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)
Tag: writing
Podcast Of The Week: Find The Magic Trick w/ Aaron Sorkin
Brian Koppelman asked Aaron Sorkin about becoming a great writer. Sorkin says you’ve got to find the magic trick. So you didn’t like something. Your friends agree it’s just crap. But it’s up to you to figure out WHY. The same with the great stuff. Why’d you hate it? Why’d you love it? Demystify it. … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Find The Magic Trick w/ Aaron Sorkin
Sunday Music: Eye Know Eye Love You Better
We lost Dave Jolicouer from De La Soul a few weeks ago. In another week or so we get the group’s full catalog on streaming services for the first time ever. Sample clearances, label shenanigans - you name it, the crap that buried their music was frustrating. I can’t remember how or when I first … Continue reading Sunday Music: Eye Know Eye Love You Better
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
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
Podcast Of The Week: Pressfield And Altucher (Writing For A Living)
Steven Pressfield has been on the James Altucher podcast multiple times. After reading Pressfield's new book, Govt Cheese, and catching his most recent appearance discussing the book with Altucher, I want to give a plug for these two recent accomplishments and revisiting older episodes. Pressfield’s already an inspiration to a lot of us. But hearing … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Pressfield And Altucher (Writing For A Living)
The Redheaded Cat Role Model
Steven Pressfied started trying to be a writer in his 20s. He wasn’t officially published and calling writing his career until he was in his 50s. While on his journey, he spent some time living in a rented house with no water or windows, and cooking his dinner over a fire he’d make outback every … Continue reading The Redheaded Cat Role Model
Podcast Of The Week: Rick Rubin on Cash’s “Hurt”
My buddy Adam K. sent me this clip from Lex Fridman discussing Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” with Rick Rubin. They discuss how the lyrics, originally written by a 20-something, are sad but a bit redemptive. The same poem, when sung by a 70ish-year-old, feels devastating. It’s an incredible piece of perspective art. Listen to … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Rick Rubin on Cash’s “Hurt”
Plus Minus Next Journaling (2023 Prep Tools)
Max Jancar has, “a cheat sheet for turning a devastating loss into the best thing that ever happened to you.” It’s a big promise, but as we reflect on what we want to do in 2023, and inevitably what we didn’t do/didn’t do so well in 2022, this can be a really useful tool. He’s … Continue reading Plus Minus Next Journaling (2023 Prep Tools)