This past week, I had the new single "Black Summer" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on repeat (It's already racked up 20 million views on Youtube in a matter of weeks). To me, it's a big deal because it marked the return of guitarist John Frusciante, who I've always considered to be the heart and soul of the band with whom they create their best music. Frusciante brings that soulful Hendrix-inspired playing, mixed with artistic sensibilities that blend so well with the different personalities and musicianship of the band.
When I was listening to the new song, it brought back memories of their earlier albums together and made me realize that I've been a fan of their music my whole life. When I was a kid, they were superstar musicians touring, and now as an adult, they are still superstar musicians touring. They have been rocking the world longer than I've been alive. Talk about longevity, their run at the top has been incredible. We can all gain inspiration and learn from the creative superpowers they harnessed by staying true to themselves and connecting, which led them to sustain connections with millions of people throughout their career.
Rolling Stone interviewed the band recently, where they talked about the creative process for this new album, and a few things stood out to me. Still humble and with a career that has spanned four decades, they remain driven to get better at their craft, become a better band and create better music.
"Our only goal is to get lost in the music. We spent thousands of hours, collectively and individually, honing our craft and showing up for one another to make the best album we could," the band said in a statement about the LP. "Our antennae attuned to the divine cosmos, we were just so damn grateful for the opportunity to be in a room together and, once again, try to get better. Days, weeks, and months were spent listening to each other, composing, jamming freely, and arranging the fruit of those jams with great care and purpose. The sounds, rhythms, vibrations, words, and melodies had us enrapt."
That perspective is INCREDIBLE and gives us a clue why they have remained at the top for nearly 40 YEARS! Do you have this kind of drive and passion day in and day out for what you love?
"We yearn to shine a light in the world, to uplift, connect, and bring people together. The group added that each of the songs on our new album Unlimited Love is a facet of us, reflecting our view of the universe," the group added. "This is our life's mission. We work, focus, and prepare so that when the biggest wave comes, we are ready to ride it. The ocean has gifted us a mighty wave, and this record is the ride that is the sum of our lives. Thank you for listening; we hope you enjoy it. Rock out motherfuckers!"
The chemistry this band has developed over the years is unmatched and inspirational. We all need the help and support of others to achieve great things in life. Individually there is only so much we can do by ourselves. At some point, connection with like-minded individuals whose spirit and energy align with our own will help us navigate and leap over new challenges that lie ahead. John Frusciante completed the Red Hot Chili Peppers (chemistry), though even with all of that collective talent, it wasn't until they connected with producer Rick Rubin who would help take their vision to the next level (chemistry).
Connection to others and the world around us is crucial to creative endeavors. I know it plays a significant role with film photography, as there are moments where the client or model and I become in sync, and we play off each other's energy to capture something special at the moment. Do you connect with the people you work with creatively? Do you push each other and walk away better personally and professionally when it's all said and done?
The following improv intro is a visual manifestation of creative chemistry. If we can harness just a tiny bit of this kind of chemistry within our projects, the work produced will be that much better.
*Side note - The band kicks off their North American tour this summer in Denver, Co. I'll be there with my film cameras enjoying the show. If you see me say hello, and pose for a picture :)