Inspiration can come in a flash, and if you don’t have the right tools to capture it, a great song can pass you by. Whether you are driving in the car, walking down a busy street, or on a hot date, it’s important to know what tools you have at your disposal to capture your moment of brilliance.
Digital Recorder
Digital Recorder
Long gone are the days of tape recorders. Now, a digital recorder can do the same job, except this time, it gives you the ability to quickly scan through recordings and upload these files to your computer for safe keeping. The great thing about it is that it can fit into your pocket and won’t break your budget. The average digital voice recorder can be found for around $30-$100.
Cell Phone Applications
iPhone Voice Recording App
A large number of people are lucky enough to now have smart phones. Many of these phones, such as the iPhone, have apps available for voice recording (similar to a digital recorder). Since it’s rare to find a soul without a phone, all you have to do is reach into your pocket and press record. But, beware of distracting text messages that leave you forgetting what your idea was in the first place.
Voicemail
Ring, Ring
If your phone is not as fancy as some of your friends, don’t fret, you can MacGyver your way to success. All you need to do is grab a friend’s phone and call yourself. Once there, simply leave yourself a voicemail with your idea. Some services also allow you to call your voicemail with your own phone and leave a message. Works like a charm.
Garage Band
GarageBand
If you happen to be near a Mac computer when lightening strikes, then you have one of the most efficient tools for capturing an idea available to you: Garage Band. Simply open up a new track and play into your computers microphone. The great thing about Garage Band, is that your brilliance does not have to stop there. You can continue to create numerous tracks and build harmonies or any other part of your song you wish.
Next time you walk into band practice, you now have no excuse to say, “Sorry, I had this great song idea, but I forget it before I could get it down.”
Rule #52: No excuses, write like a champion.