Welcome to the Vault: A Composer’s Journey with Books!

Hey, it’s Theo here! Your guide through the wild, unpredictable, and often exhilarating ride that is the modern music industry. Welcome back to The Media Composer Vault! This is where I share everything I’ve picked up along the way—from game-changing plugins and savvy business tips to, well… books. Yep, you read that right—books!

Now, I know books might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about levelling up as a composer, but trust me, the right ones can open up new ways of thinking, spark fresh ideas, and even help you navigate the business side of things like a pro.

Before you ask, no, I’m not diving into Harry Potter or Twilight. I’m talking about books that fuel growth—self-help, business, music, and biographies. Think of them as cheat codes for levelling up in life and music. After a five-year reading hiatus, I’ve picked up The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and let me tell you, it’s got some serious game-changing vibes.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. My unfiltered thoughts on the book (no sugar-coating here).

2. A peek at my favourite passages.

3. Whether I think it’s worth your time (spoiler: this might be controversial).

This isn’t just about my opinion, though. I want to hear from you! If you’ve read The War of Art or fancy picking it up, drop me a line at theo.mcpherson.music@gmail.com or give me a shout on Instagram (@theo_mcpherson_music). Let’s talk books, life, and how we can all crush it in the music world.

So, what’s in it for you? Growth, insight, and maybe a fresh perspective on how to tackle those creative roadblocks. Trust me, this one’s worth your time.

Right then, enough chit-chat. Let’s dive into the Vault! 🚀

The War of Art: A Battle Against Procrastination (with a Twist)

So, what’s The War of Art all about? In a nutshell, it’s a guide to overcoming procrastination, especially when it comes to creative work. Steven Pressfield dives deep into why we feel stuck, hesitant, or downright paralysed when starting something creative—and, more importantly, how to move past it. If you’ve ever felt resistance (or what Pressfield personifies as “The Muse” messing with your mojo), this book offers insights on understanding and conquering it.

But here’s the thing: I’ve got mixed feelings about it.

Let me be straight with you—this is the first book I’ve fully read in five years (yes, you heard that right). Growing up, I wasn’t much of a reader, and diving back in has been an experience. While I found Pressfield’s concepts fascinating, his writing style occasionally left me feeling… lost. Why? Well, at the same time, I was also reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. And let’s just say the contrast was striking.

Goggins’ writing? Direct, raw, and to the point. It’s like he’s shouting life lessons at you with zero fluff. Pressfield, on the other hand, loves a good metaphor—and I mean loves it. His analogies about The Muse and Resistance personify abstract ideas brilliantly, but sometimes it felt like I was untangling riddles rather than gaining clarity. It’s not bad, just a bit much for someone who prefers straight-talking advice (hello, my fellow short-attention-span folks).

That said, The War of Art has its gems. There were moments that genuinely resonated with me and made me stop to reflect. While I’ll break down my favourite parts in detail next, here’s the key takeaway: if you’re someone battling procrastination, this book offers a fresh perspective and valuable tools to help you push through those blocks.

And hey, if you’ve read The War of Art, let me know what you think. Did you get lost in the metaphors, or did they hit home for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts (email me at theo.mcpherson.music@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @theo_mcpherson_music).

Next up, I’ll review Can’t Hurt Me—a book so direct and raw it deserves its own spotlight. Stay tuned for more! 🚀

4 Passages That Hit Hard:

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