how Hums finds momentum without forcing inspiration
HUMS is not afraid to admit that creative resistance still shows up. On Fractures—their new EP that blends melodic textures with understated groove—the Helsinki-based producer leans into the quiet friction of getting unstuck. The project is layered, sometimes sparse, always personal. There is restraint in the arrangement, but also a rawness that suggests each track came from pushing through hesitation rather than avoiding it.
In conversation, HUMS speaks openly about the little tricks that help maintain momentum. Some of it is psychological, like telling yourself a break might actually spark a better idea. Other times, it is physical—going outside, touching grass, drinking a cappuccino. The EP reflects that same duality: movement and stillness, resistance and release, structure and softness.
We spoke with HUMS about how they navigate the creative slowdown, what they have learned from sitting inside resistance, and why feedback from close friends can do more than ease pressure—it can offer clarity.
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What does resistance actually look like for you when you’re in it?
It varies from time to time. Usually, it makes everything feel less special. You could say it lowers my confidence in my own production. But sometimes, overcoming it is as simple as going outside, touching some grass, or taking a walk to the nearest coffee shop and sipping a cappuccino. Fresh air works wonders and can really reset your brain.
If it’s hard to remember to take a break, setting a timer helps a lot.
How do you tell the difference between needing rest and just avoiding the work?
That’s a tough one. Even I haven’t mastered it yet. It’s hard to tell the difference between the two, but usually, when I need rest, I feel genuinely tired. When I’m avoiding work, I tend to stare out the window endlessly or come up with random things to do instead. Over time, it becomes easier to notice the difference.
The main thing is to listen to what your body needs, and I think everyone eventually learns to recognize what their mind needs too.
What helps you keep momentum when everything in you wants to stall?
I have this thing where I keep reminding myself that if I maintain the momentum, I might create something unique, but if I pause, I might come up with even better ideas. Thinking this way usually helps me stay in the flow because it takes some of the pressure off. It’s basically a little psychological trick to keep the brain going, but maybe that’s just me. One tip I’ve been using lately is adding effects or weird sounds wherever I can.
It’s an easy way to spark inspiration, and it’s always simple to remove those little touches later if they don’t fit. Nothing you do is ever a waste – what doesn’t work one day might click and sound even better the next.
Have you ever learned something useful by sitting in the resistance instead of fighting it?
Yeah, of course! The thing is, you’ve either got to clear your mind by exercising or by watching something completely mindless on TV. If I had to name a series that really resets my mindset, it would be Baywatch. No offense to the show, but there’s both nothing and everything happening at once. It always makes me laugh or just helps me chill. You can also do or watch something inspiring that isn’t necessarily related to music. The key is to shift your focus away from resistance and music for a while.
What makes resistance louder — and what quiets it?
Replaying it over and over in your mind only makes it louder and it doesn’t do anything to lift your mood. Like I said before, doing something completely different can really help quiet the resistance. Some of my friends usually go out and hang somewhere that gives them a sense of group support.
Of course, in Finland the winters are long, so you can’t always just head outside and hang out. Not to mention, it stays dark for a long time, which can be kind of depressing. That’s why friends are such a great way to lift your spirits. And honestly, the fam is everything.
How do you move forward without dragging guilt or self-pressure into the process?
A good tip is to get your song to a point where you can share it with friends and hear their thoughts. Whether the feedback is good or bad, it brings a sense of relief and gives you a fresh perspective on your production. I know many people who struggle with playing their music for others and I definitely recognize that in myself too. For some, it’s not very encouraging to share an unfinished track, since it can slow down the process.
Others prefer to wait until a song is as polished as possible before showing it. Over time, I’ve noticed that the pressure around feedback has eased, and I’ve learned to trust my friends to be honest and supportive.
What mindset shift helped you stop letting resistance dictate your output?
Truly enjoying every moment while composing or producing music. Whether you’re in your home studio or working on a laptop somewhere, that is the key. It doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary, as long as it makes you feel something. If it even gets your foot tapping or your head bobbing, you’re on the right track.
You can always come back to the song later to re-evaluate and listen with fresh ears. Let it rest for a bit and take a quick breather. I can’t stress enough how much a short pause can help.
