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

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

Just Starting Out? Set An Output Goal (Not an Outcome Goal)

A piece of Joss Spector advice for when you’re just starting out doing something new: Set an output goal, not an outcome goal.  Pick something totally in your control to start with.  You can’t get 100 followers OR sales OR commitments.  You can make 100 issues OR songs OR cold calls.  You’ll still have to … Continue reading Just Starting Out? Set An Output Goal (Not an Outcome Goal)

The Beatles Vs. The Beach Boys (Creative Competition)

It wasn’t a battle, but it was inspired reaction.  The Beatles make Rubber Soul.  Brian Wilson loves the record, and next thing you know The Beach Boys release Pet Sounds.  Paul Mccartney hears “God Only Knows” and is inspired to make Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.  Contemporaries competing by turning each successive turn into … Continue reading The Beatles Vs. The Beach Boys (Creative Competition)

Proofreading Tips From Frank Sinatra

I’m pretty sure they taught us in middle school to read our papers/essays/etc. out loud to help with proofreading.  I’ve been working on my read-it-out-loud-but-mostly-in-your-head voice ever since.  The rhythm, tone, and inflection all matter. Speaking the words, helps you… feel it.  If you need some inspiration, look no further than Frank Sinatra’s “Medley: The … Continue reading Proofreading Tips From Frank Sinatra

Sunday Music: Busta Re-Lights The Fuse

Busta Rhymes’ voice is an instrument. I don’t know if after Extinction Level Event 2 he remembered how much fun he could have, but he’s back with a new EP, The Fuse Is Lit, and it’s great.  He’s experimenting (whatever “Bulletproof Skin” is), crossing generations (“Slap” with Big Daddy Kane and Conway over a classic … Continue reading Sunday Music: Busta Re-Lights The Fuse