I'm a psychologist. There are two general creative periods, before 30 and after 60. At these times, there are fewer demands and better condition for promoting creative focus and development. The dip is generally because of demands for career financial and family stability. It's not really about intelligence. It's more about personal agency, motivation, and values. Aquired knowledge leads to the experienced mindset. PS. the prefrontal cortex is found to be less active in jazz improv to reduce executive control and permit flow in the default mode network. In sum, creativity will flourish at any age if the opportunity, support, resources, and motivation are there!!! Be careful of cherry-picking psychology. It's far more complex than most people realise. A good effort, nonetheless!
Verdi's Falstaff, written when he was nearly 80, has several dozen musical musical threads. His head was percolating with creativity creativity. Rock, Hip-Hop, etc. is music written for children, by children. It's mystifying how full-grown adults can be locked into adolescent trivialities for the duration of their existence.
It might be the complacency clock doesn't start ticking until you begin learning music. If you begin at 20, then you wind down by 50. If you begin at 40, then you wind down at 70.
Yup. As glamourous as it looks. It's their "9 to 5" after a while. Many people in their 20 first try out many many things and then decide what their journey will be. If you're already a famous musician in your 20s your somewhat stuck and you also missed out on other things. Everything has its price.
Wonderful topic! Three counterpoints: 1. Rock stars are most marketable in their 20s. 2. The Beatles were the sum talent of 5 individuals, including George Martin. No way any of them could match that by themselves. 3. Can't remember the 3rd point I wanted to make because I'm old.
Also, the beatles changed their style and their sound evolved, they took the band to other places while the fans wanted more of the same thing and that didn't happen. So it wasn't the same crazyness in the streets when they stopped playing live and released their last albums which were very different from their early material.
Age got nun to do w music this is ageism I love rick but don’t push your insecurities on the people , every October I know Artist quit music n people feel bad cause all the dark energy and spirits but don’t push that on millions of people
4. Maybe First Album Syndrome? Most artists have a relatively singular take on the world and 8 songs gives plenty of scope to execute and share that. It's rare (and typically alienating to marketing and fanbase) to keep making unique, fresh artistic statements with each consecutive piece of work.
This seems a good explanation to me. You don’t think as far ahead in your earlier years, worrying less about what comes later For some reason some interests also change. I remember in school I wasn’t really into politics or history, now it’s most of the contents I consume
I produced four albums with my band in my fifties and have written and published four novels since I turned 60. Creativity is always there for everyone, don't ever stop living.
Right on. Rick's argument fails on its own examples. The classical composers he cites are using fluid intelligence and creativity like crazy, but they were not writing music for teenagers. All the pop stars he spoke about at the beginning of the video were trying to sell records to people their own age or younger. Teens then turned away from their music when these artists aged to embrace styles and artists who reflect the teenagers lives and feelings.
@@Compliment_Thief Bro, so you think if he wrote them all when he was 25 they'd be better? haha. Rick is talking very niche about pop and rock musicians who have to have a young aesthetic and are often on drugs etc... Look at Picasso's self -potraits from 18 to 90 and tell me if you think they lost their creativity. Rick I believe is blinded by his niche art form and has little conception for the history of the arts.
@@orlock20 Sales and tickets is not a measure of creativity. If anything it is a demonstration of how derivative you can be for mass market appeal. Lowest common denominator. It highly concerns me that people would equate sales as a way to measure creativity. I guess that's the American way though.
Congratulations - living your life is why you’re alive. Print your comment and put it in your wallet so you never forget what a great change such moments of self realization make in daily experience.
It’s not just creativity. When I was in my 20’s I was a machine. Couldn’t do or perform hard enough to stop me. Now approaching 60, I feel somewhat like the thing that is the last item at a garage sale. I am learning new things still today and have shifted my passions to new avenues. Retiring in one year and will focus on the new chapter. But I will never be that unstoppable stud from days gone by. I don’t feel bad about it, it’s a new phase of my life. I do so love seeing the new young studs perform at their peak. Makes me nostalgic and gives me so much joy.
