I was reading the new Malcom Gladwell book, Outliers, recently. It’s about how environmental factors play an important part in the success of people we commonly refer to as geniuses… whilst it hardly discredits the talents of Billy Gates et al, it’s an interesting read that suggests that the unbelievable achievements of some are perhaps more lucky than we realise.
One section of the book touches on world-class musicians, and the amount of practice they have to put in in order to be at the top of their field. Apparently, this is almost-universally 10,000 hours (and this rule stretches to other disciplines, too). Which is funny, really, because it seems that in the overstaturated blogmarket that we find ourselves in today, it takes me about that amount of hours (converted into banner ad exposure and press-release reading) to even consider the latest great hype hope.
Surprisingly enough, I don’t really ever reach the 10,000 hours necessary to pay attention to the next best things. Consequently, I miss out on a the odd great track or two. That said, I don’t think that this is a particularly bad thing; there is something to be said for word-of-mouth successes… people that don’t get thrown in headfirst, and work hard for their fame. Finding one and holding onto them through their rise to fame is infinitley more rewarding than simply picking-up someone as and when the machine tells you too.
One such artist I’m clinging onto with dear life is Justus Kohncke. His story is long. His music is fantastic. As are his remixes… he’s recently put his golden-touch to Friendly Fires and Dan Black amongst others. Whilst he’s currently on Kompakt, his sound doesn’t really venture down the minimal/tech route, it’s more of a warmly electronic disco experience. Something that warm up DJs should be playing. Instead, they’ll no doubt be pumping out the new Proxy at 9:02 p.m; their loss.
Friendly Fires – Paris (Justus Kohncke Remix)
Thank ya, good night. Much love.
Matt Plimsouls
xx
P.S – This post has nothing to do with Little Boots… but isn’t she just a cutie!?
4 Comments
i still think the aeroplane remix of paris is one of the best tunes of last year – good little release that one
this is still a jam
and little boots is heaps cute
Indeed, the Aeroplane mix is good, too… I like it how labels feel the need to jump on the disco bandwagon full-force, and get remix after remix after remix done.
My favourite Justus track is called ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ (or something similar)… I didn’t really want to post it, but it’s on his myspace.
Adorable, yes. But again, that outfit… not so much.