According to a Newsweek article we stumbled across while cleaning out one of the junk-bunks, the next generation has demonstrated an abysmal, statistical drop in creativity. And for the first time ever.
I'm not strictly talking about being able to finger paint. Or compose a symphony. I'm talking about being able to think 'outside the box'. Assess problems from vantages not a priori. Creativity builds leaders, boisterous speakers, and men and women who will change the world. Without it -- what are we left with?
So it's a nice change of pace to meet people on Warped Tour like Larry Gee, the titular lead singer of a Dallas soul/funk band.
"We say soul/funk, but really it doesn't matter what sort of music we play," says guitarist Beau Bedford. "It's about Larry. And his voice. He can carry anything. I've been around man, and I'm not kidding you when I say Larry is going to be the greatest American soul singer of our generation."
Our generation. And perhaps for generations to come. Because if it's true that our children are in a steady creative decline, there might not be another act like Larry g(EE)'s.
Because by the end of their set, there are twelve musicians on stage -- only half of whom are really in the band. Guys with tambourines and saxophones and trumpets and whatever'll make a sound. Pieces of other bands on tours. Musicians who just want to jam. And the end product is undeniably addictive.
All because Larry is the creative type. Forget the confines of the stage. The procedural approach to music. "Let's get talent up here and see what happens' is his approach.
And I love it.
Too often, and too easily, we settle for convention, fearful of what might happen if others disagree. If we disappoint that wrong person. So we bury our heads and our imaginations like ostriches on the lamb.
So today, take the time be creative. For one second or one hour. Take a chance and see what happens.
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