i always said that creatives that take their time make the best work because what can you create if you're not experiencing things in life to inspire you?
I really appreciate the sentiment of “It’s scary in this hyper-fast consumption world. It feels like before I’ve even started, there’s a potential that I’ll be left behind because I’m not making enough music to sustain interest.”
There's so much pressure to be churning out music, writing, whatever art form you are tapped into and keeping up with the unsustainable pace of capitalism. As a girl who grew up on Taylor Swift, I feel more frustration than excitement whenever a new album comes out. Not only had her recent albums become a dump of songs that honestly could have used some more time for editing (truly believe less is more), but it is hard to ignore that fact that mega artists like her are capitalizing on their popularity from a place of scarcity. That if they don't put out more while they are hot, someone else will be hotter. And that smaller artists, ones like us, have day jobs we must work to sustain ourselves and, in turn, our art. I simply don't have the time nor resources to churn out work. To hear Dijon say how he is willing to take his time for his craft is so refreshing.
We all have time. Thank you for taking your time my dear one <3
I relate with your feelings about Taylor, especially after her Eras Tour run. I was impressed by the absolute spectacle that was the show itself, but the length of the tour and onslaught of music during that time left me feeling exasperated rather than excited. I was tired just watching her! I definitely see what you're saying about artists capitalizing on their popularity from a place of scarcity. I think that's why I've felt so grounded by artists like Dijon, Clipse, and Bon Iver this year. Their releases felt inspired. Intentional. There's a palpable joy you can feel in the music itself. They want to be doing it. There's no obligation. I hope to always make space for that freedom in my art. Thank you for daring to care with me and for me. I'm grateful to know and be known by you.
Mannnnn. Loved this one. Sidenote, you know I’m from Baltimore so this hit. But I also grew up watching MD basketball and even attended UMD Gary Williams basketball camps on campus. Byron Mouton would referee games sometimes lol. All the guys from the natty team would show from time to time too.
This is tasty and familiar; just like Old Bay. I lived in Maryland for a while and truly loved the life and people there. Equating the creative process to the turtle is brilliant. The narration and basketball nostalgia were remarkable. There’s always pressure to create, but it’s better to keep moving forward and risk failure than to keep recreating the same thing. Some just become cartoonish, tired versions of their prior selves.
You’re speaking to my heart. Old Bay tastes like childhood. I love that you also spent time in Maryland. I went back last summer for my mom’s birthday, and I could’ve wept when I saw the bushel of crabs. Thank you for helping me feel less alone. I really appreciate you reading and reaching out!
Gorgeous gorgeous keep taking your damn time my friend 🤩
Gramps is moving slower these days 👴🏽
i always said that creatives that take their time make the best work because what can you create if you're not experiencing things in life to inspire you?
lovely writing as always, Alex! 💕
Yes! That's exactly what I wrote about in my essay on The Bear's Copenhagen episode: https://www.feelslikehome.site/p/a-study-in-showing-up
Thank you so much for always showing love!
I really appreciate the sentiment of “It’s scary in this hyper-fast consumption world. It feels like before I’ve even started, there’s a potential that I’ll be left behind because I’m not making enough music to sustain interest.”
There's so much pressure to be churning out music, writing, whatever art form you are tapped into and keeping up with the unsustainable pace of capitalism. As a girl who grew up on Taylor Swift, I feel more frustration than excitement whenever a new album comes out. Not only had her recent albums become a dump of songs that honestly could have used some more time for editing (truly believe less is more), but it is hard to ignore that fact that mega artists like her are capitalizing on their popularity from a place of scarcity. That if they don't put out more while they are hot, someone else will be hotter. And that smaller artists, ones like us, have day jobs we must work to sustain ourselves and, in turn, our art. I simply don't have the time nor resources to churn out work. To hear Dijon say how he is willing to take his time for his craft is so refreshing.
We all have time. Thank you for taking your time my dear one <3
I relate with your feelings about Taylor, especially after her Eras Tour run. I was impressed by the absolute spectacle that was the show itself, but the length of the tour and onslaught of music during that time left me feeling exasperated rather than excited. I was tired just watching her! I definitely see what you're saying about artists capitalizing on their popularity from a place of scarcity. I think that's why I've felt so grounded by artists like Dijon, Clipse, and Bon Iver this year. Their releases felt inspired. Intentional. There's a palpable joy you can feel in the music itself. They want to be doing it. There's no obligation. I hope to always make space for that freedom in my art. Thank you for daring to care with me and for me. I'm grateful to know and be known by you.
Keep doing your thing, on your own terms. The Universe favors authenticity. Sea turtles live especially long lives!👊🏽
Whew that’s a word! Thank you, Bill. I’m grateful for you!
Mannnnn. Loved this one. Sidenote, you know I’m from Baltimore so this hit. But I also grew up watching MD basketball and even attended UMD Gary Williams basketball camps on campus. Byron Mouton would referee games sometimes lol. All the guys from the natty team would show from time to time too.
Miki! Thank you, bro! Gary Williams camp?? That’s so dope. Shoutout to Mouton, too. Damn I love that Maryland connection 🤞🏽
“In a world full of hares, it’s okay to fear the turtle.” 💪🏾🐢🐢
My guy 🙏🏽🙏🏽 appreciate you!
This is tasty and familiar; just like Old Bay. I lived in Maryland for a while and truly loved the life and people there. Equating the creative process to the turtle is brilliant. The narration and basketball nostalgia were remarkable. There’s always pressure to create, but it’s better to keep moving forward and risk failure than to keep recreating the same thing. Some just become cartoonish, tired versions of their prior selves.
You’re speaking to my heart. Old Bay tastes like childhood. I love that you also spent time in Maryland. I went back last summer for my mom’s birthday, and I could’ve wept when I saw the bushel of crabs. Thank you for helping me feel less alone. I really appreciate you reading and reaching out!
Not a problem! You never know who you’ll reach out there. Stay Writeous!
I feel this. I take forever to make and release music, but I have zero recognition so no worries about being forgotten, haha... still