The art of Feng Shui in the music studio
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of conscious placement, which recognizes that the state of our environment is a reflection of our quality of life and state of mind. Feng Shui, ultimately, is about analysing and understanding your immediate environment and thus rearranging your surrounds to generate optimum conditions in which to thrive. In this sense, applying the art of Feng Shui to your music production studio could open that creative padlock.
Feng Shui specialist, Kerry Tabor combines skills in Feng Shui with a strong background in applied and environmental science, interior design and spiritual ecology. Through her company – Spirit of Design she has created ideal working environments for a number of projects from homes and offices right through to restaurants and shops. After analysing and discussing the specs of a generic music studio Kerry Tabor has provided a plethora of ideas for applying Feng Shui to the studio set-up to optimize those creative energies.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that in most cases, musicians and producers aren’t always at liberty to choose the design or set-up of a music studio. This is not to say that Feng Shui can’t be applied to limited spaces. “The reality is, whether you are designing your home or a music studio, there are always constraints and restrictions on what you can do. It’s almost impossible to ever have an ideal scenario where you can design and control everything,” says Kerry. “Even if you can only influence one or two small things that is better than not influencing it at all.”
Generally speaking, most studio spaces present themselves as enclosed, often stifling environments and ironically are prone to being quite stagnant and devoid of life force. Studios often lack natural light and ventilation and the walls are likely slapped with dark and dull colours that certainly don’t promote balance, confidence, focus and creativity. As Kerry highlights, “It’s pretty hard to keep sourcing creative energy in a space that’s lacking any vitality, in the end you just become physically depleted. When we’re looking at Feng Shui for a music studio we’re looking at achieving the right sort of balance for achieving a vibrant, supportive and creative space in which to perform.”
Life Force Energy
Ultimately concentrating on the quality of life force in the music studio is the first step forwards. Step by step, Kerry has broken down the elements that need to be addressed. Firstly, good ventilation is a key issue. Many studios are comprised of synthetic materials such as vinyl walls, nylon carpets, toxic glues and paints and plastic furnish. Many of these materials out-gas for years after a space has been fitted out and have a toxic effect on the body. Opening the doors and windows at least prior to and after the actual recording session improves ventilation and encourages an influx of fresh air and new ideas.
The placement of plants, particularly in a space where life force is hard to get, can also be encouraging. Certain plants can actually filter harmful gases out of the room. Plants are also an indication of how healthy the building is for people. Avoid spiky or blade-like plants and palms (which are often too cutting and sharp for particular environments). Round and softer-leafed plants are preferred.
Light
Similarly natural light (and lighting) is equally important. While this may seem like a bit of a luxury for most musicians and producers, there are ways to exude ‘naturalness’ in the confines of the studio walls. Fluorescent light vibrates at a high frequency and depletes some of the bodies’ natural vitamins. If your studio is equipped with fluorescent lighting, try introducing some incandescent or halogen lights/lamps to create a warmer atmosphere. Bright and enlivening light, as opposed to the starkness of fluorescent or the dim quality of normal lighting, can also rejuvenate a bleak room.
Colour
Colour is yet another element that can influence a studio space. Decorating the walls with fire and earth colours, such as reds, oranges, purples and yellows, is likely to enliven even the dullest of spaces and in turn, invigorate and inspire musicians. Even if the studio is rented, introducing bright colours and inspirations through pictures, designs or pieces of art on the walls can help bring a touch of vitality and inspiration to the space.
Electro-magnetic Radiation (EMR)
While not specifically related to the practice of Feng Shui another energy-depleting element that goes hand in hand with the music studio is electro-magnetic radiation (EMR). EMR can be caused by varying situations. Buildings located near tram or rail lines, substations, mobile phone towers or buildings close to power lines can expose the buildings inhabitants to radiation; while being located close to elevators, escalators or other electrical influences in the building can propagate radiation. While this is often difficult to alter, it pays to be aware of such negative influences and how they impact on you and your working environment.
Electrical equipment within the studio is also known to generate radiation. Curbing exposure to these items is more manageable. “Don’t sit or place yourself in close proximity to equipment such as amplifiers, speakers, transformers or battery chargers,” Kerry suggests. “Have it further away from you; I would recommend at least a couple of meters. If I was a technician or someone working with a lot of electrical equipment I would call someone in who can measure EMR levels with a Gauss meter so that you know what you’re dealing with. Once you know what your equipment is doing you can manage yourself accordingly. I think this is an issue because in the kind of world we are living in now, we are exposed to a lot of harmful things we can’t influence, so those few things that you can have an impact on are worth doing; especially when some solutions are quite easy to implement.”
This is a constant and significant hazard for musicians and industry persons who are constantly exposed to high levels. “Higher than background levels of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful to health and a lot of scientific research repeatedly demonstrates that high and constant exposure can lead to a number of damaging health effects,” explains Kerry. “The first impacts are just general tiredness, lethargy, fatigue and poor concentration, but constant high exposure can result in headaches, migraines and things a lot more serious and it can start to diminish your energy levels and your motivation.”
