A semi-regular feature here on the blog will be to examine what I believe to be the most creative, inspirational form of art - music. Music is such a fluid, malleable substance that it is most often the fastest to respond to and define the leading edge of cultural movements.
Music is also the universal language and can inspire and emote creativity in all of us. To understand music is to gain insight into the hearts of men and women and that is a beautiful thing.
I have always been deeply into music since a very young age. My passion for the latest sound or music movement drove me to the record store on a regular basis. In college, I became a DJ - and what began as a college hobby stoked the fires even more - the pursuit of what's good and what's next.
This love of music and creativity led me down a path to my current profession. Studying creative patterns, people, and how they think and respond to color or sound has given me an ability to forecast trends or create new ideas for businesses.
My posts here on the blog will more often target up-and-coming bands and artists. Innovation is the key (surprised?), but of course it's not always essential to make great music.
The first artist to be featured here is Dan Black. His sound is a fusion of indie rock with an electro dancey flavor. Some are referring to this sound as 'wonky pop' which is a loose term that describes the sound of modern pop that is catchy yet substantial. No saccharine Britney Spears stuff here. Naturally, it's fanbase tends to be much stronger online in niche blogs than in big media outlets.
Alexis Petridis from the Guardian hilariously states: "Wonky Pop artists are unmanufactured but unashamedly melodic and capable of playing live without recourse to lashings of dry ice, troupes of dancers and an interlude during which they fly around the stage on wires." I'll just say they tend to be less manufactured and more melodic than many of the manufactured products of major labels.
Listen to Dan Black - 'Wonder'
Listen to Dan Black - 'Life Slash Dreams'
Tim Andren is the founder of Guideas, Inc. an innovation and marketing company.
