Talent Vs The Algorithm

I went to see 'Hamilton' last night. Wow!

On what planet would a 2.5hr rap musical about an immigrant Founding Father of the US in the late 1700s make a global phenomenon?

I sat upright, concentrating hard on the complex dialogue, being educated and entertained at pace by a someone who clearly has (in his own words) 'Skill with the Quill'.

Would the Hollywood script writing algorithm have 'green lit' such a flight of fantasy? It certainly didn't follow a pattern.

Innovation for real.

Last week, I was at a concert of a genius musician, 50 years practicing his craft, who seamlessly pivoted the set list through his extensive back catalogue, based on what the audience wanted to hear. Chords of this song, riffs of an other..... effortless.

On both occasions, being in the presence of pure talent, makes you question what is being manufactured to fill our minds, souls and hearts, and sold as 'progress'?

Is AI the new 'Stock, Aitken & Waterman' of music?

Is the Netflix formula, or yet another Marvel movie the 'bell weather' for what we watch?

Where can talent be nurtured in the world of an algorithm?

Where will we nourish our souls?

Have a think about it and next time you're in the presence of talent - value it, support it.

Let's beat the algorithm.