I have, at times, had a tendency to overcomplicate things. I don’t think I am alone in this experience. I think there is a belief that complex means more sophisticated, more impressive, or just better. There is also this misconception that simple means easy.
But think about the most beloved music throughout history. It tends to be simple. There is elegance in simplicity.
The ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions in a simple and elegant way that connects with and resonates with a large number of people is no small task. But it is a target that is very much worth striving for.
Sometimes the excess of elements or complicated parts can serve as a mask, hiding behind the layers. Now, I’m not knocking music of high complexity by any means. Sometimes the complex is necessary to communicate a particular message or to create a particular experience. There is immense beauty to be found in that as well.
However, what I am taking this moment to warn my fellow creatives of is the trap of complexity for complexity’s sake and of overcomplicating something to a degree that undermines the power of the art itself.
Sometimes a simple idea or conceit is all we need to spawn a special piece of art.
In fact, I have recently had the joy of leaning into a simple premise, and it led to the creation of something I am immensely proud of. This newest album and audio-visual experience is called WITHIN and will be out September 1st, 2024. :)
Anyway, now that the shameless plug is out of the way, I invite you to let go of the impulse to overcomplicate and embrace the age-old wisdom: “Keep It Simple, Silly.”