

[@kalonsmith6]

Clicked on this randomly . Don’t regret it at all . Really greats tips for applying creativeness to my Beats. Thanks man

[@sleepfieldro]

thanks for checking it out!

[@indighostt]

thank you for this💜

[@silentvz_yokes1358]

Thank you, I know this video wasn’t made specifically for me but it just feels like perfect timing. Godspeed

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@blizzyworld]

I needed this perspective thank you

[@tekkenespie]

the energies you receive in every day life directly contributes to your creative workflow

[@sashathegrey]

thanks man needed this rn

[@neverserious9835]

W video, hope it blows up

[@Elavity]

amazing video

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@LVP_The_Dude]

This was needed, thank you.

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@zachgolden6642]

new favorite you tuber ill actually watch all the time check

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@deadboyjoe2509]

Good video i figure this helps because its making a habit of applying yourself to the level that you will eventually find your appreciation through you work. I'm too drawn into the expectation of something to be good without applying the proper amount of hours.

[@sleepfieldro]

thats where im at too! actively working to change it

[@dominicmoreno4662]

We all go through it... much like a baby learning their gait and posture when walking

[@xam9113]

Thank you for this video. Lately I’ve been in a way to perfectionistic mindset and now I’m in a way almost afraid to start something new just to disappoint myself. This motivated me a lot. Again, thank you.

[@sleepfieldro]

its easy to be your own worst critic i understand. do it for you, not for anyone else!

[@304Dolo]

thank you for this video, my friend!

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@Dev._.]

Great video bro. Expect nothing less from a Lucki and Earl fan👍🏾💯

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@ju908]

Great perspective bro. Whenever i had writers block i jus knew i had to wait for something in life to happen to inspire me again

[@sleepfieldro]

yes!!

[@rav3nradio]

ty bro rlly needed this!

[@jaysilencio6428]

Thankyou I needed this

[@sleepfieldro]

thanks!!

[@yellow538]

I'm so glad this video popped into my recommended multiple times this is really what I needed to hear right now

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@yellow538]

@@sleepfieldro where is the songs at bruh?

[@sleepfieldro]

@@yellow538 search "HOKES" on streaming platforms thats my old project

[@yellow538]

@@sleepfieldro holy that's your old shit? damn youtube recommendations did me good today

[@notjaydenofc]

amazing vid man seriously

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@spookvision]

As a Video creator/editor this was really inspirational and motivating. Keep this shit up man really enjoyed it !

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u so much!

[@Neatlydisorganized]

That was an interesting insight I never thought about, makes perfect sense!

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@stevenbrown2522]

This content is wonderful literallyyy just had a break in the studio and feel so inspired and read one of the books you mentioned so I know it’s real genuine advice. Keep going man this was great! Subscribed🙏🏽

[@sleepfieldro]

ay glad u enjoyed! those austin kleon books are really great i got alot out of them

[@ssimsane]

one of the greatest videos on youtube.

[@sleepfieldro]

idk about that lol but thank u so much!

[@A.P.L.O.]

Thanks for this video bro

[@collegejacke98]

This is a great video. I really relate to your perspective on creating. I would have loved a less distractive visual tbh although I understand that it works as a tool to focus on the voice

[@sleepfieldro]

thanks for watching, i appreciate the feedback !

[@chrxmeheartsxxx]

I appreciate this video as a artist. Made some really good points

[@Okaminokami666]

video just changed my perspective on a few things. ty bro

[@sleepfieldro]

awesome, thank u!!

[@harrycoolguy]

Good vid roro, subscribed

[@baltassaroriginal]

Great video and content. Keep lighting man

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!! new video every sunday

[@prodfelixwise]

Bro this is very unique content. Gameplay while getting gems. Great work man thanks 🙋🏾‍♂️

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u glad u enjoyed!

[@presinalg3]

thank you for this

[@ETWISRAEL]

Thanks for the advice bro

[@grandmarquee9434]

This was my first video and intro to you and this was so motivational man, I'm an artist too and I get so in my head about stuff I made/make and then I get bummed and just continue making more stuff 😅 the songs I have out I'm content with but I just wanna make great music

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed! its all about making more stuff

[@TypicalScrub]

Awesome video dude your words were definitely inspirational and you were absolutely shedding!

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u i appreciate it!

[@mrgeek5664]

This was a amazing video learned a lot through this video.

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed!

[@wyz5324]

Awesome vid man.

[@joshnachoz2101]

needed this.

[@ihytj6251]

I’ve known about this literally since lucki first talked about it and it’s stuck with me ever since

[@sleepfieldro]

yeah it really made something click in my brain

[@mikiestew2you]

I clicked this video because of the title but stayed because I love XL. This is so good

[@sleepfieldro]

appreciate it, glad u enjoyed!

