Meaning: The quote "I find humming is very useful" by musician Elvis Costello suggests that humming, the act of producing musical sounds with the lips closed, can be a valuable tool in the creative process of making music. This simple act, often done unconsciously, can play a significant role in the development and refinement of musical ideas. Understanding the context and significance of this quote requires examining Elvis Costello's career, creative process, and the broader role of humming in music.

Elvis Costello, born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his influential contributions to the punk and new wave movements in the late 1970s and beyond. His diverse musical style incorporates elements of rock, pop, jazz, and country, and he is celebrated for his lyrical depth and inventive songwriting. As a prolific and versatile artist, Costello's insights into the creative process can provide valuable perspectives on the role of humming in music creation.

Humming, as alluded to in the quote, can be a powerful means of musical exploration and idea generation. The act of humming allows musicians to experiment with melodies, rhythms, and harmonies in a spontaneous and organic manner. It serves as a way to vocalize musical concepts without the constraints of formal lyrics or instrumentation, enabling artists to capture fleeting moments of inspiration and develop them into fully realized compositions.

In the context of music composition and songwriting, humming can serve as a starting point for the creation of melodies and vocal lines. By humming, musicians can explore different tonalities, intervals, and phrasings, allowing them to refine and shape their musical ideas before translating them into fully formed songs. This intuitive and improvisational approach to melody development can yield unique and evocative results, often capturing the raw essence of a musical idea before it undergoes further refinement.

Furthermore, humming can be a valuable practice for honing a musician's ear and vocal abilities. By engaging in regular humming exercises, artists can cultivate their sense of pitch, tone, and vocal control, which are essential skills for singers and instrumentalists alike. This process of vocalizing musical ideas through humming can also contribute to the development of a musician's personal style and vocal identity, as it encourages a direct and unfiltered expression of musical thoughts and emotions.

Costello's acknowledgment of the usefulness of humming aligns with the experiences of many musicians who have found that this simple act can lead to significant creative breakthroughs. Whether used as a solitary practice or as a collaborative tool among musicians, humming has the potential to unlock new avenues of musical exploration and innovation. It can serve as a bridge between internal musical imaginings and the external world of fully realized compositions, providing a means for artists to capture and develop their musical inspirations in a fluid and immediate manner.

In conclusion, Elvis Costello's quote "I find humming is very useful" underscores the value of this seemingly unassuming practice in the realm of music creation. Humming serves as a versatile and accessible tool for musicians, enabling them to explore, refine, and express their musical ideas with spontaneity and authenticity. By embracing the act of humming, artists can tap into a rich source of creative inspiration and cultivate their musical abilities in a deeply personal and intuitive manner. As a testament to the enduring relevance of this quote, it invites musicians and music enthusiasts alike to appreciate the profound impact of humming on the process of musical expression and innovation.