Being inventive. That’s how some artists break away from the pack. A vast majority of art is blase. Too many people create generic art and then whine about why they don’t get recognition over other blase art. As dickish as it is to say this, visit any art walk and you’ll see a whole lot of hobbyist type art. That’s how I would describe it.
Same type of thing happens in music. A whole lot of hobbyist musicians create a song and feel it’s the greatest composition ever written. I have yet to write a greatest composition. I’m constantly pushing for something new. Attempting something different. Occasionally I hit upon that little something clever and boom it creates something that people want to hear. Fortunately I’m hitting that more and more often now. That doesn’t mean I won’t create a dud here and there. It will happen.
Then there is the idea that is sparked where something completely fun yet interesting happens. Such is the case of the video you’re either finished watching or are listening to as you read this. Blue Man Group. Where the hell did someone come up with an idea to paint three dudes blue and play percussion?!?
It ranks right up there with Philippe Petit. I know I mentioned Philippe Petit on Single of the Day a few weeks ago. In case you don’t know who Philippe Petit is or what he is famous for, I’ll let you in on the secret. Anyone remember the World Trade Center Towers one and two? Well Philippe Petit was the man who devised a way to string a tightrope wire between the two buildings as they were nearing completion and walked on it. This happened back on August 7th, 1974. There is a movie out now called Man On Wire. It’s about Philippe Petit and the group that helped him to accomplish the goal. It’s funny, it’s entertaining, it’s moving, and most of all it’s astounding. I’m not afraid of heights, but my palms got sweaty thinking about walking a wire set that high off the ground. I highly recommend you go see the movie. Experience the thrill. That’s unique!!!
Back to Blue Man Group. Where does one first think of when they hear Blue Man Group? For me, it’s Las Vegas. Land of the lights and shows. I’ve seen many shows in Las Vegas, but one show I’ve yet to see is Blue Man Group. Shoot me. I shouldn’t be waiting this long.
Other than being painted Blue I’m sure there are a lot of things about Blue Man Group that are unique. Recently I came across a clip of Blue Man Group doing a performance with some sort of contraption that looked to be made from PVC pipes. Blue Man Group calls it Drumbone. A unique name for a unique instrument. The concept is simple, yet it’s so different. At least to me. It’s very clever. Then to take the time to think out being able to change the pitch of the Drumbone, too much coolness.
I know full well, that I will likely attempt to create my own version of the drumbone instrument for my next full length release. Not on all the songs, maybe two, definitely one. It’s all about working on creating sounds that fit the song and getting it to flow. There is real work in that.
Go get Drumbone now and have some fun!