As someone who is 43, I totally understand why athletes retire around age 35 to 40. I can do most of the same things but the "pop" is gone. Its been tough to start thinking differently about my physical capabilities. In my head I can still do it, takes a little longer now. Wondered why at age 30 because I was invincible then
That's why being in my 20s I'm writing down all the songs that pop into my head, until at a later date when I am financially stable I can then record them. Being broke in your 20s is the best that can happen for creativity that you'll never get back again.
@@GM-ie2zl Reminds of of something my dad once said at 40. "I think I could still pass military basic training, but at this age they could never convince me I like it"
You have a point Rick. But, I just want to add that I’m 69 years old. I’ve been playing guitar and bass professionally since I was 18. Everything from Rock and R&B to Country and Folk. I was Arlo Guthrie’s guitar player off and on for 40 years until he retired. I had a gig last night where I was in that “zone” that we all love when it happens. It was like the ideas were coming through me from somewhere else. I just had to stand aside and let it happen. I’m not sure what kind of thinking you would call that, I’m just happy that it still happens at this ripe “old” age. I love your channel…..
I think of it as... not over thinking it. Oftentimes for me, the harder I think about what I want to play, especially the technical aspect of playing something, the greater the likelihood I'm going to jack it up. I like to compare it to writing. There's a phase in our lives where we're learning the mechanics of writing. Early, the physical motor control of drawing letters. Then the mental aspects of spelling words, forming sentences. Grammar and punctuation. We tend to not have a lot to say as children. That is, not a lot of anything with real depth, although I suppose there are exceptions. Later, we've hopefully developed some level of mastery of communication. We have thoughts, hopefully, worth sharing and as we communicate those thoughts we're probably not consciously thinking too hard about whether our prepositions and verbs are in the right place, or where to put a punctuation mark. Our focus us more likely just on saying what we want to say. Music theory is a little like this for me. It's the fundamental building blocks of communicatiing musical thoughts. We focus and do a lot of thinking about the "grammar" of music in that early phase. Where to put the punctuation marks. How to structure our sentences. But later, hopefully, we're less concerned with constantly thinking about "sentence structure" while we play, and more about the story we're telling with those sentences. If we can get to that point, it's easier to find that flow you're talking about. That point where not concentrating on the mechanics of playing ir the exact notes in a scale or the names of the chords in a progression (speaking strictly for myself). Rather, we just play and express ourselves in the moment. On those occasions when I can accomplish that, I'm not just at my best, but I feel my best. It's pretty serendipitous. My 2 pence, adjusted for inflation 🙃 Cheers!
I think when people are young, everything is new to them, they’re also figuring out their world view and their passion and enthusiasm is at peak levels. They also tend to have less responsibilities so it frees their mind up more.
As someone who will be 60 in 3 weeks I'd argue that as you approach the end of life there can be a revitalised sense of urgency to make the internal, external. To express what it means to be and meant to be alive. The difference between now and when I was young is obviously experience. Experience is rounded, full, has gravitas and weight that youth is convinced it has. Nothing like an impending end to free up the mind for creativity. All the best.
@@periel a lot of youthfulness lacks experience and technical ability. Pop music doesn't require experience and technical ability and it's a youth market based on fashion that doesn't translate to older musicianship or talent. Most of the younger pop musicians I knew in Los Angeles are not and never ended up in music careers. To have a long term professional career in music at an older age requires a different skill set - training, education, talent, effort, desire, business skills.
I agree the responsibilities of our culture beatdown Joy and creativity if you let it The happiest people over time retain childlike wonder and excitement
@@GS44691 You have still be tainted by your own personal experiences by that point. You can't be as creative in the same novel way regardless of what your motivation levels are.
*_"FEWER_* responsibilities..." : This Public Service comment has been brought to you courtesy of the Stannis Baratheon Grammar Appreciation Society. ;)
A few things to consider. Everyone has their vital period. Once you've done a body of work, there is a limit. AND...the industry tends to promote young people. But that's not necessarily age related. Beethoven was a late bloomer. Bonnie Raitt got her first hit at 40. Coltrane was in his 30's when he blossomed. Wes Montgomery too. Tom Sholtz didn't start playing guitar until he was in college. I'm sure there are many more but nobody wants to pay attention to old people. Older people tend to be less ambitious as well. Younger people can take more risks, which gives them a better chance at success and recognition. Personally, I did my best work later in life. Everything -- my writing, my playing, my arranging are much better at 60 than they were at 30.