Placement
The strong and harmonious placement of performers in relation to their equipment and surrounds is most important. In most situations, the perfect placement for performers usually constitutes having a strong wall behind you without any doors or windows on it and an open area directly in front where life force can gather. “That is going to promote confidence and focus for performers. If you have doors behind you it undermines confidence because you don’t know really what is going on behind you. Similarly it is not good to perform with a wall or some other obstruction in front of you as this can block creativity. Kerry explains, “In the end, the key focus in any studio is on the actual performers, so they really needs to be supported in the best way it can.”
If performers are required to be seated it is just as important to have strong and stable seating in the studio. Flimsy seating and stools that are too soft or unstable can undermine confidence and instability. Likewise, if there is an audience in the studio, it is important to make sure there is space between the audience and the performers. If there is a need for onlookers in the studio, ensure that they are not situated behind the performers as this can be quite disconcerting. The placement of the speakers, although a technical issue in the end, also should be such that sound is directed into an open space from a solid place. For those studios that have a waiting area for musicians and producers, need to consider creating an area that encourages confidence and calmness for its patrons; an area where there are some stable chairs to sit on and an environment that (rather than intimidating) is encouraging and friendly.
Clutter
Other than the immediate and essential items being used, the studio really needs to be as empty as possible. Clutter in the studio promotes disorder and chaos. “It really needs to be almost as empty as possible other than the immediate things being used because it is about creating from an empty space in a way. An ordered space leads to an ordered mind, which leaves you free to be fully creative.”
Yin and Yang
Angles, straight lines and hard surfaces are other factors that can be uncomfortable in the studio space. “Feng Shui is always about balance and if you have a lot of hard surfaces, straight lines, and angles and edges it is a very good idea to introduce curves, rounder shapes and more flowing lines. That’s the basic premise of yin and yang; to add the opposite quality for balance,” says Kerry. A simple solution is to introduce soft fabrics for upholstered seats or textured partitions.
Most musicians wouldn’t even think about these issues. However, they are all factors that subtly deplete your physical and mental energy and drain creativity. Finding the perfect arrangement, balance and energy in your music studio is a worthwhile way of maintaining endurance and stamina and can keep you healthy and inspired for a long haul in the music industry. Let’s face it, when you’re producing something creative you really want to have everything on your side. So unlock those studio doors, release the stagnant air and let that influx of creative energy stride on in!
Kerry Tabor, from Spirit of Design, can be contacted
via phone on [03] 9399 2449 or
via email at
kt@spiritofdesign.com.auf or consultations.
For further details visit
http://www.spiritofdesign.com.au.
Feng Shui specialist, Kerry Tabor combines skills in Feng Shui with a strong background in applied and environmental science, interior design and spiritual ecology. Through her company – Spirit of Design she has created ideal working environments for a number of projects from homes and offices right through to restaurants and shops. After analysing and discussing the specs of a generic music studio Kerry Tabor has provided a plethora of ideas for applying Feng Shui to the studio set-up to optimize those creative energies.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that in most cases, musicians and producers aren’t always at liberty to choose the design or set-up of a music studio. This is not to say that Feng Shui can’t be applied to limited spaces. “The reality is, whether you are designing your home or a music studio, there are always constraints and restrictions on what you can do. It’s almost impossible to ever have an ideal scenario where you can design and control everything,” says Kerry. “Even if you can only influence one or two small things that is better than not influencing it at all.”
Generally speaking, most studio spaces present themselves as enclosed, often stifling environments and ironically are prone to being quite stagnant and devoid of life force. Studios often lack natural light and ventilation and the walls are likely slapped with dark and dull colours that certainly don’t promote balance, confidence, focus and creativity. As Kerry highlights, “It’s pretty hard to keep sourcing creative energy in a space that’s lacking any vitality, in the end you just become physically depleted. When we’re looking at Feng Shui for a music studio we’re looking at achieving the right sort of balance for achieving a vibrant, supportive and creative space in which to perform.”
Life Force Energy
Ultimately concentrating on the quality of life force in the music studio is the first step forwards. Step by step, Kerry has broken down the elements that need to be addressed. Firstly, good ventilation is a key issue. Many studios are comprised of synthetic materials such as vinyl walls, nylon carpets, toxic glues and paints and plastic furnish. Many of these materials out-gas for years after a space has been fitted out and have a toxic effect on the body. Opening the doors and windows at least prior to and after the actual recording session improves ventilation and encourages an influx of fresh air and new ideas.
The placement of plants, particularly in a space where life force is hard to get, can also be encouraging. Certain plants can actually filter harmful gases out of the room. Plants are also an indication of how healthy the building is for people. Avoid spiky or blade-like plants and palms (which are often too cutting and sharp for particular environments). Round and softer-leafed plants are preferred.
