The Songwriter’s Submersion: Why Moving Landscapes are the Ultimate Remedy for Creative Blocks
Creative blocks hit songwriters when they least expect them. You know how frustrating it can be when the words don’t come as easily as before, and every chord somehow feels…wrong.
Sure, you can try and push through it, hoping that something will change, but it rarely does. So, why not flip that reset switch and take a break by going on a trip? Some of the greatest artists have used travel to escape their empty notebooks, and you can too.
Why Stillness Often Makes Writer’s Block Worse
Spending too much time in your room or studio, trying to write the next masterpiece, creates a lot of pressure. You wait for ideas to come to you because you set aside time to write, and when nothing flows, anxiety follows.
But how can you expect fresh inspiration when you’re staring at the same walls and furniture every day, or see the same views outside every time you take a walk or glance through the window?
Being in the same space and routine, day in and day out, can quietly drain your creative energy before you even notice it. What your mind really needs is a shift in scenery and a bit of change to stay fresh and inspired.
3 Ways to Move Through the World and Write Better Songs
Getting out of a creative block doesn’t mean that you need to go on a month-long sabbatical. Even a walk in an unfamiliar place or a weekend cruise can get your creative juices flowing again, so here are three ideas that’ll give you exactly that.
1. Take a Train and Enjoy the Views
Ah, train rides…they can be so romantic. You get comfy in your seat and watch towns and moving landscapes fly past a huge window.
The best part? You get constant new visuals, but you stay in one comfortable seat for hours. And if inspiration strikes, you can write without worrying about driving or helping with navigation.
Bring a notebook or your phone so you can write down ideas as they come. Some songwriters like to record short voice memos describing what they see, then use these ideas later.
2. Go on a Cruise and Wake Up to a Different Landscape Every Day
A cruise brings a special kind of creative reset because you wake up to a brand new landscape every morning.
One day, you might wake up to the calm of a peaceful island harbor, then find yourself looking out over rocky cliffs or a lively coastal city. This variety keeps things interesting, sparking ideas without you even being aware.
What’s more, according to the Blue Mind theory, being around water lowers stress and opens up space for creativity. Instead of fighting for ideas at your desk, you sit on deck or by a window with water all around you, and the brain naturally shifts into a calmer, more open mode.
This eases pressure, and emotions surface more easily, creating the ideal conditions for songwriting.
3. Explore Unfamiliar Streets and Neighbourhoods
If you don’t have the time or budget to pack your bags and take a trip, you can also go somewhere nearby. It can be a different city or neighborhood, as long as you’ve never been there before.
Go for a walk or hop on a bike and let your mind take in what’s around you, without trying to force any thoughts or ideas. Notice the tiny details of your surroundings and keep a notebook or voice record in your bag. Who knows, maybe hearing a random conversation might inspire your next lyrics?
Finding Your Next Great Lyrics
Your best songs are waiting out there right now. Sitting at a desk trying to force ideas out rarely works.
The best remedy for a creative block is to give your mind something new to respond to. So, the next time you feel a little stuck, switch up your scenery, and you’ll be amazed by how fast new ideas will come.
