Hey there composer! Thanks for taking the time to read another edition of The Media Composer Vault. Today, well, today we’re addressing (and more importantly, tackling) a very important topic: burnout. It’s the elephant in the room no one wants to admit to, but let’s face it—we’ve all been there. So, no more pretending. Today, we’re cracking open the Vault to share some real truths and a few gems to help you out. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Defining the problem

What is Burnout?

Every creative has faced it—yes, even your favourite composers (though they might not admit it). Maybe you’re feeling it now, which is why you’re here. Don’t worry; I’ve been there too. Burnout is rough, but I care deeply about helping you avoid the mistakes I made. Let’s tackle this together.

So, what is burnout? Simply put: it’s when you stop loving what you do. That passion fades, and the work you once loved feels like a chore, something you have to do, not something you want to do. For creatives, that’s dangerous territory. Loving what we do fuels our best work—when that spark is gone, the results can feel… meh.

As composers, the journey is long and challenging, and losing the joy can make it feel impossible. So, let’s face it head-on and figure out how to reignite that love for your craft.

But how???

FIND AN OUT

Let me first start by saying this: Burnout happens. Some days, especially with tricky projects, you’ll wake up and not feel like composing. Unfortunately, as a media composer, quitting isn’t an option—you’ve got deadlines and responsibilities. But even in those moments, there’s a way through: find an out.

Here’s the deal: if making music feels like a chore, step back. Seriously, take a break! Do something you enjoy that’s not music-related. I repeat, NON MUSIC RELATED! Watch a movie, go for a hike, try a new recipe—anything that you love that’ll recharge you. We’re humans, not machines (even machines need breaks!). Heck, even God took a day off—so you can too.

Now I’m not telling you to go and wither away in your bed or sofa and sulk for 2 weeks and do nothing, I'm saying it's okay to give yourself a break.

For me, martial arts is my “out.” When burnout hit, I dove into training, and it made a world of difference. This newsletter? Another outlet; helping others helps me be the best version of myself and that in turns helps me create the best music. Shifting focus to other areas of life has brought back my excitement for composing.

Check out this clip of me getting my butt kicked (or maybe doing the kicking... depends on the day)

And here’s one of me getting spun around like I’m nobody’s business (it’s not as bad as it looks!)

Again, to be clear, I’m not saying run every time things get tough. But if you’ve lost the love for your art, pause, recharge, and rediscover it. When you come back, you’ll be ready to create with the passion that makes your work truly shine.

Want a quick exercise? Grab a pen and paper (or your phone, but pen and paper feels more legit). Write down everything you’ve accomplished in your music career so far. Big or small, it all counts:

• Finished a tricky composition? Write it down.

• Posted your first piece online? Write it down.

• Learned a new scale? Yep, that counts too.

Save that list. Whenever burnout strikes, pull it out and remind yourself how far you’ve come. It’s not about arrogance—it’s about perspective and gratitude for your journey.

YOUR MUSIC ISN’T YOUR LIFE

Here’s the truth: your life doesn’t revolve entirely around music. Yes, you might live and breathe music—it’s your passion, your work—but it doesn’t define you completely.

Let me explain. Music offers a glimpse into who you are and the world you come from (we’ve talked about this before—[link to blog]). But it’s just a part of you, not the whole picture. Controversial isn’t it? You’ve probably heard the saying or seen the t-shirts that read “Music is life”, but I disagree. Your identity is a blend of your passions, relationships, hobbies, quirks, and even your dislikes. Music alone doesn’t make you whole.

Take a lesson from Demetrious Johnson, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. In an interview, he talks about life outside the gym. He’s not “Mighty Mouse” (that’s his fight name) at home—he’s just Demetrious, a husband and father.

The same mindset applies to you. You’re not “just a composer” or “just a musician.” You’re a whole person, and music is only one chapter in your story. So make sure you don’t just nurture your music side, but every side.

Remember this: your music may be a big part of your life, but it’s not the only part. The moment you stop letting it define you, you’ll find space to grow, recharge, and truly appreciate the art you create.

CONCLUSION

Don’t let composing take over your life. Remember, it’s the other things—your passions, hobbies, and relationships—that make you whole. Step away from the DAW, do something you love, and when you return, you’ll rediscover that spark for making music.

You’re not alone. Burnout happens to every artist, including me. That’s why I wrote this—to remind you that the love for your craft isn’t gone; it’s just waiting for a little TLC to reignite.

Oh, and remember to do the little exercise I mentioned, it certainly worked for me when I hit a road block, and hey, if it could help you then why not give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose. Here are the instructions again:

Get a pen and paper and write down all your musical accomplishments (yes, all of them). Then anytime you start to forget why you do what you do, read that list to remind yourself of all that you’ve managed to learn and overcome to get to where you currently are.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s chat—what are your experiences with burnout, and how have you tackled it? I’m always up for connecting with like-minded creatives and learning from each other.

Before you go: I’ve included a few videos on burnout that helped me during my rough patch. Hope you find them useful!

How to Protect Your Passion for Composing - Zach Heyde

How to fall back in love with your art - Zach Heyde

How to Stay Motivated as a Musician (Even When Streams are Low) - L.Dre

That’s all for now—thanks for reading! Seriously, it means a lot.

Keep composing (or maybe don’t, for now—lol),

-Theo