Invention and Reinvention with Steve Taylor
Or, why Steve's gravestone will say, "Killed by optimism."
Hello friends, I’m happy to announce today’s new episode of Music & Meaning, “Invention and Reinvention with Steve Taylor.”
We’ve known each other for 40 years. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had have been with Steve. It only makes sense that he should be the subject of a podcast with the name Music & Meaning.
I sat down with this iconoclastic recording artist, filmmaker, and educator to discover how artists sustain a life of invention and reinvention. I wondered, is this path of discovery and creativity only for entrepreneurs and artists? Or, is something going on with this way of being, something Steve has clearly mastered, that's applicable to all of life, from music to marriage?
What are the ingredients in the great mixing bowl of life that allow some people to change in the blink of an eye with a new set of imaginings and hopeful, optimism? Is it all the benefits of a good origin story (which Steve has), or is there also a blueprint of sorts, no matter how ad hoc?
Tune in and join the conversation. After listening, please express your opinion in the comments, either here or on one of the podcast platforms. I so appreciate your support! And props to Steve and the CT Media team for another quality episode.
Great news! 32 good people left this Charlie Peacock Substack in the last two weeks! Of course I’m being silly and less than truthful. I’m sad to see them go, but as I said a couple months back, this is my new newsletterish “information and story” platform for those who are genuinely interested. Please do stay and enjoy and enter in as you are able. But also know, I understand what it’s like to have an overwhelmed email inbox. You have my blessing if you ever need a break. And, take comfort in knowing that I only post a max of twice a week, but usually once every two weeks.
For you audio and Audible listeners, there's some bonus content available with the audio book version of the new book, Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much. We were privileged to include conversations with best-selling author, Dr. Curt Thompson, M.D., a pioneer in psychiatry, neurobiology, and Christian spirituality; Dr. Steven Garber, author of Visions of Vocation, Sr. Fellow with the Murdock Charitable Trust and cofounder of Wedgwood Circle; and our own Ruby Amanfu, Nashville recording artist and (2x) Grammy-nominated songwriter for Song of the Year (H.E.R., Alicia Keys & Brandi Carlile). Find it HERE.
Looking for my ELEMENTS Producer Sample Pack? BAM!
Fine Way To Live Your Life on Spotify. Are short songs the norm now?
Have a great rest of the week. Love your neighbor. Be Kind. Curate beauty, take a nap if you need it. Peace to you.
Charlie...Thank you so much for the conversation with Steve. As an avid continued listener of both of your libraries, it occurs to me that Steve's music rings prophetic in my ears. A prophet not only speaks to the culture at large, but sometimes God uses their voice to speak to the coming generations. Songs like "It's a personal thing", "Meet the Press", Meltdown", "You've Been Bought" ring as true today as they did 30 years ago. Charlie, when your sang the lead to Vector's "Mannequin Virtue" did you know how those lyrics would be so profound in today's Social Media obsessed society? I mourn the loss of the socially relevant artists that speak to society at large and the Body of Christ in specific...for 24 hour worship playlists that are the staple of CCM today.
Would love for you to continue delve into the Artists from that era- You, Vector, The 77's, Adam Again, along with Steve Taylor and Daniel Amos all spoke to the heart of the Christ Follower in relation to the society at large- I am afraid we are forming a church of "monkey's at the zoo" up in a "tree house".
Brent Fooks
I really enjoyed your conversation with Steve. His music was prevalent in my high school, college and post-college music industry days and it is really nice to hear a good digest that glues it all together. I was on the business side of things during my time in CCM, so I have empathy for some of the chagrin expressed toward the 'managers' and other usual suspects. I was right there, and just played along. I am better now. Well, great podcast. Much love and peace to you. Thanks for making the world a better place.