Singer/songwriter, creative inspirer and all around seemingly kick-@ss lady Christine Kane has a great video of her song (No such thing as) Girls Like That. It's pretty hilarious & true...
I've been following her blog lately and I find it often gives me a little nudge toward optimism & makes me smile. She writes, sings, performs, teaches creativity to the CIA and holds regular retreats for women in the Carolinas. No, seriously. Check her out.
I've been goofing around with the iLike application in Facebook, which is a music app (despite the name, its not from Apple) that's really cool.
I've been listening to nostalgic stuff, tunes from unknown and unsigned artists (many of which offer free mp3 downloads), and discovering all kinds of new songs and artists I didn't know about -- or learning of new projects going on. One new project that intrigued & titillated was that between Robert Plant (yes, THE RP from Led Zeppelin) and (I've since learned) country music star Alison Krauss who collaborated on the album Raising Sand and have since been on tour together. "No way" was my first thought -- this must be a different RP. But it was true. I had to learn more.
So I started listening to selections from their CD and watched a few videos. Impressive! A really different sound for RP. I didn't know what to think. I'm not a big fan of country, though I do like some old school stuff (think Patsy Cline & Johnny Cash) and some Bluegrass & folk. I wondered if Plant was in need of money? Were they having an affair? How did this happen? Such time to dwell on the bizarre is again coming by way of my debilitating cold...Good, bad? I dunno...
Regardless, I've decided this duo is inspirational, really, in that they are both on top of their careers and not in need of any media hooks to keep themselves afloat; instead, they both just love music and mutually agreed to stretch themselves in a new direction. Push their talents. Learn something. And that, I think, is where the inspiration lies. They don't need the money or the fame; they didn't decide to musically unite only after physically doing so. It appears that they wanted to create together out of mutual respect and the desire to grow. What's more, through this challenge they both experienced levels of fear that is unexpected from such successful people, and yet decided to embrace that vulnerability and explore it. Sounds like art to me...
I hope when I reach the pinnacle of whatever mountain I'm climbing (I have yet to discover its name) I too look ahead for new peaks to challenge myself with. Kudos to them, and a "thank you" for the lesson.
More about their partnership:
October 21, 2007 New York Daily News article
October 30, 2007 Spinner interview
October 31, 2007 BBC Breakfast Time interview (YouTube video) that really delves into the history of their working relationship and provides insight into both of their natures.
Back to the title of this blog entry. I'm voting for collective genius.
