People Talk
You know what I’m saying? People talk all the time, about all kinds of things. If we didn’t know before, we know now for sure. We make lists, we comment on videos, we, just share opinions all the time whenever we feel like it for seemingly no reason at all. I’m doing it now. Can a person do something while they talk about it? If you read these thoughts collectively, I think that might be the essential question. How interesting that concept is, I’ll leave to you. Another question I think about often is “what does it matter what you say if you don’t do?” Is there any intrinsic value in just saying?
I mean… I’m just saying.
-J.P.
I Can’t Stay Here
There’s new music from The New Hippies out in the universe! This one comes courtesy of another Zane instrumental and Understanding doing some reflecting on his station in life and coming to the conclusion that he needs to get himself moving!
This reminds me of a clip that found its way on to the first New Hippies EP, Variety Pack. In the middle of April 6 a voicemail from Understanding plays, reminding me that “…if you ain’t in motion, you ain’t livin’”. Now, six years later, Understanding finds himself saying the same thing, the time for his own benefit. Just goes to show that everybody goes through tough times and you never know when it’s going to come.
Sonically, this new song is one of our more unique expressions in my opinion. Zane’s groove is a little unpredictable and constantly pushing, the instrumentation relies heavily on a plucked string melody, and Understanding plays with the rhythms in the way only he can. I never could’ve written this verse. That’s one of my favorite things about The New Hippies. The guys all bring things that I could never do myself, nor would I ever even think to do, and that’s where the magic comes from.
As we come closer to the end of the year, that’s one of the major things I’m hoping to take with me - and I hope it’s something that stays with anyone who reads any of this blog, too. Take note of the moments when you realize you’re enjoying life. Then try to keep pushing that feeling to the front when you carry out your work. Imbue your work with that intention, and the result will be more satisfying than anything you can put in your pocket.
Here’s I Can’t Stay Here, by The New Hippies. Hope you like it.
-J.P.
100 Years From Now
Just making a note here of a time when I felt loved and cared for. Sending my best to all the people I love and care about where you are, and hoping that everybody has a chance to experience what it’s like to be loved and cared for.
-J.P.
Coloring on The Table
My favorite restaurants are the ones that give you crayons and let you color on the paper on the table. I might have to eat off the kids menu but that’s ok. I like chicken tenders. There’s new New Hippies music out! I’ll talk more about it tomorrow. Happy Saturday!
-J.P.
Back to Back Misses
Two days in a row. I neglected my responsibility to this blog two days in a row. I could make excuses but I won’t. Well maybe one. I think part of the reason I missed this week’s posts is because I finally got a new idea to improve Running. The nice thing about having a project is that you can devote yourself to the work in front of you and let the rest of the world fade away. It’s probably to your benefit during spurts to creativity to submerge yourself in the moment, enter the “flow state” as they say. My mind has been free and focused on the task ahead of me. The downside is I miss things like posting here, texting people back, shaving, getting a haircut. But what does any of that really matter?
Today I will peak my head out of my hole for a bit because it’s a double birthday! Today is Understanding’s birthday, the co-founder and other half of the Beautiful Idiots LLC machine. Happy birthday to a very pure heart, one of the most genuine people I know. Understanding is true to himself, will always help if he can, and is very talented in more ways than I even know, I’m sure. I’m very proud and grateful to have started this venture together and I hope it creates enough work for both of us to live comfortably and freely. We’re doing karaoke tonight.
It’s also my sister Olivia’s birthday today! She’s turning 26, which is really hard to believe honestly. Olivia works hard and definitely plays hard. She’s smart, independent and very tough. She inspires me to get my shit together and keep it together and I appreciate that she won’t let me spend over my budget. I wish I saw her more. Maybe in the future. Maybe she’ll do karaoke tonight too.
Numbers are kinda funny sometimes aren’t they? Who would’ve thought my sister and my best friend would share the same birthday? Then on top of that, their birthday is 10/12 which is my birthday doubled (5/6). Coincidence? Are there any coincidences in this world? You tell me. Tell me at karaoke.
-J.P.
Running…backwards?
It’s safe to say my confidence was shaken last month. We got some unexpected feedback, we’ve had to come to terms with than ideal performance for the music we’ve been releasing and so I’ve been forced to spend some time looking in the mirror. There’s been a slump and lots of existential questioning - soft ideas for a reorganized plan of attack float around in my head when I do my shower thinking (that’s a thing I do). I’m coming back around and we’ll finish out strong as possible, but I feel obligated to say that we are going to make a change I didn’t expect to make.
Last year when we sketched out our plan, there were four “acts” that we were going to launch, once per quarter. Now that it’s October, we’ve decided to put our last project on hold. The idea of releasing music under four different names, determine by style works in theory, but building multiple audiences simultaneously with little to no funding has proven to be Herculean task. If I was an endless money pit, I would continue down this path.
However, I find myself at a very important point of this journey, where I can’t afford to spread myself so thin. So, our fourth project, (while still close to finished on time) will not be released in October. We’ll finish out the single method for Roe’s Garden, The New Hippies, and The Corner Store, but I really want to take some time to make this next project feel special. We also need to exhaust all our efforts to generate more capital with which we can work. I’ve been keeping this blog updated daily but come New Year I think everything will look a little different.
We’re not stopping, we just need to make it work!
-J.P.
Your Place in Your Space
One thing that stuck with me from my time working with RZA was a simple thing he said while we were in the studio. There’s a couple big windows in the room we worked in during season 1 of An American Saga and they provide a big sweeping view of the mountains within which the studio is nestled. We were talking about space and how nice it is to be able to draw inspiration from your view from your desk. I mentioned that I had a trip to the woods coming up and he suggested that every time I visit a new place I should take note of how I feel when I wake up, and what I’m inspired to make while I’m there. Since he said that, I’ve made a point to take a minute in the morning, and I’ve found there are a few places that feel pretty special to me. I’ll keep those to myself for now, I just figured I’d share the idea.
-J.P.
Catch a Falling Star and Put it in Your Pocket
I bet it burns a hole right through your pants.
Times like these are good times to remember to check in on friends, family and anyone else you care about. I should take my own advice more. Life is fleeting. People get caught up in their ambitions. The powers that be want you to put your head down and work so you don’t take the time to look up and see what’s really happening. Feel the wind on your face, smell a flower, eat some fruit. Do a dance, sing a song. Appreciate the idea that we are not perfect, nor will we ever be perfect, because if we were there would be nothing to work on. Flourish in the pursuit of your passion and shine your light for all the world to see. Consider that the attitude with which you approach your practice will determine the result of your efforts, so go forth full of compassion and confidence. Be the love you wish to receive, for you are the universe and you get what you give.
I’m just sayin.
-J.P.
