The magic of playing live doesn't go away. Of course there are some shows where your energy level is low, or the sound is bad, but part of the joy is the challenge to bring this energy and realize it despite the physical circumstances.
Vocals are not central to what I do, and I've never liked singing live. I've always been more inspired by rhythm, texture, harmony than vocal melodies and lyrics. Plus, for me, I can better express my musical ideas through instrumental music than vocal music, the emotional interpretation of which can easily supersede the actual musical content or aim.
Generally a good parameter for me is to try something I haven't done before either in the writing or recording process, to break old patterns and habits. Even if I eventually return to something similar, I'll have gotten there from a different starting point and engaged in a different process.
