Finding creativity in a Delaware strip mall

Give in to your creative urges and set your soul free!

Last Friday night, I drove to a little bar tucked next to a Mexican place and a nail salon to hear my friend’s band play. Understand that I listen to all kinds of music, but gravitate to metal/hard rock. (Not big into screaming like Lamb of God or Slipknot). On my playlists, you’ll find Koritni (an awesome Australian band), Volbeat, Jettblack, Metallica, and others. I love the aggression, throbbing beat, the intricate guitar work… I find it a confident genre, very motivating, emotional, and authentic.

Four different groups were playing and my friends band, called 4130, started the evening. These are three New Jersey guys with day jobs, and all damned passionate about music. Chad writes songs, plays guitar, and sings. Dave, (when he’s not working or coaching his kids hockey team) plays bass. And Dylan displays incredible energy and passion on drums. They are so much fun to watch!

Science proves that creative expression is good for you. It’s empowering, builds confidence, relieves stress, and gives us a sense of accomplishment and control. It just feels good! My band friends have worked hard to fit their music into their lives. It has taken time, work, money, and determination.

I admire that.

I’m convinced there’s creativity in each of us. Don’t do what I do and overthink it. 😂 No matter if you paint, bake, sing, sculpt, or write on Substack, give in to your creative urges and start by starting. You don’t have to end up in Carnegie Hall or MOMA… just relax and enjoy the process.

A few more images from some of the other groups that performed that night.

What inspired this essay is Isabel Cowles Murphy who writes The Nobel Try. I urge you to check out her writing. She has a great piece about being creative. She said “creativity isn’t really about making stuff… it’s about tending your spirit. It’s psychic hygiene, as vital as clean water and deep sleep.”