Inside My WIP Sessions: Making Music in the Margins
- Bobby Manila
- June 22, 2025
- 01:00 am
Inside My WIP Sessions: Making Music in the Margins
Making music when you're a full-time venue manager, a dad, a husband, a BJJ coach, and a maker of heavy beats… it’s not exactly a smooth workflow.
But that’s the reality for me — and for many other creatives out there.
We don’t have unlimited hours or bottomless energy.
We’ve got responsibilities. We’ve got lives.
And still — we make time.
The Schedule: Late Nights & Stolen Hours
I usually carve out two evenings a week, once the house has quieted, the kiddo’s asleep, and my other parental and personal tasks are done.
That’s when I sit down to do the real work.
These night sessions are where I:
- Compose heavy, drop-tuned instrumentals
- Mix and master tracks for myself and my clients
- Chase flow state like it’s the last train home
Then on one of my days off, I set aside a few sacred hours during the day to work on the other side of Bobby Makes Music — writing blog posts like this, maintaining my site, and building the digital infrastructure of my brand.
That’s my system. It’s not flashy. But it works.
The Setup: Minimalist but Mighty
I used to have the whole pro setup — big desk, dual screens, near-field monitors, the works.
But after becoming a dad, I simplified everything. Now it’s just:
- MacBook Pro
- Audio interface
- Headphones
That’s it. That’s my entire creative universe.
Every beat I compose, every mix I tweak, every piece of content I create — it all happens right there.
Sometimes in the corner of the house.
Sometimes at the kitchen table.
It’s not about the gear. It’s about the grind.
The Mindset: Chaos, Doubt… and Flow
Here’s the truth:
I walk into every creative session carrying exhaustion, anxiety, and a good dose of imposter syndrome.
I’ve built things before.
I’ve shut them down out of fear before.
I’ve launched websites, built MVPs, started opt-ins — only to second-guess everything and let it all go cold.
But Bobby Makes Music is different.
This time, I’m moving forward anyway — even if it’s 10 minutes at a time.
Because once I start:
- I drop into flow.
- The anxiety disappears.
- The moment swallows me.
It doesn’t matter if I’m composing, mixing, or writing — I feel the same way I do on the BJJ mats. There’s no room for anything but the moment.
Time bends.
I’m in it.
Grab 3 free metal beats with license agreements and stems — no strings attached.
Rituals: How I Switch Into Creative Mode
I don’t have a long list of fancy rituals — but I do have a few anchor points.
On evening sessions:
- Open MacBook
- Pull up Upbase (my project management tool)
- Get to work
By then, I already know what I need to do — compose, mix, master — and I get right into it.
On daytime sessions:
- Put in my AirPods
- Listen to some Lo-Fi, funk, or metal (depends on the day)
- Do a few light chores while thinking about my creative intentions
- Then sit down, check Upbase, and map out my task list for the day
These daytime blocks are more strategic — content creation, blog writing, and building the brand. But even when it’s not music, it still scratches that same creative itch.
Then, just like that — the session ends.
Back to school pickups, family dinner, the beautiful chaos of real life.
You’re in the Same Boat…
If you’re a working parent, a full-time employee, someone with a thousand responsibilities but still feel the need to create — here’s my advice:
Look at your schedule. Talk to your partner. Find moments. Create time, no matter how small. Plan. Chip away at it — even if it’s just 10 minutes at a time.
To quote Nike: “Just do it.”
You’ll be happy you did.
💥 Want More from Bobby Makes Music?
If you're a vocalist, creator, or just a busy creative trying to keep the fire alive — join the journey.
Get behind-the-scenes content, exclusive drops, and free heavy beats direct to your inbox.
👉 Check out the latest updates & subscribe
— Bobby