A few weeks ago I did a video on caves.
The idea was that practically every great artist has a period where they go into the workshop, strip things down to the studs, go super deep on one or two things, and then reassemble themselves as a "2.0" version.
I mentioned that my own motivations are very often anger and jealousy, that I'm completely self-aware and at-peace with that, and that I use it to fuel me. I gave examples of other players who I considered "rage cavers". (Thomas Pridgen features largely.)
But I also mentioned there's another type of cave. One in which pure creativity is the primary fuel. In which the enjoyment of creating and high intrinsic standards drive you.
(One imagines the origin of NASA and the first moon mission as a rage cave, with the soviets as the haters, and the birth of Apple as a love cave.)
Anyway, it's hard to think of a better avatar for the love cave than today's podcast guest, Nathan Shingler.
Nathan won the best UK drummer award a few years back, and started playing with artists like Alfa Mist. Now he's touring with Alfa, and has his pick of the "who's who" in the small/exclusive UK music scene with who to create. And create he is.
Nathan describes getting into producing and drum and bass, as well as following his creative whims with writing and recording.
None of which stopped me picking Nathan's brain about how it feels to be him, what he practices/practiced to reach his current level...
...and bog-standard human psychological stuff like shedding the need to impress others and flow states.
If you could use an inspirational "pick me up", I know you'll love Nathan.
But wait there's more:
I very rarely do clinics in the New York area, but May 3rd is the exception; especially if you consider New Paltz in the "area".
What it is is a short drive from the city, and gorgeous this time of year.
And my former student Sal, whom you may recognize as one of the admissions reps for my coaching programs, is arranging the whole thing.
Details here. You also save $5 by booking tickets in advance.
If you're nearby New York and want to meet me in person, this is your best and most affordable opportunity.
Enjoy!