It's the first issue, y'all!
If you’re reading this, then at some point you thought keeping up with what I’m up to is worth your time. I’m both flattered and thankful for that.
I don't want to think of this as a means of self-promotion. My intention is to make a genuine connection to like-minded people, and this is my way of doing that with you. I’ll be sharing my films, art, music, and stuff I've been writing.
Hopefully, this will become a fun and interesting exchange!
I’ve been saying this for years, but if you’re a creative of any kind, or want to be, and you haven’t read, The War of Art, there’s a blessing awaiting you in its pages. It’s a quick, easily digestible read that may change your life. I highly recommend it! Cop that joint HERE.
If you haven't heard of Lil' Simz or Ghetts, today’s your lucky day! They’re two of my favorite Hip-Hop artists as of late. Both from “across the pond” as they say here in the U.S. Here’s a visual starter pack:
My fellow Radiohead fanatics may be aware that Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have formed another band called THE SMILE. They just dropped a new joint called "Skirting on the Surface", which Thom has been playing as the encore for shows here and there for years. It's amazing to hear it in it's final form. It gives me chills every time. See the video for it HERE.
Maybe you can relate to this...
In 2006, when I started releasing music as a solo artist, I pretended I was a band and took photos of my roommates, not myself, to use as promo images. When I released my first studio feature film, I would stress over how I came across in interviews and panel discussions. Putting the work out there has always been easy for me to do. Putting MYSELF out there, or centering myself in any way, has always petrified me. A lot of people don't understand the distinction but, for me, sharing my art is worlds apart from putting myself forth as the creator of that art.
NOTE: It's no accident that the visual for "Blood + Cotton" depicts me bathed in shadows. But, you know...baby steps.
I'm not sure what's behind this, but I recently made the decision to face this fear head on, and this newsletter is the beginning of that. I'm sure there's something you're afraid of, as well. Join me in facing our fears head on (whatever that is for you). I feel like there's something beautiful waiting for us at the other end.
Thank you for subscribing to this thing. It really does mean a lot!
Awesome publication. I see this developing into something great.👍🏾
So much great content to explore and think about. I'm re-reading the article for a 3rd time to absorb even more. Love the music video and regarding your "shadow" comment (NOTE: It's no accident that the visual for "Blood + Cotton" depicts me bathed in shadows. But, you know...baby steps.) - I interpreted them as 'layers' of you as a person, a musician, an artist, etc. all rolled into one fantastic person who needs to let his light shine!