October 2, 2026
The Connection Between Songwriting and Problem Solving in Technology
By Devin McMenamy
Finding Patterns Between Creativity and Technology
When people hear that I work in technology and also spend time writing and composing rock and roll music, they might assume those are two completely separate parts of my life. One side is focused on business, technology solutions, and helping customers solve challenges. The other side is creative, emotional, and built around expressing ideas through music.
For a long time, I viewed them that way too.
Over the years, though, I have realized there is a lot more connection between them than I originally thought. Whether I am working with a business on connectivity solutions, troubleshooting a technology issue, or sitting down with a guitar to write a rock and roll song, the process starts in a similar place.
There is a problem to solve, an idea to develop, or something that does not feel quite complete yet.
The challenge is figuring out what needs to happen next.
That process requires patience, curiosity, and the willingness to keep adjusting until everything starts to come together.
The Creative Process Behind Music and Business Solutions
Writing rock and roll music has taught me that creativity is not always about waiting for the perfect idea to appear. A lot of creativity comes from putting in the work, experimenting, and being willing to make changes along the way.
Sometimes a song starts with a simple guitar riff or a thought that comes into my head. Other times, I may have an idea for a song that sounds great at first, but once I start building around it, I realize something is missing.
That is usually when the real process begins.
I have to ask myself questions. Does this part fit the feeling I am trying to create? Does the song need something added, or does it actually need something removed? Is the original idea still the right direction, or is there a better path?
Technology problem solving often works the same way.
When helping a business, I may begin with an idea of what solution makes sense based on the information I have. But every company has different goals, challenges, and priorities. The right answer depends on understanding the full situation.
Sometimes the best solution is not the first one that comes to mind.
Listening Is the Foundation of Both
One of the biggest connections between songwriting and technology is the importance of listening.
In rock and roll, listening is everything. You have to pay attention to how different parts work together. A guitar line, drum pattern, vocal, and lyrics all need to support each other. If one piece does not fit, the entire song can feel different.
Technology requires that same level of attention.
A customer may come to you with a specific request, but the real challenge may be somewhere else. They may think they need one thing when the bigger opportunity is understanding their overall technology strategy.
That is why I believe being a good listener is one of the most important skills someone can develop.
You cannot create the right song without understanding the direction it needs to go. You cannot create the right business solution without understanding the people and goals behind the problem.
Learning Through Mistakes and Adjustments
Both music and technology have taught me that mistakes are part of the process.
When writing rock and roll songs, there are times when I spend hours working on an idea only to realize it is not going in the right direction. It can be frustrating because there is an emotional connection to something you create. You want it to work because you believe in the original idea.
But sometimes the best thing you can do is step back and make changes.
The same lesson applies in business.
Technology does not always follow a perfect path. Customers face unexpected challenges. Systems do not always work exactly as planned. Sometimes solving a problem requires patience and creativity.
One example that stands out from my career was helping locate a customer device order that had been shipped to an old legacy address in the system. It was not a situation where the answer was immediately obvious. It required attention to detail, persistence, and the willingness to keep searching for a solution.
That experience reminded me that problem solving is not always about having the answer right away. It is about staying committed until you find the right one.
The Balance Between Structure and Creativity
I think one reason I enjoy both technology and rock and roll music is because they balance each other.
Technology requires structure. There are systems to understand, details to manage, and strategies to develop. Music allows me to approach ideas from a different perspective and explore creativity without the same boundaries.
At the same time, I have learned that creativity still needs structure.
A great rock and roll song is not just random sounds put together. There is a rhythm, a feeling, and a purpose behind it. In the same way, a successful technology solution is not just about adding more tools. It needs to solve a real problem and support a larger goal.
Both require finding the right balance.
Continuing to Grow Through Every Experience
One thing I have always valued is growth. Whether that comes from learning more about technology, taking on new responsibilities, improving as a business owner, or becoming a better songwriter, there is always another opportunity to improve.
I try to take a long-term approach to challenges. Something that feels like a major obstacle in the moment may become an important lesson later.
Rock and roll has taught me patience, creativity, and the importance of trusting the process. Technology has taught me adaptability, problem-solving, and the value of understanding people.
Looking back, I do not see them as separate worlds anymore.
They are both about taking an idea, understanding what it needs, and putting in the work to make it better. Whether it is helping a business find the right technology strategy or creating a new rock and roll song from scratch, the mindset is the same: stay curious, keep learning, and never stop improving.