I won't put myself in line with these people of course, but I have to say that I started creating music after 40, when i got on my feet first of all (have find time for that) and received the necessary listening and life experience to do it consciously (they call it inspiration). But in defense of the statistics proposed by Mr. Biato I will assume that young performers resonate better with young listeners, while older listeners are drawn more to what they listened to when they were young.
Beethoven was a late bloomer....?? realy his first piece publised in print is from 1782 when he was 12 years old his first symphony is when he was 29 and thats early very early for a composer at that time.
The record industry utilized younger artists because they were easier to take advantage of financially. The older you get, the less naive, which means you'll question where the money is going.
I'd like to echo the point that many of Leonard Cohen's masterpieces were written AFTER he was 40 up until his death at 82 which is amazing to see that there really is no limit to creating.
everyone uses leonard court but his only big song was hallelujah, and only after it was covered by john cale and then jeff buckley did it reach classic status. nothing else he wrote is that good
@@jjvs9You should look into more Leonard Cohen stuff if all you know is Hallelujah - Suzanne, Famous Blue Raincoat, Bird on a Wire - there’s a lot to discover there
@@jjvs9 Cohen's later songs that are just as good as Hallelujah if you actually pay attention to the lyrics: Dance Me To The End Of Love, First We Take Manhattan, Nevermind, Tower Of Song, Thousand Kisses Deep, Everybody Knows, and more than that
@@jjvs9 "big" and "creative" has nothing to do with each other, because if it did Taylor Swift would be the most creative musician in the modern time. I'd venture to say something like Dance Me to the End of Love and First We Take Manhattan is much more creative than Hallelujah both musically and lyrically. Listen to You Want It Darker, that is as chilling as anything he's ever wrote.
I just started perusing music and recording in Nashville at 35 after believing for my whole life that I could sing but couldn’t write songs. Something happened in the last year or so where this music came to me out of thin air. I’ve had the amazing pleasure of recording with Tom Bukovac (a friend of Rick’s) and I’ve never been more proud of anything in my life. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re over 30, just remember to continue to challenge yourself.
That's awesome and what a great experience getting to play with Tom! I attended a couple Woodshed events with Andy Wood and got to meet a lot of amazing musicians from Nashville. Great place to surround yourself with talent.
Yeah, I feel the same way-- when the music is ready to come out, it comes out. I think when I was younger I had more to say because it was all new. Now, I say it more selectively, but with no less passion.
This is the main thing. George Land conducted studies on this and used the same creativity test that NASA uses and found that 98% of 5 year olds rank highly in creative intelligence while only 2% of adults do. And honestly, about 2% of the world's adult population being creative sounds about right. Most likely our education system is the root cause of this retarding of creativity.
@@AWSOMEPOSSUM16 Yes ,interesting i agree! When you observe creative people they are often very youthful and even childish in behavior.Maybe you should never be 100 percent an adult,like in the movie peter pan with Robin Williams are shown the negative consequences of that.
Novelty. The records that inspired others are magical because the artists were inspired by others (Hendrix by Dylan, etc). When that sense of novelty wears off, the impetus to create dies.
Rick, being 75, I just read a book titled- From Success to Success. And it covers the exact topic you're talking about. With both fluid and crystalized intelligence being discussed. The book gives great encouragement to guys like me. Life and creativity isn't over at 75, it's just different and can still be embraced.
Fascinating thought, Rick! I think the reason so many people produce their best work in their 20s is that it’s a unique, transformative phase of life. During that time, most people are in the process of discovering who they’re going to be, which fuels an intense drive and creative spark. While creativity can flourish at any age, this period often brings a potent combination of self-discovery and ambition that propels creative output. Of course, upbringing, family dynamics, and personal motivation all play crucial roles, making this a complex and multifaceted topic. P.S: I watched the entire video. Great discussion!
