Everyone loves Doctor Nicks, and it’s easy to see why. He’s known for his incredibly positive attitude and deep knowledge of music, production, gear, DJing, and life in general. Fortunately for us, Doctor Nicks is willing to share his wisdom, answering questions from readers every week. If you’re seeking some of Doctor Nicks’ unique brand of advice, you can always reach out and send your questions to the provided email. He’s always ready to help.
Doctor Nicks, the beloved advice columnist at The Boot Doctor, offering insights on music and life.
Yoooo. What’s good everyone? Hope you’re all having a productive week.
I’m having a great week myself. Been enjoying bike rides and recently did a TV show with the legendary Prince Paul. I even checked out the Raven digital console by Steven Slate at Guitar Center – seriously impressive technology. You should watch the video to see what the future might hold.
Tonight, I’m heading out to see TNGHT, which I’m really excited about.
Hope everyone is doing well. Keep sending in your questions for Doctor Nicks!
Hi Doctor Nick, I’m a DJ of about six months, and gigs are picking up, which is fantastic. However, my boyfriend isn’t thrilled about my growing music career. Coming home at 3 a.m. several times a week and studio sessions with other musicians are causing friction. How can I maintain a relationship while building my DJ career? – Anais
Balancing DJ Career and Relationships: Doctor Nicks’ Advice
This is a common challenge, Anais, and it boils down to compromise. I’ve been on both sides of this, and it’s tricky. Even when a partner says they’re okay with the demands of a music career, the reality can be tough. In my own past relationship, despite my ex-girlfriend’s support, I realize now that I unintentionally neglected her. I was consumed by the belief that constant studio time and nightly gigs were essential – and in some ways, they are. The music industry thrives on nighttime connections; it’s where relationships deepen and opportunities arise.
However, it’s crucial to manage your time effectively. When you’re in the studio, can you minimize distractions like social media? Focusing intensely on music creation allows for more dedicated relationship time later. Could you designate one or two nights a week to spend quality, uninterrupted time with your boyfriend?
He also needs to understand and meet you halfway. If DJing is your passion, his unhappiness shouldn’t be the deciding factor. A music career often involves periods of intense focus, late nights, and collaborations. If he struggles with this, it might be an incompatibility. Looking back at my own relationship, I see the immense time commitment required for this career, but I’ve also learned the importance of compromise.
I now try to structure my work more like a regular job, focusing on daytime studio sessions and establishing a schedule. This helps me separate my music life from my personal life. Interestingly, most of my neighbors are unaware of my music career, which is refreshing. It allows me to simply be “Nick the person.” This separation makes returning to work feel even more rewarding. Think about it – people working regular jobs usually switch off after work. Perhaps adopting a similar approach could help you find balance.
Crucially, communication is key. Open and honest conversations are vital. Avoiding discussions and building walls only exacerbates misunderstandings and resentment. Address concerns directly and work together to find solutions.
Relationships are incredibly important, and finding this balance is a continuous process. Good luck, Anais!
Hi Doctor Nick, I’m a regular reader and a musician without formal musical training. I can generally judge what sounds good, but my music often comes from accidental discoveries. Would you recommend learning music theory to enhance my production skills? If so, what learning method would you suggest – instrument lessons like piano or online courses? I feel it might be the key to overcoming creative blocks. – Craig
Unlocking Creativity: Doctor Nicks on Music Theory for Producers
Thanks for the question, Craig! I can definitely relate to your situation. I often find myself in situations where some people assume I’m musically trained, while others are quick to point out my limitations. I actually embrace this duality, but recently I’ve also felt the need to improve my musical skills.
To address this, I turned to Craigslist and found a tutor. He’s been great, and I’m currently working on scales and fundamental techniques, gradually building my musical foundation. Consider a similar barter approach. If you’re proficient in software like Ableton or Logic, perhaps you could exchange lessons with someone who can offer music theory or instrument instruction. The barter system can be incredibly beneficial.
I believe the sweet spot is blending unconventional, non-musical thinking with some technical proficiency. While club music doesn’t always demand complex musicality, songwriting greatly benefits from musical understanding. While experimenting with notes on a computer is fun, there’s real magic in spontaneous creation with others, grounded in some theoretical knowledge.
Another effective learning method is to play along with your favorite records. If you use Ableton, warp tracks to slow them down and really analyze them. I’ve spent countless hours dissecting P-Funk records and similar music. You start to absorb sonic techniques and songwriting approaches. You begin to understand how synths create specific sounds and visualize the keyboard movements.
Don’t underestimate the power of sampling. Study producers like Pete Rock, DJ Premier, and Daft Punk and analyze their sampling techniques. Think about how you can incorporate sampling into your own work to spark new ideas. Sampling isn’t inherently “musical” in a traditional sense, but it’s a powerful tool for creative exploration.
Try this exercise: start with a sample, let it inspire you, play over it, manipulate it with filters, and then try to gradually remove the original sample entirely. Eventually, you might find you’ve created an entirely original track born from that initial sample.
Experiment, take your time, and focus on what resonates with you emotionally. Creative growth is a journey, and it will come naturally with exploration and dedication.
Alright, that’s all for this week. Peace out! xo
Hi, Doctor Nick! appears every Thursday on The Boot Doctor. Do you have a question for Doctor Nick? Please submit your inquiries to the provided email address. Doctor Nicks is here to help you navigate the music world and beyond.
