Chicago Ideas Week is an amazing collaboration of ideas, talks, and labs about important topics that matter! Whether its politics, reform, music, and fashion Chicago Ideas week covers all aspects! This is my first time attending (Last year I was sick). The panel I attended was about music and how it created culture and influence culture.
Each panelist had unique stories but they all had one thing in common, they both worked with, around and in tune with Music! Each panelist also talked about how the music they listened to as a kid influenced them as an adult.
DJ White Shadow talked about his Journey from small town to working with Lady Gaga and how being kind got him where he is. Shadow was very big on the impression you leave and how you treat people. I personally thought this was great because you don’t hear that advice very often!
Joan Morgan, an amazingly bold and beautiful soul talked on women in Hip Hop and how as women in the industry you have to be on point! Morgan discussed how important it is to keep your craft up and to stay immersed in the culture!
Two nerdy boys from Canadian were influenced by the soul sound and the hip-hop waves. Both brothers talked about how music made them wear certain clothing, speak a certain way and influenced their creativity. Each panelist brought a unique perspective and helpful insight into not only the everchanging music climate but also how to stay relevant in a whirlwind of new sound and new information.
Event Take-Aways
Be a good person! (I know so cliché right? Every panelist said this over and over and it worked for them, It for sure is worth a try!
Never stop learning!
Embrace what is you and only you!
Music is a creative outlet that can influence the masses, use it wisely!
Keep at it! (Dave of Chromeo stated that he was a late bloomer, having gone to Grad school to realize he really wanted to do music)
Be on time and walk in the room like an underqualified white male. (This is what Joan Morgan left us with, can we say Mic Drop? ) A word. A lesson. A message all in one!
How has music influenced you culturally? Let’s chat!
For more about Chicago Ideas Week and how you can get involved next year click here!
