In Harmony: Music as the Creative Muse

Discover how music fuels my creative process, from punk rock anthems to thoughtfully curated playlists. Explore how the rhythms and melodies of your favorite tracks can inspire.

IN HARMONY

Music serves as a vital source of inspiration in my creative process. It acts as a catalyst, shaping my mood and sparking new ideas. Whether I’m diving into intricate details or dreaming big, the rhythms and melodies guide my thoughts and fuel my imagination. Each song carries its own energy, helping me navigate the complexities of the creative process. Music allows me to let go, surrender to the work, and listen. It is an essential companion.

Once a month, I eagerly share a song that resonates deeply with me. Music has been an unwavering companion in my life, consistently infusing immense joy into my days.

Back in September, we took the kiddo to see Green Day at Oracle Park. A full-circle moment, as it had been nearly 30 years since I last saw them live. The first time was at Lollapalooza in 1994 on Randall’s Island. Interestingly, Green Day also headlined alongside The Smashing Pumpkins that year (I’ll share my favorite TSP track in next month’s newsletter).

Seeing Green Day again all these years later was an experience, to say the least. They were phenomenal back then, and remarkably, not much has changed, except maybe the budget! This time, the show was a full-scale spectacle, complete with pyrotechnics, fireworks, and meticulously curated visuals. It had been ages since I’d been to a concert like that, maybe ever. The creative effort required for this tour was immense, and it’s something I’ll be diving into soon. The entire performance felt like a tribute to their legacy, a true retrospective of their career. It was nothing short of a triumph.

For a beautiful and comprehensive look at Green Day’s history, read MUSE community member Ryan Milford’s retrospective here.

Choosing a single Green Day song to highlight after witnessing them perform both Dookie and American Idiot in full is nearly impossible. But I’m going to try.

Tucked into the middle of their 1994 album Dookie is the song She—a track that didn’t quite grab me when I first heard it. It wasn’t until my kiddo became interested in the album a few years ago that I was struck by the song’s power. At its core, She is a feminist anthem. And a damn good one.

She screams in silence
A sullen riot penetrating through her mind
Waiting for a sign to smash the silence with the brick of self-control.

Are you locked up in a world that's been planned out for you?
Are you feeling like a social tool without a use?
Scream at me until my ears bleed
I'm taking heed just for you.

Sound familiar? Yeah. This one hits home for me.

If you haven't listened to She in a while, or ever, now's the time. Give it a spin and see what resonates for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Did it strike a chord, or was it a miss? Drop a comment and let me know how She lands with you.

My musical taste knows no boundaries; I effortlessly traverse genres like punk, folk, pop, hip hop, and grunge. These songs, whether they carry a touch of melancholy or exude the sweetness of candy, play a vital role in my creative journey. They set the rhythm and tone, whether I’m dreaming big, taking a bird’s eye view, or diving into the intricate details.

Subscribers to the newsletter receive an exclusive treat—a thoughtfully curated playlist that captures my musical selections throughout the year. If you’re a fellow wild creative soul yearning to master your creative process, I invite you to join our vibrant MUSE community by subscribing below. We have an incredible time together, navigating the weird and wonderful wilderness of creativity, all while savoring the beauty of great music along the way. 

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