I think there are many reasons, but one is that life happens. As you get older, you have more responsibilities. I don't have a hard time being creative or coming up with ideas...I have a hard time finding the time to do it and being able to focus 100%. Also for successful artists, there's the element of complacency. There's no thirst or urgency anymore and it shows in the music. There are always exceptions but it's what tends to happen.
I no just think same, but I feel it, cause I would like to do a lot of things That I can't due to responsibilities as Father and as Source of resources in my family
Agreed. For young musicians (or any other field of creative endeavour) their craft can be all consuming, but age brings responsibilities. Raising a family is a shift in priority. But Rick hasn’t really mentioned the role of band dynamics and the influence on creativity, where the expression “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” applies. The bands mentioned had a chemistry between the members that fostered creativity as a collective not as individuals. And who knows, perhaps a lot of creativity was buried just by the nature of the recording industry and changing public tastes. Which kinda brings us back to responsibilities, being a musician is a job and you can’t always do what you like, you need to get paid.
Agreed. The cyclical nature of being a signed/touring artist means that the inspiration changes or dries up. New things can be fresh at an older age, but old things will just get older
@ErnestoSchnack I agree, it's not the creativity that fades-just look at authors, playwrights, film directors... Tom Stoppard was 83 when Leopoldstadt premiered in 2020; it won the Olivier and Tony award for best play. I know Rick mentioned Bach, but then tried to strangely parse it by saying he relied on "crystallized intelligence." Does Rick think that the creativity behind improvisation isn't just as necessary for writing (in any art form) as it is for soloing? He started off talking about a bunch of pop icons and then randomly pivoted to "impressive solos." This could have been an interesting video, but the examples are terrible. He mentioned a lot of artists who didn't even write their own music. Rick's videos are becoming more and more clickbait-y by the week. Yes, in popular music, most artists' best works have come in their twenties, but their subsequent "fade out," in my opinion, has more to do with pop/rock/punk/grunge/metal's requirement of a certain type of angst (the thirst and urgency, like you said). As we age, there are hormonal changes and psychological differences in how emotional pain is processed (plus the artists are already rich and thus have many new options for dealing with life's pain other than art). I think it's more interesting to discuss the span of years that the best are able to put out good, fresh work; the cap seems to be around 40 years. Dylan, the Stones, and Van Morrison are all decent examples. Bowie might top the list, though: Blackstar came 49 years after his first record, and it burns with passion and is devoid of cliché. edited to add reply handle
I think it's a more complicated issue. People often times grow and get set in their ways and not really realize it, which can lead to lack of creativity. Just like everything, it's something you have to keep up with.
Plus as you get older, "homonal milieu", let's call it, changes and motivation becomes harder to come by. When you're a "young buck" you got something to prove, so to speak. You care more about social hierarchy and the opinions of your so-called peers. You get older, ya run out of f's to give...
I’m a deaf musician that didn’t start playing music until later in life. I started lessons from scratch at 45 and now, at 65, I’m starting to hit my peak. My reflexes may have slowed down a bit but my ability to learn and absorb new songs has increased significantly so I’m gonna ride that wave for as long as I can. As for creativity, I’ve barely scratched the surface. Rock On!
Just curious what instrument(s) you play? The Bass would seem the most likely since that is a sound heard/felt by your entire body but I suppose other instruments could work.
Such a good analysis! And very encouraging too… when you talked about the crystallized intelligence, then showed the great composers and the jazz albums that depend on previous knowledge. So the message is not negative for any age. Even 62-year-olds can create something of great value that is even needed by others… as you show in your own posts!
Amen... It's sad, being a musician, all alone in a large city, and at my age, there's a lot of fear now. My taking risks younger presented so much more opportunities. But that was also when there was a music industry, too. I can't believe what happened to the music business. :-(
My personal experience is the opposite. I have a lot more confidence / less fear now in my 60s than when I was younger. However, I am a classical orchestral player, so improvisation is not a big part of what I do.
I think fearlessness does decrease into and through middle age, but then increases again. I'm in my early 50's and have become much less concerned of others' expectations, for instance.
Very true. All those orchestral arrangements and wild production techniques were done by an older, professionally, trained, man. You take all those interesting arrangements and production techniques away and they're a really good band, not a great one.
