Back To First

Within the vast echo chamber that is our culture, there are new shiny status symbols, methodologies, and technologies that spring up every year, every month, every...well, some times it seems like there is a new one every five minutes, doesn't it?

There is always a new Iphone, a new tablet, a new more powerful than the finger of God tool that will finally help you become the artist you were born to be. But the truth is..it's all bullshit. And deep down, we know it. 

I'm not saying that equipment isn't important. But I'm also not saying that it is, either. What is important? The ideas. The execution of those ideas using the tools that you have. So many times, I've seen artists in the clutch of the word "just".

"If I just had this piece of gear..."
"If I just...."

To me, "just" is a dangerous word. While I will revisit this in a later episode to give it the proper due, I'll say this. To the extent that you release the word "just" from your thinking and vocabulary, the more you open your team and yourself to truly take action, from where you are now. 

This leads us to the concept of "First Principles", a phrase which is defined as "the fundamental concepts or assumptions on which a theory, system, or method is based". In other words, it's about basing all of your decisions on the things that actually matter when it comes to achieving your outcome. 

It's not about the gear. It's about how you can effect your audience. The deeply depressed person who really needs to hear your song? They don't care what kind of monitors you have. What they care about is "will this connect with me where I need it to". 

While a complex preparation might provide a fascinating background to a hungry diner, the most important thing is how she is served, and how the textures and flavors of the food resonate with her palate. 

Forget what everyone else is saying that you need. Sure, equipment is important. Do the research, take action and get moving. Remember first principles and what we're really going after in the first place.