The Harvard Try

The only criticism that hurts. Knowing when something's not done. If the spirit of the work gets cut out.  The relativity of the term "mainstream." Making art in tough times. Not getting too invested in trends. Hard truths and putting on blinders. Working diligently. The threatening quality of announcing to others you intend to be a comedian. 

How much to contextualize your art within a time period. The protest song. A piece of art versus a public service announcement. Writing with others versus alone. The things people continually tell you to fix in your work. Comfort in the fact that no one is for everyone.  

Creating one’s own work versus producing other people’s work.  Knowing when something’s ready and unfinished jokes. Art bros, Yes men, and the fear of losing it. Making others think it was also their idea. The false idea of “spotting talent.”  Give artists a budget to make things and fuck off. 

Writing to feel yourself. Artists you wanna be versus be friends with. Making art that comments on your success. Being a god versus being in a room together. No one asks you to be an artist. Asking people to look at what you make. It’s more embarrassing not to try. 

Chris and Jack discuss the benefits of delayed success as an artist, the selling of youth culture, and growing up — body and food fixations,  —  positive Nihilism, and not destroying your own work.

In the first episode, Chris and Jack discuss subcultures and scenes, struggling in school, the pressure for back-up plans, and releasing singles versus albums. Follow @ChrisLaker and @bleachersmusic on Instagram.