I'm in my 60's and I think my musical ideas are way better than when I was in my 20's. In my 20's I was slavishly following musical trends that I thought I should follow to be cool.
Agree! Queen was very creative and produced many multi-faceted songs after Night at the Opera. The spontaneous David Bowie collaboration jumps to mind as well as how they evolved in style to create many hit songs.
Love the way your mind works, Rick. And your genuine passion and interest in music is contagious. Would love to get to sit down and talk over lunch one of these days with you. I have the same fascination with music. From one Rick to another. Take care!
I never even knew I had a creative side until I was 50 years old. The past four years have been an explosion in creativity and has produced some amazing experiences and songs. Age does not matter.
I agree mate. I only picked up a mandolin after I hit 50; probably 54. I'm not saying I've written anything - creatively - but I've learned so much, and i get an enormous sense of enjoyment and achievement when i learn anything new. Maybe Rick's right about best solos before people hit 30 but it's never too late to go for it.
But are capable of making something outstanding? Something that will go down in history? Most likely not. That's the kind of creativity Rick is talking about.
I don’t think creativity wanes with age, I just think life and regular jobs get in the way, the creativity gets dulled down To clarify, I did watch the video and I gave my personal opinion on my creativity as a sound engineer trying to navigate the post covid years, it’s been incredibly hard as a result life got in my way, my creativity has been dulled - no offence intended I haven’t been 30 for many years
Completely agree. If I'm away from work for a couple of weeks my brain has chance to re set and once I get home and a guitar in my hands all sorts fall out which I record. It is as you say repressed but doesn't disappear. The older I get the less energy I have and contacts to make it into something which is the greatest shame.
In classical music, Johannes Brahms was in his 40s by the time he wrote his first symphony; he is considered one of Germany's greatest composers. Sir Edward Elgar was in his 50s when he too wrote his first symphony. Jean-Philippe Rameau was in his forties when he penned his first opera; a bust statue in the foyer of Paris's Opera Garnier exists today in honor of his late-in-life achievements.
I am in my late 70's and enjoy your videos immensely; The knowledge you have shared with all of us viewers has helped me immensely with my guitar knowledge and playing abilities.
As a 68 year old lifetime musician, largely, I agree with you. That said, I think the one big variable is this. Life experience has taught me that no matter what I enjoy doing, be it playing guitar, hiking, swimming...or even making love...the magic is never to stop, because once you do, you're done. In my life for one reason or another, there have been things that I "paused" long enough to loose my edge, and there are things I can no longer do to my satisfaction because my "pause" was too long. Thankfully, by love of guitar wasn't one of those. I'm no Tommy Emanuel or anything, I'm probably the best mediocre guitar player you ever heard, but I feel that because of experience, constant learning and NEVER stopping, I'm a better player today than I was at 25. For that I am grateful. Love the channel man...rock on.
I started writing my 1st song at 65 and have since produced, recorded, over 85 songs in collaboration with over half my own originals. Maybe as people get older, they run out of ideas. As we age, I believe we gain so much more experience and have greater creativity and ability. I enjoy your channel and appreciate your commentary.
I don't think it's necessarily age. If you pick up a new hobby at an older age, there's a freshness to it, and when it's fresh and new, it's exciting, and more creativity takes place.
I think creativity, and coming up with new things on the spot (fluidity) comes from experiencing things for the first time. Kids come up with amazing things on their own because they always ask "why" or "why not". With age, you rely more upon the previous experiences you've had and things that didn't seem to work you start disregarding. Younger minds tend not to disregard them but more ask why it doesn't seem to work and try to find a solution. But creativity doesn't end with age or just fades away, it finds a new focal point. You rely more on experience and use your fluidity to adapt so things do work, whereas younger minds find ways to circle around problems and find new solutions instead of relying on things they don't even know about...yet. Creativity turns into experience in some way.
of course theres a feeling of freshness when you do something new, to the point of feeling 'alive' again. but the approach of explore something new at younger ages is totally different, because it's easier to think out of the box (or not being 100% rational) and thus get creative / innovative for young people.
