I’ve been rewatching the Bourne trilogy this weekend.

The original three films got it so spot on in terms of creating a spy thriller. A great premise, great level of intrigue and well executed set pieces.

The films are focused and none of them surpass the two hour mark.

This is a great example of a film that executes something within it’s genre to the point that it defines what the genre is. You think of spy films, you think 007, MI and Bourne.

As creators, we can get lost in the sea of what our genre is. I do all the time and my love for a lot of eclecticism means that I’ve delivered work that is far reaching to many corners. It’s hard to send a clear message about what your work is when that happens.

Working within the axis of genre and creative liberty lies innovation, and it also allows to focus on on who our work is for.

I’m very good at creating for myself, I’ve done it for over a decade. Now I’m learning to create for others, with genre in mind, with intent for who else it could be for and with empathy.

Let’s where it takes us.

Revision is the obvious answer. Different types of a revision approaches are also highly recommended.

Behind revision and the retention of knowledge also is technique, the ability to understand what a question is specifically asking for and what you can do to make the answer crystal clear and meet the criteria of even the most jaded and grumpiest of examiners.

If you’ve put the hours in, you’ll reap the rewards, but finally it’s worth remembering that exercise, eating well and sleeping well all go a long way as well.

The little drips of progress along with choices that ensure your physically and mentally at your best is key to getting the best out of yourself during an exam or an exam season.

It all comes down to discipline and the choices you make.

Below is a video of the full score for a track I wrote with my band Kinky Wizzards.

It took me absolutely ages to put this together and figuring what the brothers were doing let alone myself in written notation was a head spinner! There are probably some discrepancies here and there, and the drums especially are more of a guide as there’s an improvisatory nature to them. I also provided a brass arrangement for a trio of horns that feature as well. It was however very rewarding to see the music in written form and I though I’d share it with you.

There is something very aesthetically pleasing about it and I may put together a book with all of the tracks notated one day.

I feel privileged to be able to go for a run a walk or cycle pretty much any time of day without being too conscious of the fact I may not be safe.

This is not the case for women in the U.K. and for far too long this has become normalised.

The acceptance now is that women should be protected whilst men needn’t concern themselves with the matter.

A lot of the answer lies in education. And government and schools have been pathetically incompetent when approaching this subject matter.

When the situation is this dark, the culture needs to shift and fast because women deserve to be able to live without fear.

We can all contribute and we can all learn. The issue is there for all of us to see and we can choose what to do about it next and ensuring that we do all we can to make each other feel safe at night is a start.

I made my debut solo album for myself.

It’s eclectic, weird, unconventional crossover progressive rock music that I wrote about my experiences. I wrote it because I needed to express myself artistically and musical creativity is part of my nature.

If anyone happens to find something, that’s resonating with them, that’s great and I’m really glad they are tuning in but it’s coincidental.

When I play music in other context, I have to employ some empathy. What is the purpose of the music I make, who is it serving. If it’s theatre or film, it needs to work as underscore, if it’s a performance in a pub, it needs to involve crowd pleasers. Cue Stereophonics when the Welsh pubs reopen.

Crowd pleasers can often bring an inner sense of conflict.

The artists who want to play their new stuff but the audience wants the hits.

The musician who took the gig but doesn’t believe in the music.

How much are you willing to compromise? Are you happy to be there in front of the crowd or is the lack of personal integrity too much to bare?

Professionalism lies in the ability to discern between creating work for yourself and for others but also knowing if and when your selling out and deciding whether the trade off is worth it for you showing up and performing.

Social media sure as hell feels like that at times.

The social dilemma confirmed it as well.

Whilst there is every possibility for connection to happen on the networks and as much as their CEOs will say that connection is key, the priority is the money whilst you become adverts to the advertisers whose algorithms mean they advertise back to you.

What is social media for otherwise? Is it to contribute, to send messages to people who want to hear it? Is it about learning and accessing accurate information?

Or is it about noise? Is it about your bias being confirmed? Is it about reaching your heightened emotions and cause reactions that are hatred and anger based? Is it about propelling yourself up as you get addicted to the unspoken drug that is approval?

Sounds exhausting.

And if it is, the remedy is to shut it off, go outside, breathe the air, read a book or create something.

You’re worth and experiences are of much more value than clicks and follows will ever give it credit for.

There needs to be an understanding why there is a day dedicated to women.

It’s because there is plenty of evidence to suggest the following:

That women get more response and credibility if they give themselves a male alias.

That women don’t get paid equally to men.

That women have standards held up against them that require them to be feminine first above anything else.

That signals have been placed deep within our systems and the culture give male people the benefit of the doubt whilst rejecting women.

I have been inspired by many great women who are artists, authors, musicians and teachers. Both men and women alike are responsible for a myriad of wonderful things but it’s been harder for the latter to gain recognition for it or a seat at the table.

As we move along in the 21st century, we need to continue doing what we can to make sure that individuals and systems treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Noting the issues that create the unfairness and judgement is the first step.

Taking action to ensure things are better is the next step.

I wanted to go cycling this morning. I have gotten into a really good routine with it and wanted to push myself. Same with running.

I have however clocked 100km in the last 7 days and also had a lot of work on the go and on Friday, my back and shoulders became achy and uncomfortable.

I am very obstinate and will try to push myself but at this point I had to concede defeat and not go ahead with the cycling today and take some time out.

When we are on a hedonic treadmill, looking to push ourselves and on a stream of adrenaline, we feel that flow and momentum and keep going.

Sometimes though, your body tells you otherwise and an inner conflict ensues. It’s good to listen to your body instead of your mental desires because sometimes ignoring the former will prolong the damage and recovery period.

I will be back out there again, but for now, recuperation.

After watching Avatar: The Last Airbender I decided to watch the follow up sequel.

I was instantly surprised at how different this series is in terms of the style, tone and characters.

The world has moved forward 70 years and the creators did a tremendous job of showing the advancement and development of new technologies and systems within the universe, it made for a fascinating new set up.

Whilst ATLA had an incredibly strong 3 season set up with characters all of an age that had that charm and innocence, LOK has characters that are slightly older and more closer to adulthood and a driving force of older adult characters as well, and the complexity of the characters, their desires, resentments and inner conflict is remarkable. This tied in with the very complex array of villains makes me wonder how specifically this series was targeted for children. Themes within the series cover fascism, anarchy, political ideology, spirituality and identity. It may be by far the most adult animation series I have ever seen, with a few moments of violence that due to take the viewer by surprise. The sense of humour and charm is still there in plenty of supply.

The animation is absolutely stunning, with cities and spiritual worlds that are hugely imaginative and what also made me adore the series was Jeremy Zuckerman’s score which uses a wonderful blend of eastern and western instruments.

I ended up watching ATLA twice in quick succession because the world and characters have so much quality and depth, I would say it is the same case for LOK.

I admire how the creators went for something completely different and the critical praise is warranted. The way the final season ends is a beautiful, powerful and important moment for animation as well.

I am so glad I decided to watch these series during lockdown. The art of animation is wonderful world when done right and Michael Dante Di Martino and Bryan Konietzko did just that.