I’m always going to get caught up in “how did this happen” and “where did this even come from” cultural questions. I’m not on TikTok, I’m not deep into drill (although, I’ve dabbled [adjusts monocle]), and I didn’t really enjoy much of the SoundCloud rapper phase. But I have been surprised by how much I’ve … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: The Inevitability Of Ice Spice
Tag: creativity
Sunday Music: 100 gecs (10,000 gecs)
I don't really like the genre branding of "hyper-pop" but I get it. 100 gecs are hyper and full of pop, after all. But there's more going on here - and on the second album, we now know it wasn't just a flash in the pan. While I never wrote a dedicated 100 gecs post, … Continue reading Sunday Music: 100 gecs (10,000 gecs)
When Headlines/Subject-Lines Don’t Feel True
A quote from Harry Dry (before you write your next headline/email subject line/etc.) “Good copy is falsifiable.” A clear message tells the reader “this is provable, if you want to prove it for yourself.” A marketing example (which Dry uses) - let’s say you’re selling an energy drink. Ask yourself which of these feels true: … Continue reading When Headlines/Subject-Lines Don’t Feel True
It’s Hard To Be Really Good At Anything You Don’t Think About In The Shower
A Paul Graham-ism that brings me comfort as I get water all over my bathroom floor while trying to record voice notes mid-shower, risking life and limb (and confusing my dog, who is patiently waiting for me to stay in the shower long enough to steal my socks). It’s hard to do a really good … Continue reading It’s Hard To Be Really Good At Anything You Don’t Think About In The Shower
Sunday Music: De La Soul Listening Guide
All the official De La Soul albums are streaming now. FINALLY. Do you know how many years I've only been able to listen in my car to the CDs (where my only CD player lives) ever since my last iPod bricked?! It's been way too long. I want you to join me. I also realize not … Continue reading Sunday Music: De La Soul Listening Guide
Respectful Disagreement (And Andy Warhol Disses)
We need friends who we both respect AND can disagree with. Because there’s no growth without resistance. Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were that type of friends. They were also upward-bound artists. Mapplethorpe loved Andy Warhol and wanted to be a part of his scene. Smith didn’t feel the same. But they were still deeply … Continue reading Respectful Disagreement (And Andy Warhol Disses)
Podcast Of The Week: Remembering Trugoy from De La Soul
Dave Jolicouer, aka Trugoy the Dove, aka Plug 2 - from De La Soul - passed away on 2/12/2023, mere weeks from the group’s catalog FINALLY becoming available on streaming platforms. De La has a very special place in my heart. Not only did I love their music, but their artistic aesthetic was so objectively… … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Remembering Trugoy from De La Soul
Malcolm Gladwell’s “Never Say I Think This Is Bad” Rule
Malcolm Gladwell never says “I think this thing is bad.” There’s just too many times he’s thought something sucked or wasn’t that interesting or was annoying, But then (!) A day, a year, a decade later - holy crap, how’d I miss this?! (I know this feeling - so, so well) Gladwell’s rule is to … Continue reading Malcolm Gladwell’s “Never Say I Think This Is Bad” Rule
Podcast Of The Week: Rubin On Rubin (And Gladwell On Rubin Too)
Rick Rubin’s book, The Creative Act, is out now. Here’s him and Malcolm Gladwell discussing it. You’ll likely continue to hear a bit about this one - Rubin’s got just a bit of influence on me (and my lifelong fascination with him apparently only grows with the years).
It’s Not Done Until It Has 8ish Mistakes
When the work has no mistakes, it’s definitely not done. When it has five mistakes it’s still not there. Once it has either or so mistakes, it might be done. We get hung up on perfection, but the the soulfulness of imperfections is what makes all types of creative works special. Rick Rubin says you … Continue reading It’s Not Done Until It Has 8ish Mistakes