Seattle Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, we’re playing at the Crocodile Cafe. And it’s sold out. We’ve never sold out a show in our home town before. It means so much to me. This is great! See you mañana.
Design to understand change
Just beginning to delve into this world of design and aesthetics. This woman is incredible, and posits a theory of design as not just frivolous vanity, but rather as an instrumental force in helping people to understand and weather change. Dope shit.
Concepts
I’ve spent the last few days in Boston, taking a short break from the studio and journeying to New England to spend some time with family. Not without it’s challenges, the time spent has nonetheless provided me with greater perspective and a more well-defined understanding of what it means to be human. And this, in turn, makes better art. More insight inevitably leads to more honest creations. I’m striving to abandon some of the concepts that I’ve been clinging to as I try and move towards making things that more clearly represent who and how I am. And the more I strive for this, the more I believe that these things will resonate with you all. Because I am, at my core, you. And you are me. We share a lot.
Tapping into my Surroundings
I’ve been traveling so much over the past few years that I haven’t had the chance to really settle into a place. The road has been home. Hotel rooms, vans, busses, etc. One of the by-products of this lifestyle is that I’ve lost some connection with the idea (and reality) of a local scene. Of building with fellow artists as both friends and collaborators and, most importantly, of being stationary long enough to try and draw inspiration and direction from other musicians, singers, artists, and the like. I don’t say this as a statement of regret towards the things that I have spent my time doing, or as a way of trying to say that touring doesn’t provide inspiration in other shapes and forms. Because it most certainly does. But, when I’m moving so much, it’s tough to synthesize the influence into a form that has much use for me. I’m inspired, and I’m excited, and I’m pushed, and challenged, when I’m touring. But I can’t put much of that to use. It’s just too much sometimes.
So, I’ve been home for a while now. Long enough to settle for a bit. And I’m connecting with folks to a much greater degree than I have before. This city, Seattle, is filled with immensely talented and passionate artists, musicians, designers, chefs, and more. It’s incredible. And I’m lucky enough to be in the midst of a lot of people that are engaged and excited to make stuff that is inspiring the hell out of me. It’s dope.
So, I’m happy to be in middle of some pretty amazing stuff. That’s all.
Trips To Portland
This past weekend I had the pleasure of performing at a college in Portland, sharing the bill with my friends Ryan Lewis and Macklemore. I’ve known and worked with both of these gentlemen for a long time. Watched them develop from a distance, and seen the incredible growth that they’ve dedicated themselves to over the past few years. Their progress has been immense, and so perfectly deserved. They’ve earned the success, the attention, and the accolades. Truly. And, of course, I’ve known about the crowds, the magazine covers, and the music. All of it. But seeing it in person, it’s a different thing. It brings it all into perspective, adds some real-life gravity to a “sense” that things are moving at a rapid clip. So, seeing them play in Portland, seeing the crowd response, the devotion from their fans, the smiles, the joy, the music! All of it. It was a joy to see. Despite the fucking glowsticks flying like weapons.