[@DRLZEca]

Godly channel, need to be around more people in this community. I got me a channel too but i discover these other small channels with way more potential. i mean look how this vid blew up. I appreciate the message behind this video, i previously had been listening to "show your work" but recently just been out of the momentum of things. Need to continue pursuing this because i have something here.

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u glad u enjoyed!!

[@PEPOBLUNT]

good video man, keep going gods watchin u

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!!

[@SainiRohan]

I feel like this helped piece some things together for me.

[@sleepfieldro]

awesome, glad u enjoyed!

[@hueycotton]

For me, I experience writers block when I just wrote something really amazing. I'm always trying to top myself so when I spit some crazy shit, I'm like "Fuck... how can I beat that?" So it kind of goes into what you were saying about not being a perfectionist. But at the same time the only reason my lyrics are so potent is because of the high standards I place on myself. So what I do to get over it is, I keep spitting the verse until I become numb to it. I rap it over and over until I don't even like it anymore. Then I tuck that shit away and wait. I play beats and just wait until my brain spits something out and build from there. Before I know it, I have an even crazier rap than before. I also agree that you don't always have to drop but you should always be tinkering with something. And it should absolutely be natural. If you're forcing yourself to make something, it will probably not come out as good. Just live your life and be patient. The bars will come.

[@sleepfieldro]

everyones got a different approach to art and thats what makes it so interesting :) glad u enjoyed the vid!

[@DreadZelliniDesu]

Mmmm

[@samylemzaoui2298]

i didnt even realize but thats exactly what i do

[@StewieLokz3707]

for the most part, that’s my method too. When it comes, it comes with ease. Almost like it’s writing itself.

[@zainhashmi5292]

thank you ! I needed this, I am on the exact same page here

[@starboywriz]

great video man came into my life at the perfect time! you gained a sub fasho 💪🏽⭐️

[@sleepfieldro]

glad u enjoyed! new video every sunday :)

[@LoudPacRehBoneM0LLi3]

Very helpful. I've been very stagnant an hard on myself. Difficult deciding a name also but I believe I have what I need to achieve success. Thank you roro/lucki/earl

[@sleepfieldro]

ive changed my artist name a bunch of times and now i dont have one lol so i feel u

[@senonesohc]

Success is coming 🙌🏾

[@RaymondValadez7777]

YES I LOVE THIS VIDEO

[@royalpalace9368]

This video just gave me a great insight as an artist, I had my first art show titled, "The World Is Yours." this past august 13th From February 2022ish to the day of the show I was thinking of art and my art show 24/7 when I went to bed, when I woke up, at work, at home chilling, I only had dreams of my art show I kinda was losing my mind lol. But then after the show I asked myself "Now what?" And I had no idea on what to do and I tried to rush and put ideas together for another art show being super excited because of the turnout of my first art show I then realized I couldn't create id go to blank canvas and couldn't even pick up a paintbrush and wasn't even interested in anything that had to with me being creative. But I eventually got out of the creative block or whatever you wanna call it recently and been creating again. Now on to the next project.

[@sleepfieldro]

awesome! its important to maintain a fairly consistent stream of creation, but living life and gaining experience and insight is crucial to creating

[@fueg00nyxxx]

NEW FAVOURITE CHANNEL I SWEAR 2 GOD !

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@moneyrichslick]

I like your outlook on the social media aspect of things I strongly agree

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u! social media sucks lol

[@james.00]

so many gems in this video

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@SAZERU]

aye man thank you hella for posting this, dropped a sub and appreciate the words and advice you gave immensely

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u glad u enjoyed!

[@SAZERU]

@@sleepfieldro yeah man! i completely get what you mean about not striving for perfection and just amking something to make something. as a musician and occasional content creator for my hobbies i agree. just making something to make something is great and a reliving feeling and often times we get too ahead of our thoughts to realize that the simple act of making something in the first place is the catalyst. starting it up and just working on it instead of dreading starting work on it if its too bad. you definetly helped inspire me and get my head around right and im hella grateful for that and wish gratitude could be expressed better through youtube comments and happy you replied so i could elaborate. im exporting a vid as i type this and editing a gameplay for my gaming channel. thank you dude

[@zekiel2574]

Give yourself time for your mind to wander. If you’re always busy or distracted its tough to get a lot of ideas out

[@xii44]

Thank you . I was going through writing block most of this year .

[@sleepfieldro]

its tough to break out of forsure!

[@Bubbakeyz17]

Needed it

[@ALYXC7]

needed this, music is my passion but somedays its hard to keep up with. earned a sub.

