Let’s Continue To Talk Influences
In our last session together, we embarked on a deep dive into the realm of musical influences - the pivotal artists, genres, and experiences that have helped shape my own artistic journey over the years. And let me tell you, I've been incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by an abundance of musical inspiration from a young age.
You see, my upbringing was infused with the melodic energy of my own household. My uncle, a devoted hobbyist, was actively involved in local band projects during the 1970s, while my stepfather carried that torch well into the following decade, performing regularly around the Philadelphia area. Having that constant musical current pulsing through my environment was undoubtedly formative in cultivating my own creative inclinations.
Of course, one of the most seminal influences for me was the moment I first encountered Prince's "Soft and Wet." Even though the lyrical content flew over my youthful head at the time, I was utterly captivated by Prince's boundless artistry - his ability to seamlessly write, produce, and perform everything himself. That holistic, self-contained approach to music-making has always resonated deeply with me and continues to inform my own creative ethos.
As the 1980s unfolded and my musical palate expanded, I found myself drawn to the ever-evolving tapestry of pop, R&B, and emerging hip-hop sounds that were dominating the cultural landscape. Artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Run-DMC, and the Beastie Boys all left an indelible mark, expanding my horizons and fueling my insatiable appetite for musical exploration.
What truly captivated me, though, were the multi-talented musicians who could truly do it all - compose, arrange, play multiple instruments, and bring a singular, cohesive vision to life. That level of artistic autonomy and control has always been inspiring to me as I've navigated my own path as an independent creator, striving to emulate that same holistic approach to the craft.
Now, I'll readily admit that I have a particular soft spot for the hip-hop genre. The storytelling prowess, the rhythmic ingenuity - it just speaks to me on a profoundly visceral level. However, I've always been cognizant of the need to give credit where it's due. So many of the genre's most iconic tracks are the product of collaborative efforts, with producers, writers, and session musicians all contributing to the final product.
I try not to get too caught up in the celebrity worship and individualistic narratives that can sometimes permeate the music industry. At the end of the day, creativity is a collective endeavor, and the artists and songs that have resonated with me the most are the ones where I can sense that collaborative energy, rather than just a single individual's stamp.
Anyway, that's just a glimpse into the tapestry of musical influences that have guided my creative journey over the years. I'm sure I could wax poetic about this topic for hours on end, but I'll save the rest for future episodes. In the meantime, please feel free to connect with me on social media (@ThinkTimm) and share the artists and experiences that have inspired your own musical odyssey. Until we meet again, keep creating, my friends!
