Inspiration
Remember the first time you saw that video? How original his voice was. How epic his piano playing was. And not just for a kid. But as a crazy talented human. Remember the originality of what he was doing? Here’s what makes me sad about that. Today, he sounds just like everyone else. Sure, the label with the most incentive ran after him, probably promised him whatever he wanted and then turned him into this. It’s not bad. It’s just not original anymore. It’s not a jaw dropping YouTube sensation. It’s a kid trying to sound like every other pop star out there. That makes me sad.
Now, I’m not knocking this kid at all. And I don’t know the first thing about his record deal, his incentives, his songwriting ability, or really anything else. But what I know is that what blew everyone away on YouTube was completely polished and buried in this new song. And that I think is a problem.
I might be taking this a little far but how many times has something truly inspired become commercial and when you take a step back and look, it’s nothing like it was when it started? I’ve been struggling for a little while looking for inspiration. I used to write songs and poetry, books and books of it. I used to draw. I used to paint. I used to play music. I used to be inspired. It’s not like there aren’t moments of inspiration throughout the day, but I’d be lying if I said most of my day wasn’t consumed by making it through with a clean inbox and my to-do list neatly checked off. So much so that there are times where I literally feel claustrophobic in my own skin. Some people call it selling out. Some people call it making a living. Some people call it hustle.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my job, and I love the projects I get to work on and the people I get to work with. And that’s why I’m desperately working on keeping the inspiration. I love to create. I love to see things differently. I’m not sure what the answer is. I’m not sure if there is one. You might be thinking that I’m a baby. And that’s okay. I probably am. But sometimes don’t you want to strip all that away and go back to being that kid banging on piano singing as strong as you can?
How do you get your inspiration back when it’s fading?
I miss the days when I had the time to be creative…that’s the problem for me…just a lack of time. I stay awake at night making of lists of things I want to make, and that’s usually as far as it gets. Sad. Maybe when I retire one day?
I love the way write these thought provoking posts. This kinda relates to something that has been on my mind a lot lately.
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i think part of the problem is the fact that even as individuals we seem to want to monetize everything. yes, companies see what’s successful or original and they capitalize off it, duplicate it and run it into the ground, but even the little guy wants to know how to take whatever he does and make everyone buy it.
creating something has culturally become a means to an end, rather than a pursuit in itself. everyone, be they Sony or just some guy, wants to figure out how to get their video viral so that it can profit them in some way.
echoing a lot of your thoughts, obviously.
i suppose one of the ways to get inspiration back is for us to stop worrying about monetizing everything and just enjoy the pursuit of creating something for the sake of personal growth.
i hear you. i recieved some acrilic paints from my mother the other day for my birthday. i realised i have not painted a pinting since i came to TN, (at least 5 years). this inspired me to sit down and see what came out.
it was awesome!
i am not necessarily saying the painting was awesome, but the experience was awesome. it was so fun. it took me about 4 hours and when i was done i was stiff and sore, but i had hardly noticed time passing. i liked it a lot. the thing that seems to suck, for me anyway, is that i always say that i wish i had more time for music, or painting or creativity in general, and then when ihave time i am either too distracted, or lazy, or uninspired, (or fill in any other excuse here______), to do it.
i think when we do these things though, we are more healthy. i don’t have an answer either other than, (to use a cheesy slogan from the past), “just do it!”
i know this is much harder for you than it is for me being that you have a family and you work like crazy, but i think it is important to make time for something creative every once and a while just to get it out of your system and express yourself.
anyway, hope it helps. haha
I understand completely, son. Some times, even at my age, I feel if I don’t write something, or watercolor or blog something, I am going to explode. The feelings of feeling creative just sometimes get crowded out with every day living. I can even walk outside and feel inspired by the beauty that the Lord has created, or see the beauty in my grands, or even the joy I feel in Sookie. It inspires me and yet I don’t take the time to either enjoy it, or expound upon it. Try and take the time, my son. Time passes quickly and before you know it, you forget about it, or is that menopause ???
Love your thoughts, Mom
Brody, it seems, at least since I’ve “known” you, that there is ALWAYS something up your sleeve!! If you are a baby, you are a pretty amazing one. I think you have one of those brains that God decided would be creative. Always. Like an oil field, there is untapped creative genius in there. God will decide what will work & what won’t. There are always going to be those that poo-poo your idea, and I know you take that personally, but you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, because there is so much more of the story to show us!!
I like what your mom said. Don’t always be in a rush. I mean, I know there are deadlines, but take time to “smell the roses”. Because they are beautiful & smell wonderful. And you don’t get that if you run buy without looking. Take it all in. Some days are just taking time for you. And Kristin. And the boys. And Penny! That alone should inspire you!