Creative Inspiration – October 2023
Friends! This is part of a new monthly series where people in the IndieSpace family share something that has been inspiring, nourishing, and/or creatively fulfilling.
We started this series because it is helpful to share the things in life that sustain and spark our joy.
Sharing these types of moments is especially important as we process the upsetting and tragic events happening in the world. We hope you’re finding moments of calm and creative inspiration when you can.
I am ALWAYS lifted up and inspired by The Bengsons. I am in love with their music and it opens my heart right up. I am blown away by My Joy is Heavy, their short film musical memoir. And truly all of their music and storytelling.
Abigail and Shaun are just incredible artists. The music comes from their guts and it hits me in my guts and I can cry when I hear it. Sometimes I do cry. Hard. I first heard the Keep Going on Song in October of 2020, right when it came out. We still had no clue what the hell was going on. We were all so scared and in so much pain. Our bodies were fighting us, politically devastating times, the world felt like it was crumbling, we were in the streets with Black Lives Matter, we were deep in the relief work we were doing. This song gave me hope. All of those things are still true, some have changed and some have gotten better and some worse and the song still gives me hope.
Link to the Keep Going on Song
Link to My Joy is Heavy
- Randi Berry
On a recent episode of the Vibe Check podcast, Sam Sanders interviewed Emily King about her new album. The episode evolved into an open conversation about grief, break-ups, and heartache. Some of the songs on Emily’s album are about a romantic relationship ending with her partner, who she wrote music with. Sam speaks about how Emily’s album was instrumental in his working through the grief of the death of his mother.
Not going to lie, this is a heavy one. But, it’s also a beautiful discussion about how we remain creative during emotionally difficult times.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Stitcher.
- Justin Clark (Social Change Consulting, Communications)
I recently went to see Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on tour, and while their continued collaboration is inspirational, I was really inspired by Zarna Garg, their opening act. Zarna is in her 40’s, and didn’t start stand up or writing until recent years. She wrote a screenplay which won Best Comedy Screenplay at the 2019 Austin Film Festival, and is a start on TikTok. She’s hilarious, and as someone who is beginning my creative journey again at the age of 41, I am so inspired by her dedication.
- Sarah Benvenuti (Benvenuti Arts, Fundraising)