 Hip-hop collective Jurassic 5 was always known for their feel-good tunes preaching love, positivity, and harmony. Backed by DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist, rappers Chali 2na, Akil, Zaakir, and Marc 7 spit rhymes that soothed the soul, and their positive attitude was epitomized in I Am Somebody. The song's opening invocation encourages the listener to “lead and never follow” and “inspire like a role model” before the crew rips into a chorus declaring, “I am (I am) somebody (somebody).” A call-and-response reminding us of who we are and what we have the potential to become, I Am Somebody was particularly effective at many music festivals that Jurassic 5 headlined. Fun times, indeed.
This inspirational group cemented a plethora of positive jams; Jurassic 5 was truly “all the way live.” Stay positive, Andrew
0 Comments
 A gentle spell clocking in at just over a minute, Show Me Love is a soft summoning of both peace and passion. With a minimalistic, a cappella structure, the Gainesville band places a razor-sharp focus on lead singer Nicole Miglis’ angelic voice. The song in turn becomes a brilliantly poetic incantation: “Don’t let me show cruelty Though I may make mistakes, Don’t let me show ugliness Though I know I can hate, And don’t let me show evil Though it might be all I take.” Indeed, Miglis refuses all of these crass casualties and instead chooses love. “Show me love, show me love, show me love.” Her hypnotic conjuring is followed by yet another gentle plea: “Don’t let me think weakly Though I know that I can break, Keep me away from apathy While I am still awake, And don’t let me think too long Of the one I’m bound to face.” Again, Miglis calls for love, and the listener is inspired to do the same. Over and over again, love is placed above all transgressions. The song transcends into hymn, a hymn preaching positivity. Amen.
Stay positive, Andrew Beginning Monday, I am excited to debut a new blog concept that I’m calling, “The Five Series.”
Over the next several weeks, I’ll feature five significant artistic moments in various mediums, revealing one work each day. Categories will include Positive Jams, Moments of Honesty in Film / Television, Inspiring Poems, etc. I’ll write about each selection and include links for readers to experience the piece itself. My hope is to showcase some interesting art, reveal a little about my artistic inspirations, and nurture my lifelong obsession of creating Top Five Lists. I hope you dig them. Stay positive, Andrew This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Riot Fest for the third year in a row, and I was able to catch yet another energetic performance by an artist that I greatly admire, Andrew WK. Mr. WK's music preaches positivity, and he himself exudes it. Not only is the man a brilliant musician, he's a gifted writer as well, and his essays encourage others to follow their dreams. Andrew WK contributes to a weekly advice column for the Village Voice, and I often find comfort in his uplifting words. Here is a quote of his that I simply cherish: “Achieving the dream isn't even as important as living the dream. And all it takes to live the dream is to live each day with as much untiring and unflinching excitement as you can. Do what you love. Pursue what you love. And when you get discouraged, stand back up and dive back in.” The entire article is here. Andrew WK believes that life is a party. Live it to the fullest, and enjoy the pursuit of every dream. I'm down.  Cheers to you, Andrew WK.
Stay positive, Andrew Had a blast sitting down and talking shop with Riso and Jasonn. We discussed shooting UNDER COVERS, my upcoming role in Robin Hood & Maid Marian, and -- of course -- the Sunshine State. Enjoy! Stay positive,
Andrew |
Archives
April 2017
FootnotesSome thoughts on art, life, and theatre. Stay positive. Categories |
RSS Feed