The first installment of my first podcast, entitled “@Sea With Justin McRoberts,” is at iTunes. I am expecting this to become a significant part of my future and I’m glad you’ll be with me on these first few steps. Check it out. Gene Luen Yang is a writer and graphic novelist responsible for American Born Chinese and Boxers … Read More
Month: April 2016
Is Christian Music Dishonest?
Is music in the “Christian marketplace” markedly dishonest? Specifically in the way its writers address the darker aspects of life? More so than music made in the broader, “General market” is? In his a Fuller-curated conversation between Bono and Eugene Peterson, Bono suggests as much. I’m not so sure. Let’s see what Drake has to say about the deeper … Read More
BOOK REVIEW: “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
In her book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert is winsome and charming. She is also transparent and earnest. This feels like a book written by someone who has done hard work, grown and isn’t embarrassed in the least about her process. I didn’t love it. But I did like it and think it’s worth reading. SOME SPECIFICS: … Read More
Healthy People Make Healthy Art
You know those dramatic stories of artists who smoke and drink and binge an stay up all night and ruin their lives on the way to creating? Yeah… don’t emulate those. On the whole, I think healthy people make healthy art. I think the art you make is an outpouring of who you are. And while … Read More
BOOK REVIEW: “Anything You Want” by Derek Sivers
Full disclosure: I’m a Derek Sivers fan. I think he’s brilliant and I’m super thankful for his work. Truth is, had he not invented CD Baby, I’d likely not have made a living as a performing singer/songwriter. This book is, as it turns out, is a memoir of sorts, tracing the history and philosophy behind … Read More
Johnny Manziel And The Redemptive Power Of Sports
Johnny Manziel issued a statement this week in which he hopes to “…take care of the issues in front of me right now so I can focus on what I have to do if I want to play in 2016.” His statement was almost immediately met by a chorus of boos and detractors. We love to … Read More
Springsteen, HB2 and the Power of Art
Bruce Springsteen was scheduled to play a show in Greensboro, NC this past weekend. In light of the passing of HB2, a law he feels (as many do) “attacks the rights of LGBT citizens,” The Boss canceled his only North Carolina date this year. Of that decision he writes, “It is the strongest means I have for … Read More
Review: “The Wilderness” by Explosions In The Sky
I’ve been enjoying “The Wilderness,” the newest Explosions In The Sky project. I’ve liked a lot of what they’ve done in the past but, to be honest, always found bands like This Will Destroy You or Hammock more interesting. Until now, that is. If you’re a fan of ambient music at all, “Wilderness” is definitely worth … Read More
Star Wars and Your Creative Process
I picked up the Star Wars digital release and immediately jumped to the iTunes extras and searched for the 1-hr behind-the-scenes documentary called “Secrets of Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey.” Honestly, I’d have paid the $19.95 just for that 1-hr. From Daisy Ridley’s audition footage to JJ Abrams’ reaction to shooting Han and Chewie’s classic … Read More