I've been lost for a while but I'm really trying...

Getting to know Fred again... and the healing power of creativity

Today this Apple Music interview with Fred again… popped up in my YouTube feed. I’d seen the name a few times in the last year or so, I hadn’t actually heard of any his music.

There’s talk of his latest album, harnessing creative energy, performing live music and being present in the moment, but then it takes a deeper, emotional turn addressing how grief affects creativity.

Goddamn the grieving process colors so much of how I see the world now.

To be clear, EDM in all its flavors has been a steady part of my musical rotation for almost three decades now, so I’m always interested in knowing about new artists and what they’re adding to the genre. Needless to say, I immediately looked up some of his work.

This is the first video I found, so I hit play and let it run.

NO YOU’RE CRYING THINKING ABOUT LIFE AND EVERYTHING AROUND YOU.

Just this set alone felt like a massive cathartic exhale. After thirty-eight minutes, I was a complete wreck.

With the right context, it’s clear that this more than just dance music and actually a soulful, contemplative mix of energy, creativity and emotion. There have been few artists that have come along and really, truly pushed electronic music in new directions and depths, and after getting familiar with his Actual Life sessions, I think Fred again… is another moving force for the genre.

Even if it isn’t your bag, put this video on and play it all the way through. You don’t have to even watch it (although seeing Fred create music in real time is definitely fascinating), but just listen and feel it.