And you don't have your old works to compete against, either. I think that's a big part of it. If you're talented enough to make great pieces of art, you probably have some degree of a perfectionist streak. The more you learn, the less satisfied you become with the limits of what you know or can articulate.
John Williams was aged: 43 (Jaws) 45 (Star Wars episode iv) 46 (Superman) 49 (Raiders of the Lost Ark) 50 (ET) 61 (Jurassic Park) 61 (Schindler’s List) 66 (Saving Private Ryan) 67 (Duel of the Fates) 69 (Harry Potter) Shakespeare was around 37 when he wrote Hamlet. And Raymond Chandler only started writing at 40.
Furthermore, there may be a survivorship bias in the pop music industry: if your creative period comes when you're 50, you probably haven't been successful as a rock/pop/rap... author
If Williams had died at 30, nobody would have ever heard of him. That can be said about a lot of people who hit their "creative" stride well after their 20s.
@@CYNICdiogenes yes, yours is a literal example of what survival bias is. I also think that the nature of the pop music market makes it possible to even just "kill" the careers of those who don't succeed when they're young.
The younger you are the more fresh everything is. I'm simply not as excited as I was about many aspects of music anymore. I've had so much of it. New experiences, surprises, discovery, that's where the magic is.
Yeah, I can listen to 'impressive' music many times and it doesn't spin me up like it did before I heard decades of impressive music etc. Sometimes it'll be wow, never listen to it again.
Exactly! You cant play all your life those impressive licks you established in your 20s. Then you start experimenting, making maybe some more avangarde things. But i would not suggest that this has less value. ❤
I agree. The older I get (I'm thoroughly Gen X), the more I find myself saying the phrase "there's nothing new under the sun". That phrase never seemed to be in my vernacular when I was younger.
We have to mention that he's talking about artists who were world reknown artists in their late 20s. They did it all and they seen it all. I don't think it's just creativity but they had their 20s full of intense taste of the music industry. This drains you and they also missed out on a lot of private life.
Virtually everything I have accomplished happened after 40. I got my bachelor's degree in computer science, my master's in software engineering, wrote, shot and directed several short films (I recently had a short comedy shown at a festival and was the hit of the evening), started playing out regularly, have written dozens of songs, recorded and produced artists in my home studio and done a complete renovation of my house. It's never too late to do things. I suspect that the problem most people have in being creative is the problem I had: I spent most of my energy when I was younger just trying to survive.
@@nandu1770 You're going to have a struggle ahead - the economy sucks for everyone, but moreso for the young and the old. BUT, through your struggles, try to keep an eye on the things that really matter (after you have safety and security (i.,e. housing and food)). Those things being the experiences you have, the friendships you forge... the priceless parts of life. Pick your battles, you can't win every fight; BUT you absolutely must learn to advocate for yourself and your friends/family -- advocacy is one of the most important skills missing from high school curriculum's. Don't kick yourself too much for mistakes you make along the way -- mistakes are, unfortunately, how us humans learn our lessons best, so take your bruises, learn from them, and carry-on. Stay true to your heart, and whenever possible, follow your passion. If you want some more general good advice for a young person, check out Ed Helms' Cornwall Commencement! :) Good luck!
As a life long inventor (35 years in R&D for 3M, with over a 100 inventions and about 26 patent applications) I feel I can comment on this. The most creative people I've met were, like myself, often generalists who could take unrelated facts and see ways to create something novel from them. Some of my fellows, often those who had specialised in an area during their Phd work., appeared to be hamstrung by narrow thinking: they'd learned more and more about less and less. Others, who were much better chemists than I, were distracted by career aspirations that often lead them away form R&D into business management via an MBA. I saw the trap early on, when I noticed that few managers ever looked happy. And now, in my 60's, I find new ways to create, such as art, learning the piano and programming micro-controllers etc. Great channel by the way!
Yes, I too have always been a generalist, absorbing and integrating information from sources without effort. In my 70's now, lots of my friends see me as brilliant, but I'm not really that smart - I just connect old and new knowledge, sometimes in novel ways. I'm always thinking "That would make a great Phd thesis!" but I never went past a BS. I wouldn't have it any other way!
