I've lost interest in music.

[Axtman]

Within the past couple of months I have lost interest in music. I used to be in a band playing every other weekend and taking lessons. COVID stopped all that. I also used to jam along to songs on YouTube especially the ones where the bass was removed. I also used to listen to music while I work (at home).

Well my desire has really decreased. I hadn't picked up a bass in while and when I did the spark was gone. I played along to a few songs but wasn't really into it. I also have stopped listening to music altogether.

Has this ever happened to you?

 

[Jakeman]

Sounds to me like you're experiencing anhedonia - the inability to feel pleasure from things that normally bring you pleasure. I'm bipolar, and have definitely experienced this through my depressive swings. Usually, in my case, it's followed by intense periods of manic creativity. I'd try to see if you're feeling depressed - that can absolutely bring it on. And, hey - these are depressing times. That could be the root problem. Good luck, friend.

 

[JRA]

Has this ever happened to you?

not really. i might go through phases of getting my music fixes differently, but i've always got music/playing on my mind whatever else i'm doing. but i'm a musician (and have been: all of my life) so music is what i was meant to do. that said: most of the time i don't want to hear any music --- so i can think about music!

"anhedonia" is real enough, but that's not the first thing i'd go to in your case, OP. waxing/waning interest in non-obligatory activities is common, to be expected, normal, and typically reflective of other influences, too...duh! since music is not 'compelling' for you, i'd try to take it in stride: relax your bad self and do other things. also: maybe you're giving in to some laziness when you could be practicing more discipline. i'd bet most of us have changed up a few habits or let some things 'slip' in the past several months...music or otherwise --- not to be influenced by current events would make for its own 'diagnosis'!

if you're meant to play music = your current "lost interest" won't last forever! good luck!

 

[bolophonic]

It has happened to me before. I recognized it as a sign of depression and went about solving that problem, instead of trying to focus on the symptom. Nowadays, I use my level of engagement with music to help gauge the state of my mental health.

One of the first things I do now when I start to feel disconnected from music is to start making sure I am getting enough sleep and exercise and hydration. I start looking at behaviors that intrude on my music-listening time (scrolling uselessly on my phone).

I also find it helpful to pick up my bass and do something that requires very little effort, like figuring out a simple cover song. Traveling down a musical rabbit hole on Bandcamp is another thing that helps introduce me to new music, whenever I feel like I am in a rut. Good luck, I hope you break out of it.

 

[Lagado]

Stress will put a dampener on it. Life gets in the way.

 

[Gorn]

I'm kinda right there with you, but I'm not really bothered by it. I mostly just noodle absentmindedly on the couch. I very rarely listen to music any more too. I'll listen for a bit and then switch to a podcast and get more enjoyment out of it. Strange days.

 

[Axtman]

Thanks for your concern, but I am not depressed. I have suffered from depression in the past so I know what it is like. I have just lost interest in music.

It's like if I were to go into a arts and crafts store. I have no interested in picking up brushes and painting. (I am not an artist and never had the desire to paint.)

 

[Jakeman]

Thanks for your concern, but I am not depressed. I have suffered from depression in the past so I know what it is like. I have just lost interest in music.

It's like if I were to go into a arts and crafts store. I have no interested in picking up brushes and painting. (I am not an artist and never had the desire to paint.)

Not depressed - well, that's good, and rules that out. I know that sometimes in the past I've gotten bored with playing and it took a big change in my playing routine and gear to shake me out of it. One of the reasons I picked up fretless, and why I got into pedals. Maybe that could help? Or maybe it's time for a break to pursue other interests for awhile?

 

[DirtDog]

Lack of motivation can often be linked to lack of purpose. No gigs, no musical socializing = no purpose. I wouldn't be too hard on yourself.

Up to you if you want to find alternative purpose in your music making.

 

[EchoEcho]

Depression is rarely obvious, even if you've had it before because it can take many forms. People push it to the back of their minds ("I'm not depressed") and so it gets diverted into other 'forms' - apathy towards interests, anorexia, psychosomatic symptoms, etc. Just something to be aware of because even the disruption to people's routines during covid can take a heavy toll on mental health.

 

[BobDeRosa]

The whole country is down right now. For you, time for a break. Don't touch anything music-related for a month and see what happens.

 

[Hot Rats]

Dude, that sucks man because All Them Witches just released a new album today. Sorry you lost interest. I hope you get it back soon.

 

[dkelley]

No joke - if you feel this way, keep reading/posting on this forum, if you can. It might keep you from completely abandoning where you've gotten, and eventually fuel a resurgence of musical drive.

 

[Killing Floor]

Do This...
It's 100 times more fun than streaming or other media. Connect to music by being a listener. In my own experience it is too easy to become disconnected with your love for music and art if you are trying to recreate it, especially with any precision. So don't. Try to step back and appreciate how fun it is to be a fan. Listen and enjoy. And crack open a beer, can't hurt. It's not like you're going on tour, right? It's a friggin' pandemic.

 

[Peteyboy]

I'm a record collector - not as an investment but because I actually play them. I haven't put one on the turntable in 2 months.

 

[nilorius]

No, but don't let that all make You a non-musician. Go buy something special in musicians world, buy a bass You never played before, maybe try out the fretless world. Learn some bass solo soung You like. Some simple lessons on acoustic guitar would also work, just for fun. Just don't let it happen!!!

 

[redwood]

I have definately had a loss of interest in playing. I picked up my bass the other night and realized I had completely lost my callouses on my finger tips.
I have been listening to music while working, so that part of my interest is still there. But I think the Covid Blues is real, and you are suffering from it.
This too shall be pass. Allow yourself to enjoy other things for a bit. Then all of a sudden you'll realize how much you miss it. Or you won't, and then move on to other interesting endeavors.
I had a fifteen year break from music. It happens.

 

[Skullheadrac]

Just sell all your equipment... at blowout prices

 

[Joe Nerve]

That happened to me after hearing Cardi B's WAP for the first time 2 weeks ago.

 

[mexicanyella]

I have had a series of “dry spells” in my musical interest and motivation since my active band years of my mid 20s through early 30s. Family circumstances and stress levels can drive it, and I’ve wondered more than once if this was it; say adios to that phase of my life etc.

For me, there’s also a seasonal fluctuation: I have less time for music during the summer due to various outdoor rural life tasks. That can make music seem like more trouble than it’s worth, when there are schedule conflicts.

But letting it ride always finds me regaining interest when circumstances allow. Most recently, the band I play bass in came to a halt in March due to COVID. Haven’t played bass all summer, just guitar and lap steel, and only a little of that. But a buddy just turned me on to the BandLab app, and all of a sudden I am a recording fiend, after years—years!— of nary a song idea. Suddenly I need some bass for something, and wham! Playing bass again.

Point is, let it ride. Try not to focus on any lack of interest. That will just generate sentimental but unproductive thoughts. Take a breather and if you’re truly not interested in it after awhile, so what? Find something you are into. Or it will come back, and you can proceed. Let it happen.