ALEX ALWAYS AND ALWAYS WRITES LIKE THE RENT IS DUE!!
because even a place that feels like home has a price.
still unbelievable how you make me interested in subjects i would be uninterested in by default. If you were my lecturer back in college—you’d easily be my favorite. The way you passionately talk about people and moments that shaped you is magical and does something to me every time.
The artistes & player’s stories you shared was just a way for you to tell us what goes on behind this stack; behind the writer. And i truly felt seen for that because i can relate so much .
"even a place that feels like home has a price" nahhh you spittin!
Tobi, thank you bro! You get me excited about writing essays like these. Weaving together these connections and knowing how deeply personal they are to me but believing that they could mean something to someone else. It's special. Thank you for showing me what's possible. I'm so grateful for your thoughtfulness, energy, and generosity.
I grew up in a family of educators. My grandma Gwen, who used to drive me to school, was a teacher for 40+ years. For a little bit in college, I thought about switching to major in education but ultimately decided against it. I enjoy teaching though and could see myself exploring it again in the future!
alex! your writing always hits like a gut punch — the pressure, the fear of being forgotten, dwindling followers, losing that momentum but still returning to your creativity nonetheless. knew when i saw this was about dijon's new album (which i loved), i was going to resonate with this piece.
I always appreciate you reading my work with such a generous heart, it means the world!! And I actually can’t stop listening to that album lol it’s becoming a problem
This essay resonates with the alt-Black kid in me and that’s is what ultimately draws me to Dijon, not necessarily the music. Have we ever heard a sound like his? Yeah sure, BUT in his sound/voice/lyrics…have we ever HEARD someone work so HARD at a sound like his?? I say that to say I hear his hard work in his music. Take as much time as you need if that is what we’re gonna get—I’m talking to you, Alex ❤️
Yesss bro. There's tangible effort. He lets his voice crumble. He tinkers at it, reaching to meet the level of the artists who inspired him. More than anything, he CARES. There's no worrying about looking weird or being cringe. He's just putting his soul on display. I'm grateful we get to bare our souls together. I love you, brother.
Thanks for asking! I'm on all the streaming apps as The Wakeup Call. Here's a YouTube link to my latest, but you can find it on Spotify, Apple, or whatever you use:
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.
I think leading with the question “why does this piece need to be in the world? And why am I the person that needs to write it?” helps me take the urgency out of producing for the sake of producing. Here’s to a sustainable writing life ❤️
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 👴🏽
ALEX ALWAYS AND ALWAYS WRITES LIKE THE RENT IS DUE!!
because even a place that feels like home has a price.
still unbelievable how you make me interested in subjects i would be uninterested in by default. If you were my lecturer back in college—you’d easily be my favorite. The way you passionately talk about people and moments that shaped you is magical and does something to me every time.
The artistes & player’s stories you shared was just a way for you to tell us what goes on behind this stack; behind the writer. And i truly felt seen for that because i can relate so much .
this was such a brave article bro.
"even a place that feels like home has a price" nahhh you spittin!
Tobi, thank you bro! You get me excited about writing essays like these. Weaving together these connections and knowing how deeply personal they are to me but believing that they could mean something to someone else. It's special. Thank you for showing me what's possible. I'm so grateful for your thoughtfulness, energy, and generosity.
you ever taken up teaching or considered it?
I grew up in a family of educators. My grandma Gwen, who used to drive me to school, was a teacher for 40+ years. For a little bit in college, I thought about switching to major in education but ultimately decided against it. I enjoy teaching though and could see myself exploring it again in the future!
alex! your writing always hits like a gut punch — the pressure, the fear of being forgotten, dwindling followers, losing that momentum but still returning to your creativity nonetheless. knew when i saw this was about dijon's new album (which i loved), i was going to resonate with this piece.
I always appreciate you reading my work with such a generous heart, it means the world!! And I actually can’t stop listening to that album lol it’s becoming a problem
absolutely, keep killing it dude. and hey, never too much dijon!!
Just what I needed to hear right when I needed to hear it—another beautiful piece Alex.
Also adding that Hovvdy and Dijon convo to my reading list asap !!
Thanks, Natalie! And 10/10 would recommend - it’s very music nerdy lol
Fantastic read on what has quickly become my favorite album of the year.
Thanks, Marty! Just saw you’re a state over. I’m in Ohio!
Absolutely amazing bro! 🫂👏🏽
Giving myself permission to be slow is going to sit with me.
Thank you!!! That “it’s okay” goes a long way
I learnt a lot through this piece but the one thing that stood out for me is your passion.
I appreciate that, Lawrence. Thank you!
You're welcome, Alex.
This essay resonates with the alt-Black kid in me and that’s is what ultimately draws me to Dijon, not necessarily the music. Have we ever heard a sound like his? Yeah sure, BUT in his sound/voice/lyrics…have we ever HEARD someone work so HARD at a sound like his?? I say that to say I hear his hard work in his music. Take as much time as you need if that is what we’re gonna get—I’m talking to you, Alex ❤️
Yesss bro. There's tangible effort. He lets his voice crumble. He tinkers at it, reaching to meet the level of the artists who inspired him. More than anything, he CARES. There's no worrying about looking weird or being cringe. He's just putting his soul on display. I'm grateful we get to bare our souls together. I love you, brother.
I love you 🫶🏽
I feel this. I take forever to make and release music, but I have zero recognition so no worries about being forgotten, haha... still
Where can I listen to your music?
Thanks for asking! I'm on all the streaming apps as The Wakeup Call. Here's a YouTube link to my latest, but you can find it on Spotify, Apple, or whatever you use:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mE9BeCo6vqdjS4O4HfQV-C_ohSfGWs5dU&si=3V73_2UlqIz01lhR
“Hope and History” seems to be a favorite of the few who have listened that far
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.
I think leading with the question “why does this piece need to be in the world? And why am I the person that needs to write it?” helps me take the urgency out of producing for the sake of producing. Here’s to a sustainable writing life ❤️
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!