@@87mini Yes, your experience resonates with me. I found that though others thought me cleverer than I am, they did not seem to connect the dots like I did; even though they had better qualifications. Perhaps top- tier universities like Cambridge favour academic potential over innovative thinking?
@@GershwinWobblecakesFlintmusket Ha Ha ha! No, it's a Raspberry Pi Pico W. I'm trying to build my own guitar pedal synthesiser - in between chasing our beagle who likes to sneak up to my work room to steal my socks...
Gosh, a wonderful comment that has provoked many interesting thoughts for me. I suppose my own light bulb moment came when I was about 35 At that time I started producing a whole series of articles on a variety of subjects that went down very well. The light bulbs really started popping when I experienced 'flow' at that time, even when I did not know much about that wonderfully pleasant immersive experience which is part of the process. If anyone is interested, I can describe my process for writing something good - in less than 24 hours - on any subject.
One of your most memorable and informative videos. I'm 68, every thing you say rings true. I still sing in a rock band. Still love music. Still ad-lib in numbers. Stay kewel Rick.
I’m 57 and creating the best music of my life! I wish I had more time to focus on it and less time spent working. Ideas are flowing, but my schedule doesn’t always allow for it. It makes me wonder how many people are trapped in jobs that drain their passion and love for creativity. Could a lifetime of drugs or alcohol be taking its toll? Or is it that record companies just won’t support artists past a certain age? People have families and they take up a lot of their concentration and passion... Just some thoughts I’ve been reflecting on.
I posted something similar about classical composers from Mozart to Beethoven to Bach to even John Williams. They all got better, more creative, often times more complex, as they got older.
8:53 I can't tell you when they did their "best" solos. I can only tell you when they played some of my favorites though. They played them at varying ages. But your theory GENERALLY makes sense I suppose.
The older I get, the more creative I get (currently 62)- but then I've never done drugs or alcohol. Partying and non-stop activity (like touring) burns one out very early. I've gone through life slowly and contemplatively and deliberately. It just keeps getting better.
Fascinating theory. It lands with my 71 year old crystallized brain. I have a lifetime of love for music, marginal ability to play instrumentally, and have been developing vocally starting in my 50’s into both classical and rock genres. Started a band for the first time in my life this year; a lifelong dream. Starting to write lyrics and have the ambition to create the music around it. I’m trying to kickstart my fluid brain back to life!
@ It happened in such an organic way. An acquaintance of mine posts inspirational messages on FB. One day, the gist of his message was to never give up on your dreams, and it’s never too late to start. I commented back that I’d always wanted to be in a band and just never did it. I stated that I had in mind a Prog type band and I profiled some of my favorite musicians as models for who I’d love to make music with. Next thing I knew, another acquaintance of his whom I did not know wrote me back saying he was a drummer and “let’s go!” This kind of forced my hand, so to speak. I was already in a pretty serious church choir doing high church music and one of my fellow choristers I knew played guitar. I asked him if he’d be interested in a start up band and lo and behold he was. We next invited an acquaintance of the drummer (they play hockey together) who is learning guitar to join in. But then we kind of got stuck without a bass player. It wasn’t too long though that the second guitar player found us a bass player. We are still looking to add a keyboard player at some point. So, I had to just go with the flow that I set in motion and we are having a blast making music. I dipped my toe in the water and the ripple took over from there!
I’ve played keyboards with vocals semi pro since 14. I’m now 70. You got me thinking here. I remember the passion while playing in my teens and twenties. I enjoy playing now however the passion is milder. I was more musically extroverted when younger and now more musically introverted. With age and experience I am now more aware of trying to play modestly rather than boldly
As a general rule, I agree with you. I think it has to do with energy more than anything else. In youth, there simply is more of it. In terms of basic creativity, however, although a very few are blessed with talent beyond measure, it is up to most of us to maintain a certain discipline over the long haul. Each case is dependent on an individual's capabilities, capacities, and a myriad of other potential factors. The key, it has been said by some, is to bring that childhood enthusiasm into adult life/creativity. "The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old ages, which means never losing your enthusiasm" - Aldous Huxley “Genius is the recovery of childhood at will.” - Arthur Rimbaud
The more likely explanation is pop/rockstars made it at that age because it's a lot easier to sell the image of a youthful artist. Also explains why classical composers were still creative in old age, it was less about image and more about the music in those times.
