I just got the new Linkin Park album, Minutes to Midnight.
As I was reading the liner notes, I noticed a little story I think you'll appreciate.
At the end of over one year in the studio, the band felt that the album was finished. After initial listening, however, they were devastated to hear from friends that the album felt like it was missing a piece--one more song. The band was horrified. Many of the songs on the album had taken months to write, so throwing a new one together that could stand up to the rest was unlikely. To complicate matters, any further writing meant they might miss deadlines that had been set up for album release and touring. In spite of risks, the band decided to take this challenge of character. A little over a week later, the record was officially ready for release with the addition of "What I've Done."
In case you don't know, "What I've Done" was the first single off the album. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 at #7, making it the band's highest debut for a single.
Seems to me deadlines are a good thing!
Without deadlines I'd mess around with a project forever and end up hating what I turned it into, having torn it apart and reconstructed it a million times. I find my best work is done when the deadline is right around the corner. Great point!
Posted by: Katie Cummings | May 25, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Katie - I agree. I once spent 4 hours to write a series of emails that have now been in use for over 4 years!
Posted by: Ryan Healy | May 27, 2007 at 03:29 PM