Music has always been a big part of my life. I never learned to read scores properly, only use them occasionally as a guide, and I've always been amazed by musicians who can read scores like they can read a book. This refusal to learn music theory springs from early days, being afraid of losing the joy of hearing music in an objective way. When I first started making my own music, using tape-decks and reel-to-reel, I often went out for a walk having the music in my head and coming back home to continue what I was working on. Always trying to find a way of getting out of the bubble of strict focus and to find a wider perspective. Those walks helped alot.
Buying different recording equipment and instruments has been a great inspiration. I couldn't always afford what I wanted, and cheaper gear was okay and they fulfilled my needs.
Ever since the CD's came out (mid 80's?), I bicycled every friday from work to a record store and bought at least one CD, this continued for over 20 years, searching for new music to get inspired by. I already had my previous idols; Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Yes, UK, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, and Jethro Tull, but I was seeking more. I found new music in a section called "on the edge" at this music store. There was music by Elliott Sharp, Kronos Quartet, Terry Riley, and Phillip Glass, there was also New Age music; calm music with atmospheres. My first love of Prog music had opened up my mind for diversity in music, and now I found new music to be inspired by. It was revelating.
To be continued...