KUNG PAO & DONUTS
This year, by supernatural coincidence, National Donut Day came in the same week as the release of the NU SHOOZ latest album, Kung Pao Kitchen. We feel that this harmonic convergence deserves some quiet reflection…
TODAY’S MEDITATION:
What does the latest Nu Shooz release, Kung Pao Kitchen, have in common with a donut?
For starters, both have a hole in the center. While we could go deep into the meaning of that Negative Space, it’s the part we can see where the richness lies. This richness can only be experienced directly. Bite into the donut. Dive into the music.
Only then is the true flavor to be revealed.
The Sweet Middle
It’s a frightening time to be an artist. On one hand we have technological capabilities undreamed of thirty years ago. On the other, our lives are so full of distractions it’s a wonder anyone can do anything. Worst of all, it’s impossible to get anyone’s attention these days, not without a million dollar advertising blitz. Open up the paper and there are thousands of bands, art exhibits, films, dance performances, a tsunami of artists.
Welcome to the Post-Modern world.
In the midst of this apocalyptic scenario, the conversation around our house lately has been ‘Why do art at all?’
Here’s what we came up with:
Don't Push The River: Movement Is Life
Thirty million years ago, we were writing songs for the fifth Nu Shooz album. It was a struggle. The label hated everything we handed in. We began to doubt ourselves. But I’m proud to say we didn’t stop.
Movement is life, and by moving, we know we’re alive.
Sink or swim, baby.
Russ' Retro Rock Interviews The Shooz
We recently christened the new 80s feature on Russ' Retro Rock! Even though some of these questions have been asked before, we discover something new about ourselves every time we answer them...and we hope you do too! Enjoy.
Mahavishnu and Music As Mating Ritual
I read an article in Scientific American Mind about music preferences in humans. Different personality types prefer different levels of complexity in music art and literature. Extroverts love mainstream pop, they love magazines, and Mark Rothko. Introverts love dissonance, byzantine novels, and Albrecht Durer.
Extroverts want their expectations fulfilled.
Introverts want to be confused.
These are gross generalizations, but see if they ring true for you.
(You’ll see where I’m going with this in a second.)
I Can’t Wait: The Video…What IS It All About?
Since it first appeared in 1986 during the heyday of MTV, people having been asking us about the video for “I Can’t Wait”. What is the meaning behind it all? Why is Valerie pulling a shark out of a coffee pot? Is the dog wearing sunglasses a part of the band?
How to Get A Hit Record and Sell a Million Records
Want to know how to achieve FAME and FORTUNE in the music business? Yes, YOU can be a pop sensation. Check out our very tongue-in-cheek entry on "The One Minute How To," as we tell you the secret of "How to Get A Hit Record and Sell a Million Records." It's a fun show, hosted by George Smyth. In this educational, 550-episode series, you can learn everything under the sun from how to unclog your drain to how to ride a Bactrian camel, and all in sixty seconds.
Follow along with the interview here:
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