I'm working on a new project inspired by an experience I had in London. In line with my current ethos I want it to be audio-visual with the words, audio and vision all on equal footing. The challenge is creating each of these elements simultaneously so that any one element isn't compromised by a decision or direction made for one of the other elements. The other challenge is to create something from an intimate memory while avoiding the narrative, the literal or the obvious. For me, the second challenge is probably the biggest.

So far it's been the usual story. I start with nothing and wonder if ideas will ever surface, feeling a little more anxious with each day. Then, inspiration suddenly sparks and before I know it, it's quickly gaining momentum. That's reassuring to experience again.

I'm happy with what I've produced so far, but if I had to make a judgement call I'd say it's sounding safer than I'd hoped it would. I always start with the best of intentions to head towards uncharted territory (for me at least) but invariably I end up instinctively veering back to what feels more familiar. Having said that, I think the results I have at the moment are appropriate for this memory. So I'm thinking I may do something I haven't really done before and create two versions of the song - continue to finish the current "safer" version and then strip it apart to create a more abstract version. We'll see.

Either way, working on this project is reaffirming the benefits of my departure from an "album" mentality. Focussing on one project without the pressure of time or how it will fit into a bigger work is liberating. Less pressure, fewer self-imposed deadlines and limitations. Just allowing myself to take as much time as I need.