Been a while since my last post. Apologize for the delay. Thought I would attempt to find some correlation between songwriting obstacles and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs model as it applies to what he called "self actualization."
Little background is in order. Abraham Maslow was an incredibly brilliant American psychologist (1908 to 1970). He is famous for his major contribution to psychology called "The Hierarchy of Human Needs" model. Here are some words from wikepdia.com about the model (at the end I have added a few thoughts as they apply to songwriting):
"Maslow's primary contribution to psychology is his Hierarchy of Human Needs,
which he often presented as a pyramid. Maslow contended that humans
have a number of needs that are instinctoid, that is, innate. These
needs are classified as "conative needs", "cognitive needs", and
"aesthetic needs". "Neurotic needs" are included in Maslow's theory but
do not exist within the hierarchy.
Maslow assumed our needs are arranged in a hierarchy in terms of
their potency. Although all needs are instinctive, some are more
powerful than others. The lower the need is in the pyramid, the more
powerful it is. The higher the need is in the pyramid, the weaker and
more distinctly human it is. The lower, or basic, needs on the pyramid
are similar to those possessed by non-human animals, but only humans
possess the higher needs.
The first four layers of the pyramid are what Maslow called
"deficiency needs" or "D-needs": the individual does not feel anything
if they are met, but feels anxious if they are not met. Needs beyond
the D-needs are "growth needs", "being values", or "B-needs". When
fulfilled, they do not go away; rather, they motivate further.
The base of the pyramid is formed by the physiological needs,
including the biological requirements for food, water, air, and sleep.
Once the physiological needs are met, an individual can concentrate
on the second level, the need for safety and security. Included here
are the needs for structure, order, security, and predictability.
The third level is the need for love and belonging. Included here
are the needs for friends and companions, a supportive family,
identification with a group, and an intimate relationship.
The fourth level is the esteem needs. This group of needs requires
both recognition from other people that results in feelings of
prestige, acceptance, and status, and self-esteem that results in
feelings of adequacy, competence, and confidence. Lack of satisfaction
of the esteem needs results in discouragement and feelings of
inferiority.
Finally, self-actualization sits at the apex of the original pyramid."
End.
So how does this apply to songwriting? I'm not sure there is a black and white relationship, but I think the model is relevant in that, if you read between the lines, it kind of points out what needs one should satisfy in order to move up another level in the pyramid towards self actualization; that is, it can kind of serve as a road map of sorts to help one navigate life, art, and beyond.
Of course self-actualization is the goal, but before one gets there, one has to satisfy all the other needs first. So back to music: say you are, e.g., trying to write a happy love song, but at the same time you are struggling in a relationship and your life is generally downbeat at that time... that would probably be a good time to write a
sad song, not a happy one. Just one small example, but it kind of demonstrates: if you haven't secured the "self esteem" need on the ladder, it's probably going to be difficult to craft a song that has an upbeat, credible message about the power of love, since you, yourself, are not experiencing it at the time.
What's the overall message here? First, to be aware of these needs in your life and know where on the pyramid you are. I have found this awareness helps keep me aimed in the right direction, focused on progressing up the pyramid towards self-realization, which is the point where one reaches maximum objectivity and hopefully peace of mind--which is a crucial element in the craft of songwriting. I think songwriting is very much a discipline--whether you're doing rap, country, rock, etc. Discipline requires peace of mind and patience and fortitude.. all those things you can;t have if you'be got all kinds of drama in your life.
Second, use the pyramid to gauge where you are situated, and what challenges you face, and think about how you intend to overcome them. Just
think. You don't need to take notes or trip out on some long process. Just find some solitude and take some time to
think. Your sub conscious brain will take it from there and your conscious will start reaping the rewards and start to assist you in making sound decisions.. about your lyrics.. your melodies.. your beats.. your life. At least I'd like to think so.
Ideally,
Mark
:)