Too often we close doors to ourselves, finding distaste when we are not readily pleased. Giving into the negative without extracting the positive. Not dedicating time to investigate and learn a lesson. In the world of music closed mindedness leads to stagnation, and in audio production it leads to a world of shuddered windows. When venturing outside of the music profession it can readily be seen that the best in the culinary arts are constantly tasting new ingredients in order to expand their palate. Each new flavor opens new possibilities for their kitchen creations. Musicians and audio engineers must do the same and strike out into the unfamiliar in order to expand their sonic palette, in turn creating an ever deeper tool chest in which to draw from.
Whether one possesses a predilection for jazz, metal, country, or many of the other hundreds of music genres that exist, that does not mean that a person cannot draw from another well of creative expression. Even music styles that seem personally abhorrent have something to offer the open minded musician and engineer. This is because all information is good information if it is sorted and defined. It is what creates styles, the ability to work with diverse artists, births new genres, and innovates new techniques. For example, a singer can learn vocal control by studying classical voice, whether they have a metal background, or come from the pop field. A guitar player can draw rhythmic inspiration from the clawhammer style, whether they play ska, or indie folk. A rock band can gain further insight into impactful, emotive performances by witnessing the best musical theater has to offer. All genres have knowledge to impart.
In regards to engineers, they must find the good in the music they are working on. No matter what level of positive, or negative bias they hold, the engineer must home in on elements within the music presented and find what about the music emotionally and mentally stirs them. Energy and excitement feeds off of itself. As it grows it fuels the engineer, enabling them to not only connect with the music, but also with the music creator. This connection shapes understanding, the excitement now emitting more readily from the engineer instills greater confidence within their client. For instance, an engineer who marvels at the technical proficiency found within prog rock can find kinship with the technical prowess found within bluegrass music to better understand its musicians. The engineer who is drawn to hip-hop cannot only find beauty within its sonic landscape, but also gain inspiration from the sonic textures found within experimental rock. Musical horizons will broaden if granted permission to do so, opening new pathways of communication and opportunity along the way.
Expanding your record collection, finding the elements that make a band great, and identifying relatable moments will allow for growth in both the musician and the engineer. Endless possibilities exist when options are not cordoned off. This leads to the construction of a mental workshop, as opposed to a confined toolkit. This sparks the answers to questions and the ability to handle greater varieties of musical scenarios.