yyyyyep. there are about 10 points he missed, but he wanted to show off that he read a 4 minute read about types of intelligence which, to me, seems to be the ONLY reason he could have possibly made this video, aside from taking advantage of the fact that people will watch any garbage he puts out and he will get paid. he should have rubbed one out instead of making this video. our society is ageist, you nailed that point. and capitalism beats us into the ground. it is MUCH harder, for so many reason other than rick's discovery in his 12 total minutes of research on this, to live a music-centered life into your 30's because of the nature of our society- our capitalism.
Wonderful observation. At younger ages, we are also not as burdened or involved with the (happy or otherwise) trappings of family responsibilities, cumulative failures or disappointment, and growing frailties. We are more free. More reckless. Less cautionary about failing.
Well done guys! Keep going! Much of this (especially decades ago) is 'feeling old' & conforming to societal expectations, often unconsciously. Those who don't seem to age were blissfully free of those restrictions, like (thankfully for us) David Bowie. Hopefully an increasingly less ageist society will respect your creations for what they are. More power to you! 💜
He didnt say it was everyone. Its not a hard fast rule..it was a generalization. smh And its also relative to what you think is creative or your own personal barometer. If someone never was very creative, and decided to pursue something that uses or exercisers that creative "muscle" when older, then of course they will be more creative now vs younger. Its simple logic.
This was a very thought-provoking video. I’m glad you got the courage to present it. I sent a copy of it to a young man who is extremely talented with all sorts of instruments. I’m hoping to encourage him to maybe go to a performing art school or something like that. I think God for the talent that He’s put in all of you guys and I thank you guys for developing it.
I strongly agree with your final comment Rick, play to your strengths and be aware but don't waste time on your weaknesses, ive done this all my life and this positive attitude has served me well.
Great video! I'm 70 years old and I have a simple goal. Each day I strive to play and Sound noticeably better than the day before. Your videos and courses are very helpful.
Their creativity RELIED on their YOUTH (Hormones) and Curiosity. As we grow older and slowly lose some of the hormones we RELIED on "Knowledge and Wisdom".. which is accumulated through experience/age.
Yes he was. And he did. But how many such people do you really know?:) not too much i bet. I can name only 3, who beyond doubt were getting better and much better, the older they got. They are: Leonard, Johnny Cash, and Mark Sandman Every next albom they did, was greater in every way than the earlier was. That might not been reflected in popularity in something like "hit count" But it was better. And there are no other similar examples. At least if we talk big, widely known names. Usually - if you was outstanding, amazing, one of a kind - you can always be at least good. And even better than a lot of your younger "brothers in guitars" But never so great as "back then" there's nothing bad about it, That's just how the life settled, how things are. And as for the three amazing men i named. They had one thing in common. Their main creative force was, a very special mix of melancholy, suffering, going into the dark parts of own mind, but always with covered with curiosity for life, and the abillity to value it, no matter how hard it can be. And all those things - tends to grow and unveil more, when you get older. But if your creativity core was in such things like energy, joy, unconditional love to all the world, or maybe the "cool rocky" state of mind - it is going to fade out. Same goes for any kind of sexual motives if were present. But it's not a at all a cause to get mad at lots and lots of genious and bright people who've done so much good to the world, just cuz they are "not the same anymore"
2 days after posting this video, over 1,2 million viewers and more than 12,000 comments. As someone over 60, you're proving yourself wrong. Keep on going, Rick!
As a 62 year old myself, my reaction is "I hear ya." Whether in music, or my professional field of Computer Science, I've definitely noticed a shift over the years from spontaneous out of the box creativity to a mastery based on experience.
I'm in my 60s too, my theory is that fluid intelligence is linked to neuroplasticity (the brain's capability to rewire itself in response to external stimuli), and the best way to keep high neuroplasticity in old age is to acquire new skills, preferably skills with both a motor component and a mental component. I believe keeping yourself mentally young and creative requires new experiences and I try to keep the creative juices flowing by learning new arts, crafts and skills every few years (I picked up playing tanbur, