In this article Audrey Martinovich shares the ways she believes her ADHD is a benefit to her in her professional life.
Like a lot of people, my pandemic experience had its share of existential crises. Once the routine went out the window, I felt like my wheels were always spinning but I was stuck in the same place. I couldn’t focus on anything. I was constantly forgetting where I put things (phone, my glass of water, the snack I was just holding…) or what item I entered a room to get.
After thousands of dollars worth of gigs were cancelled, I was more anxious than ever (who wouldn’t be?!) and as a result, my usual forgetfulness worsened and by the end of the day I felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, and quick to anger. Although I had felt all these things before, this felt like it was becoming unmanageable during the pandemic, so I talked to my mom about what was going on. She very calmly said, “Well, you know that I, and both of your brothers, have ADHD, right?”
I did know that, but I hadn’t connected what I was going through to ADHD until that moment. I started researching and talked with my doctor about what was going on and was formally diagnosed a couple weeks later. It’s very new, but I am learning how to “hack” my ADHD and have connected some of my symptoms to my success in the recording studio. So, in an attempt to help others who may be struggling with ADHD, here’s why I think being neurodivergent might make someone an excellent music producer:
Literally Always Dancing To Your Music
I can’t count the times I’ve had a client come into the control room after laying down their part and say, “You looked like you were into that take with all that dancing!”
It’s probably the hyperactive part of ADHD, but I can’t help but move when there’s music on. If I’m not bouncing in my chair, then something is probably wrong with the groove. It can be a sign that things aren’t jiving the way they should be because player interaction isn't there or timing issues that need to be worked out. You can’t fix issues with the groove if you don’t notice them in the first place!
It’s A High Bar To Hold My Attention
Because of my short attention span, as a producer, I try to note (by taking actual notes - bad memory, remember?) where my mind starts to wander during a song. Those places might be good spots for a little guitar fill, or a long delay at the end of a vocal line, or something to add interest.
For a song to resonate with people, they have to connect with it. In order to connect with it, it has to grab their attention and keep it. If my mind doesn’t start to wander, then it’s a good bet that neurotypical people will find the song exciting start to finish.
The Ideas Never Stop Coming
My mind is constantly going. That, combined with having poor impulse control, means I often say any idea that comes to mind, as it comes to mind. I’ll admit, this can rub people the wrong way sometimes, but I would much rather be the person with too many ideas than not a single one.
So what if they’re not all good? You have to sift through the bad sometimes, but there’s going to be gold. Like the time I suggested we add a saxophone choir to an acoustic guitar ballad. Totally unexpected, but was just what the song needed and the artist loved it!
Hyperfocus Is A Real Thing
This might sound counter to everything I’ve just written, but a common symptom of ADHD is hyperfocus. We get so immersed in what we are doing that we forget the outside world exists, especially when we do something we love. We start the task, or the new craft we want to learn, and don’t stop until it’s finished or we’ve completely exhausted ourselves. Kids these days call it “following the dopamine.” It’s very common for me to sit down at my studio computer and dive into a project, then realize it’s 10 hours later and I haven’t taken a break even to eat. When someone is hyper-focused, the only way to break them out of it is either repeatedly calling their name, or physical contact.
Now, this can be a bad thing sometimes, especially if you frequently leave the studio later than you intend and miss dinner at home. However, it does mean that I have the stamina to put in super long days when I need to in order to make deadlines, and can do it without resentment or feeling overworked.
Bottom Line, Talk To Someone
Stress impacts us all in different ways. For me, it made existing symptoms worse, which led me to a diagnosis. Now, I understand myself a little more. There’s definitely more to learn, but I’m functioning better and am kinder to myself about my symptoms. It’s no longer, “Why can’t I remember anything? What’s wrong with me?” Now, it’s, “I know that I need to make a list so I don’t forget.” Coping with symptoms and finding ways to manage them, rather than beating yourself up, just takes the pressure off and we all deserve a little less pressure these days.