I know a few passionate Nick Cave fans but have never been into his music myself ( I know, I know). That said, I genuinely dig his weekly newsletter The Red Hand Files where he responds to fan letters, addressing grief, culture, religion, and all matters of the heart. Yes, it can get serious but it is also seriously funny on occasion. He isn’t a psychologist or a faultless authority on life, which he regularly admits, but he is an empathetic listener and eloquent, elegant wordsmith. Anyway, it’s worth subscribing. Recently, a filmmaker/musician named Tam wrote to him saying that “My muses have left me and I have lost all motivation to create”. Nick responded to this letter with some hilariously awesome tough love:
“What makes our particular job so exceptional that it requires inspiration or a muse to do it? We are artists and we labour in the service of others. It is not something we do only if and when we feel motivated – we create because it is our responsibility to do so. In this respect, our occupation is no different than that of most people. Does an ordinary adult go to work only if they feel in the mood? Do doctors? Do labourers? Do teachers? Do taxi drivers? We are duty-bound to do our job, like everyone else, because the space we occupy depends upon our participation and breaks down if we don’t. A committed artist cannot afford the luxury of revelation. Inspiration is the indolent indulgence of the dabbler. Muses, Tam, are for losers!”
Got that? Suck it up and get to work. And forgive me for saying this Nick, but your response has become my muse.
On that note, it is now time for the latest WEEKLY NEW WONDERS PLAYLIST starring the sweetest, most wondrous new songs that have crossed our path over the past couple of weeks. There’s a reassuringly ’70s/’80s flavor to this week’s batch. You can step into the time machine below on Soundcloud or Spotify.
Ok, back to work…
Listen on Soundcloud
Listen on Spotify
PICKING UP ROCKS 