[@sleepfieldro]

do it at your own pace, your well-being is priority!

[@krypto_7155]

What a great video. Truly inspiring as an upcoming producer and (hopefully when I get a microphone) songwriter

[@sleepfieldro]

check out the XM8500 - its only $20 new and its what i use to record all my videos, it sounds great esp for the price

[@krypto_7155]

@@sleepfieldro I’ll definitely check it out thank you

[@swayloves765]

Great video 🫶🏽

[@shawnscorner6703]

really really great video

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@kirbz]

Beautiful video

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@corruptedflesh]

i’ve been writing lyrics since 5th grade and before writing was never a problem and even when i got the block it was never as long as it has been in the last couple years. i listen to beats all the time and im just blank for the most part, like an absentee fr. the thing about being comfortable with what you write makes sense too. i dont push the romanticization of grief or woe and i dont write about only dark things but sometimes i think it’s all i have cause that’s where i’ve been the most thoughtful and inspired. emotionally stunted but im stuntin

[@sleepfieldro]

freestyle! turn your brain off and just start rhyming, that will be the best way to break out of it IMO

[@dommyyandfriendss]

I love this video

[@tabor503]

Thank you 🔥

[@swaudaesaveur]

wow bro, just found your channel buh this is so lit. it’s like we ina party chat just tryna be artists

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u, haha exactly!!

[@Faygos]

Fire perspective/ video, brethern 🤌🏾

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@ZaY3Three]

If ur somebody who hates feeling like they wasted their time remember three things. One, whether it’s just a beat or maybe even a page of a article that you spent a lot of time on, it’s not a waste cause sure you might not use it, but it’s a stepping stone to get you to something better that you hopefully love. The second thing is to remember that you can come back to it later. I personally like coming back to older projects for inspiration or because I wanna come back with a different mindset and possibly revise or sum like that. Finally, and this ties into the second thing, it can always be used as inspiration. A lot of times I’ll find maybe an old hook I had or even a drum pattern could be used on a new project whether it’s the original I made before or something remade from the old. I’ll often even sample old takes I have for beats and I even have a couple songs based on a sample from older songs I made. Hope y’all keep working and grinding and remember that you ain’t gotta copy or use something that’s trending even tho it may help get you that boost. Just find ur audience out there cause trust they’re looking for you too. It’s okay to be niche but it’s also okay to branch out if you’d like. It’s your life and do what you want and what actually works for you

[@sleepfieldro]

agreed, even if i dont end up using all my old beats, they taught me how to do and how NOT to use certain techniques in the future

[@ZaY3Three]

@@sleepfieldro exactly yo. Even when I make mistakes sometimes I’ll be like “wait this ain’t too bad” and a few mistakes I’ve made have turned into like signature sounds for me basically

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

So much value

[@femiftw]

this video is a gem

[@sleepfieldro]

thank u!

[@prodzander]

Great video

[@tristanchuey]

I made a album years ago when I was down in the bottom of the pit and I just lost my uncle who was like a father to me. But I had a hard time expressing myself with lyrics and my beats. Overall, I stop writing and started spitting whatever came to mind. It’s hella unmixed and not mastered but I put it on to remind myself how far I came from that moment.

[@sleepfieldro]

great story, thank u for sharing!

[@AJBuddha]

Sometimes I’ll just be chilling & randomly think of a bar, then immediately record it. Or sometimes I need to hear the right instrumental & a switch turns on & I have a million things to rap about

[@sleepfieldro]

exactly! the easiest to create ideas for me are usually the best

[@fueg00nyxxx]

I see you in comment sections all the time

[@unknownkayvee6666]

Great vid

[@UrAWizard]

I didn't expect this video to be packed with so much value. I agree there is something flawed about the idea of art coming from a bad place. I think all beauty and art come from purity, even when there is an artist who has a generally "bad" life, their art is still their expression of purity. Thus the more one purifies themself the more one can perceive and create art.

[@sleepfieldro]

yes, i think honesty in the moment is the most important part of expression

[@LentTweakin]

Thank you💯

[@jasonjean5333]

life is funny how it works sometimes bc i was going thru a minor WB issue just yesterday. I cut on some instrumentals to write to and nothing came to mind, so i was like ill work on drawing and it didnt feel right either and i had thoroughly exhausted most of my creative passions and left where i started. And i had kind of reached the same conclusion in my journal that night where i figured my boredom that lingered during the day hampered my creative process, so i figured just watching a new movie or cartoon or just going out with friends would reignite those juices so to speak.

[@sleepfieldro]

exactly! sometimes all u need is a little kick start

[@pukkademps]

On point about the romanticizing struggle.