1. Understanding Perfectionism

Perfectionism, for me, is that relentless pursuit of flawlessness. It's that voice in my head telling me that a track is never good enough, that there's always something more to adjust, and that the world will only appreciate my music when it's perfect. In reality, 80% of ‌normal listeners don't even notice the really small tweaks we spend countless of hours.

I, like many, initially saw perfectionism as a virtue. After all, shouldn't I aim for the best in everything I do? However, in the realm of music production, this drive has often been a barrier rather than a boost. That's certainly what it became for me.

2. The Pitfalls of Perfection

Never-Ending Projects

One of the most tangible signs of my perfectionism is the track that's perpetually "on the verge" of completion. Creations that might have seen the light of day months, or even years ago, remain tucked away on my hard drive, always seemingly one tweak from being "ready."

I often ponder about who or what really determines when a track is finished?

• Is it measured by industry standards?
• Perhaps it's by measuring against tracks on the Top 100 list? It's worth noting that many chart-toppers benefit from the expertise of veteran engineers.
• Could the decision hinge on feedback from an anonymous voice on YouTube or SoundCloud?
• Or perhaps some random person from forums or discord?

To all these questions, there's a singular answer: NO.

While I'm not advocating for hasty releases, there comes a point where it's time to let go. It's beneficial to have a close-knit circle for feedback, but their views shouldn't be the ultimate decider. After all, their feedback, while valued, is still an interpretation of my creation.

Fear of "It's Not Good Enough"

One of the most pervasive feelings that haunts me is the fear that my work isn't up to par. This isn't just about technical proficiency or musicality, but a deeper, more personal dread. The thought that my creations might not resonate, might be dismissed, or worse, ignored. This fear, more often than not, has been a silent barrier, making me second-guess every decision, every note, and every beat. It's a challenge to push past this insecurity, to share something so personal and hope that it finds a receptive audience.

Struggles with Song Completion

My perfectionist tendencies have a funny way of making me shelve songs I've been working on, luring me into the excitement of starting fresh ones. Because of this, I've got a heap of tracks that are almost there but not quite.

Not too long ago, I decided to organize and back up all my work. In the process, I found myself clearing out over a thousand private tracks I'd put up on SoundCloud. It's a wild realization, but sometimes the buzz of creating a new melody feels more compelling than wrapping up one that's been in the works for a while.

Burnout

Continually chasing an elusive "perfect" has led me to exhaustion and even moments where I questioned my passion for music. The weight of spending endless hours on a track, only to keep it hidden, builds pressure.

Missed Opportunities

When I've drifted into new projects or continued to work on a piece "just a little bit more", I've probably missed a significant number of opportunities.

Now that I've taken a few steps back, especially with the recent burnout for producing, I've felt out of sync with music production as a whole.

3. The Illusion of the Perfect Track

Music, to me, is subjective. What feels perfect to me might seem flawed to another. I've realized that many iconic tracks have those little imperfections – maybe a slightly off-beat drum or a crackling sound. But these "flaws" are what give a track its soul, making it unforgettable.

4. Overcoming Perfectionism

Remind Myself Why I Do Music

Whenever I approach the final stages of a track and doubt starts to creep in, suggesting it's not good enough, I hit the brakes. I take a moment to reflect on my initial motivations for producing music. Was it to express myself? To share a part of my soul with the world? To communicate feelings words couldn't capture? By revisiting these roots, I realign my perspective and remember that perfection wasn't the goal, genuine expression was.

I recall the days when I released everything, even tho I released music just on SoundCloud.

Value Trusted Opinions, Not All Opinions

I've learned that while external feedback can be enlightening, it's essential to choose whom I share my music with. I turn to a few trusted friends or mentors, but always bear in mind that their feedback, while valuable, is just one perspective.

Growth Through Release

Every track I release is a lesson. By putting my music out into the world, I gain real reactions, which often teach me more than any theoretical standards of perfection.

I've had to learn to accept that my work isn't perfect. I strive for the best, but I also want to be authentic. I need to find a balance between refining and embracing the raw elements of my music.

5. Conclusion

While aiming for the best is important, it's crucial to recognize when the quest for perfection becomes counterproductive. Trying to balance this aspiration with the practicalities of music has enriched my musical journey. In the end, working to let go of perfectionism not only soothes my mind but also allows me to find more joy and satisfaction in the creative process.

Anyway, the road to getting rid of the unrealistic pressure of being "perfect" is long and bumpy, I'll keep trying to battle with it.

Connect with me

If you found this article resonant and want to continue the conversation, I'd appreciate it if you'd consider joining my Discord community. Let's connect and share our musical journeys together! You can find the link on‌ the navigation bar. Or, if you prefer, send me a message on IG.