„6, drugs & rock’n’roll? Let’s rock all 12!“ – Volume 12
Cheerioh!
No, I don’t have a number fetish, but this is now the 12th! Edition of my “new” newsletter, which is now neither new nor a pure newsletter.
Today it’s about what “6, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll…” means to me, what’s new from “Paradise Express” and how I’m trying to shock myself right now.
All editions of this newsletter and other articles are also available on my blog.
6, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll …
… we rock all 12! In the end, it’s always about pleasing others – our parents, our family, our friends, acquaintances, employers, etc. – we want to show that we’ve achieved something, that we’re worth something. In one way or another, right there a long ordeal begins for most people, ideally leading to the realization that you don’t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself.
If you just fail to become the next Elon Musk, you can usually cope with that. However, if you become an “breadless artist” – hmmm. In short: some clichés are very difficult to get rid of. Hence the first part of the title “6, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll”. Most of the clichés from my industry do not apply to me, e.g.: drugs, lack of income, etc.
But since I now know that a lot of talking doesn’t do much, I say: “No way – we rock all 12”. Some of you might object, I’m doing it again, but no: „We rock all 12“ is my battle cry on the way to freedom. With every new project, every idea, every further issue of this newsletter, I am working out a piece of my future life, free from the constraints and conditioning that I have been carrying around with me for far too long. And you are invited to come along:
Paradise Express
“Paradise Express” is the name of my touring van and the title of my podcast show. The name does not inadvertently lack a certain irony. Nonetheless, it is meant to be equally literal. A little like Bruce Springsteen’s train to the Land of Hopes and Dreams, which anyone can hop on, the Paradise Express is for everyone. This is exactly why I make every episode accessible to everyone on Youtube.
The latest episode is inspired by a stimulating conversation with a friend who asked me, “What would shock you?”. Far too often we drift into shallow conversation, beat around the bush, so to speak, omit explosive details, don’t get to the point and hide. But that is exactly what makes us weak and vulnerable – vulnerable to others, to false promises, to life plans that do not suit us. And in the end you should ask yourself: “What do I actually have to lose?”. Well, this question may seem a bit strange in view of our affluent society, but if we forget all that for a moment…
In the process of working over the past week, I’ve realized that I’ve been actively working on shocking myself for most of my life. Through my music, my lyrics, my thoughts … I’ve always dared to the edge of my abyss in order to then take another step. What is a deterrent for many is part of a balanced life for me. Nevertheless, there is always another step that can be taken. So I tried to do just that with my new podcast – at least a little bit.
blu12 perspective
Every month there is my very personal point of view at this point: today the view of the Atlantic on the French coast. “Some of the most rewarding places are some of the hardest to get to.” I think that applies to places outside as well as places inside ourselves – but also places inside other people.
News in short:
- The fourth episode of “Paradise Express” is online – here is the blog article with all the details: Paradise Express Episode 4
- The Tourvan now has its own sign in the cockpit that says “Paradise Express” … it even glows at night!
- New blog article about sustainable live music with the sun: Endless concerts on the endless sunset stage
blu12 backstage journal
What am I doing all day? What’s new & what does that mean for you?
Some think I’m on vacation all day. Some think I’m on stage every day. A few suspect that I only work from morning to night and that free time is a foreign concept to me. Here’s the truth: It’s true. All of it.
But here are a few examples of work from the last few weeks that most people would probably not think of:
1.) I built a wooden shelf for the cockpit in the tour van, so that you can safely put down your early morning coffee/tea there if you haven’t finished it before the start of the trip.
2.) I oiled my own stage – after all, this is on the Tourvan roof and is exposed to the weather 24/7.
3.) I have already built my third standing desk (due to several moves). But this time you can just take it to a new apartment easily (I’m learning!)
4.) I’m working on a new training plan. Being on stage is usually harder than it looks.
With this in mind: we’ll read each other in exactly one month when „6, drugs & rock’n’roll? We rock all 12!“ is back.
Martin aka blu12
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