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
Tag: creativity
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
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
Why So Many Creatives Have a Background In Advertising (Pressfield)
Steven Pressfield told James Altucher: Advertising teaches you nobody wants to read your shit so you better make it immediately compelling. He continues (paraphrased): The other thing it teaches you is how to edit. The space has constraints you need to fit in. A 60-second ad goes by FAST. People romanticize creativity as being willing … Continue reading Why So Many Creatives Have a Background In Advertising (Pressfield)
Reading And Doing
Reading and thinking and listening to stuff about what you want to do is not the same as going out there and doing the stuff you want to do. Reminder to myself. The books and podcasts are great, but there’s work to actually be done here. Carry on.