What is this? Me just sharing what’s on my mind at the time. I hope it brings you value.
Here we go:
What I’m listening to….
REC Member, Moses Mosima of HBC delivers a lo-fi r&b bop. Caution: This hook WILL get stuck in your head. Enjoy.
Jazmine Sullivan – Heaux Tales
The ground-breaking vocalist ends her hiatus by delivering us an honest and thought-provoking album that explores women’s sexuality from all angles.
Soulful Therapy Sessions 006: Sight Beyond Sound
Hit play. Move. Groove. Share. Repeat. Another dance mix bringing you back to the essence of disco, house, and soul.
What I’m thinking about…
In short, representation.
More specifically, the power of a story. With this month being Black History Month, I’m reflecting on the shallow narrative of African American history we consistently see vs the vast diversity of who our people are what our people have contributed and continue to contribute to the world. With that, I’m also considering how the story of our work here at REC will be told when it’s all said and done.
Who I’m clapping for…
Sofiya Ballin and Black History Untold
Black History Untold, created by award-winning journalist Sofiya Ballin, is an identity series that explores the importance of a comprehensive Black history education through personal essays. Learn up.
Christina Faith prepares to release a feature film.
The Writer/Director/Producer is set to release ‘Love You Right’, her forthcoming feature-length musical on February 9th. Now you know what you and bae can watch during Valentine’s Day weekend.
What I’m reading…
(Un)Common Sense: Your Strategy Guide to Creative Freedom by William T. Toms (Members Only)
I wrote a book on how artists can think like startups and level up. You should read it.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell is the OG of story–in this book he explains our human need for stories and outlines the foundational framework that now guides all of the pop-culture media we consume from Hollywood to music.
Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller
Having trouble clarifying your brand’s message? This will help.
What to look out for…
This month at REC we’re focusing on one of the most powerful technologies known to mankind; the story.
As Muriel Rukeyser has said:
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
As creators we must understand and master the art of storytelling if we want to understand ourselves, the world around us. Storytelling is the cornerstone of being an effective marketer, fundraiser and a number of other jobs we must assume as creative entrepreneurs.
So this month we’ll learn from some of the best storytellers in our region. Check out this month’s event lineup by clicking here.
REC Members: Get ahead of the game by reading Chapter 2 and learning about creating an Artist Statement and communicating what you do by clicking here.
Next, be sure to RSVP for our Curriculum Deep Dive & Creative Coaching Sessions where we’ll review the key points of the chapter and design strategies to achieve your goals together.
Not a REC Member? Click here to fix that & meet me at REC.
Peace + productivity,
Will
