Problem solving seems to find its way into so many of the things I do, and I’ve come to realise that rather than being a burden, it gives me a huge amount of pleasure. It’s not just the joy of reaching a solution, but the whole process of achieving it that I enjoy. From tackling musical challenges to navigating the complex world of hi‑tech studio equipment, problem solving offers endless opportunities to innovate and think outside the box.
The most obvious scenario is in troubleshooting malfunctioning gear or software. I have provided technical support for several companies over the years and although this can come with its frustrations, the opportunity to pick apart a scenario and break it down into its component parts to solve its mysteries is something I find incredibly satisfying.
In my ‘weekend job’ as a gigging drummer in a function band, I’ve taken enormous pleasure in compiling backing tracks and working out the most effective and creative ways in which they can be utilised, using the latest and greatest hi‑tech kit I can lay my hands on. Nothing beats the excitement of suddenly realising that if you do ‘that’, then you can send a signal to ‘there’, which would make ‘this’ work! The fun has extended to the process of physically constructing a compact playback rig, comprising digital mixer and IEM monitoring system, complete with colour coordinated cables and labelling, to make the load‑in and setup process as quick and painless as possible.
The same is true when I indulge in any studio‑based work. I’m not a songwriter and I don’t claim to be particularly talented in what might be considered traditional musicianship. My real pleasure comes from ‘problem solving’ other people’s songs — which, by any other name, might be considered producing. Imagine you have a melody and you need to complement it with the right harmony, rhythm, and texture. The solution requires problem‑solving skills, experimenting with different instruments, and testing various combinations of sounds to see what works best. Each layer you add to the composition solves a musical problem, helping the song evolve and take shape.
Problem‑solving, at its core, is about overcoming obstacles, and it requires both logical thinking and creative intuition.
Problem‑solving, at its core, is about overcoming obstacles, and it requires both logical thinking and creative intuition. Whether I’m troubleshooting a piece of audio equipment or trying to fix a mix that’s not coming together, the process is the same: break it down, experiment, and try things until the desired result is achieved. It’s this mix of creativity and logic that makes problem‑solving so enjoyable.