Light
Similarly natural light (and lighting) is equally important. While this may seem like a bit of a luxury for most musicians and producers, there are ways to exude ‘naturalness’ in the confines of the studio walls. Fluorescent light vibrates at a high frequency and depletes some of the bodies’ natural vitamins. If your studio is equipped with fluorescent lighting, try introducing some incandescent or halogen lights/lamps to create a warmer atmosphere. Bright and enlivening light, as opposed to the starkness of fluorescent or the dim quality of normal lighting, can also rejuvenate a bleak room.
Colour
Colour is yet another element that can influence a studio space. Decorating the walls with fire and earth colours, such as reds, oranges, purples and yellows, is likely to enliven even the dullest of spaces and in turn, invigorate and inspire musicians. Even if the studio is rented, introducing bright colours and inspirations through pictures, designs or pieces of art on the walls can help bring a touch of vitality and inspiration to the space.
Electro-magnetic Radiation (EMR)
While not specifically related to the practice of Feng Shui another energy-depleting element that goes hand in hand with the music studio is electro-magnetic radiation (EMR). EMR can be caused by varying situations. Buildings located near tram or rail lines, substations, mobile phone towers or buildings close to power lines can expose the buildings inhabitants to radiation; while being located close to elevators, escalators or other electrical influences in the building can propagate radiation. While this is often difficult to alter, it pays to be aware of such negative influences and how they impact on you and your working environment.
Electrical equipment within the studio is also known to generate radiation. Curbing exposure to these items is more manageable. “Don’t sit or place yourself in close proximity to equipment such as amplifiers, speakers, transformers or battery chargers,” Kerry suggests. “Have it further away from you; I would recommend at least a couple of meters. If I was a technician or someone working with a lot of electrical equipment I would call someone in who can measure EMR levels with a Gauss meter so that you know what you’re dealing with. Once you know what your equipment is doing you can manage yourself accordingly. I think this is an issue because in the kind of world we are living in now, we are exposed to a lot of harmful things we can’t influence, so those few things that you can have an impact on are worth doing; especially when some solutions are quite easy to implement.”
This is a constant and significant hazard for musicians and industry persons who are constantly exposed to high levels. “Higher than background levels of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful to health and a lot of scientific research repeatedly demonstrates that high and constant exposure can lead to a number of damaging health effects,” explains Kerry. “The first impacts are just general tiredness, lethargy, fatigue and poor concentration, but constant high exposure can result in headaches, migraines and things a lot more serious and it can start to diminish your energy levels and your motivation.”
Placement
The strong and harmonious placement of performers in relation to their equipment and surrounds is most important. In most situations, the perfect placement for performers usually constitutes having a strong wall behind you without any doors or windows on it and an open area directly in front where life force can gather. “That is going to promote confidence and focus for performers. If you have doors behind you it undermines confidence because you don’t know really what is going on behind you. Similarly it is not good to perform with a wall or some other obstruction in front of you as this can block creativity. Kerry explains, “In the end, the key focus in any studio is on the actual performers, so they really needs to be supported in the best way it can.”
If performers are required to be seated it is just as important to have strong and stable seating in the studio. Flimsy seating and stools that are too soft or unstable can undermine confidence and instability. Likewise, if there is an audience in the studio, it is important to make sure there is space between the audience and the performers. If there is a need for onlookers in the studio, ensure that they are not situated behind the performers as this can be quite disconcerting. The placement of the speakers, although a technical issue in the end, also should be such that sound is directed into an open space from a solid place. For those studios that have a waiting area for musicians and producers, need to consider creating an area that encourages confidence and calmness for its patrons; an area where there are some stable chairs to sit on and an environment that (rather than intimidating) is encouraging and friendly.
Clutter
Other than the immediate and essential items being used, the studio really needs to be as empty as possible. Clutter in the studio promotes disorder and chaos. “It really needs to be almost as empty as possible other than the immediate things being used because it is about creating from an empty space in a way. An ordered space leads to an ordered mind, which leaves you free to be fully creative.”
Yin and Yang
Angles, straight lines and hard surfaces are other factors that can be uncomfortable in the studio space. “Feng Shui is always about balance and if you have a lot of hard surfaces, straight lines, and angles and edges it is a very good idea to introduce curves, rounder shapes and more flowing lines. That’s the basic premise of yin and yang; to add the opposite quality for balance,” says Kerry. A simple solution is to introduce soft fabrics for upholstered seats or textured partitions.
Most musicians wouldn’t even think about these issues. However, they are all factors that subtly deplete your physical and mental energy and drain creativity. Finding the perfect arrangement, balance and energy in your music studio is a worthwhile way of maintaining endurance and stamina and can keep you healthy and inspired for a long haul in the music industry. Let’s face it, when you’re producing something creative you really want to have everything on your side. So unlock those studio doors, release the stagnant air and let that influx of creative energy stride on in!
Kerry Tabor, from Spirit of Design, can be contacted
via phone on [03] 9399 2449 or
via email at
kt@spiritofdesign.com.auf or consultations.
For further details visit
http://www.spiritofdesign.com.au.
Philippe La PlastiQue - 15. Jan, 10:23
