Songwriters on Process John Gourley (Portugal. The Man)
10 snips
Jun 30, 2025 
John Gourley, lead singer and guitarist of Portugal. The Man, shares his unique perspective on songwriting influenced by ADHD. He emphasizes how this often-misunderstood condition helps him focus on creativity, turning chaos into artistry. Gourley discusses the importance of spontaneity and the role of exercise in enhancing creativity, revealing how physical movement stimulates his artistic flow. He also touches on overcoming creative fears, showing that imperfection can spark innovation in songwriting.
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Capturing Momentum with Voice Memos
- John records voice memos immediately when ideas hit to capture momentum and anxiety relief.
- His writing process started with recording an album a year, guided by intuition without forced daily writing.
Integrate Visual Arts Into Songwriting
- Incorporate various art forms like painting, drawing, and design into your songwriting process.
- Think about the relationship between visual aesthetics and music to inspire concepts and artwork.
Inspiration During Monotony
- Creative breakthroughs often happen during monotonous, non-conscious activities like showering or doing chores.
- These moments allow ideas to surface without active intellectual pressure, fueling creativity.
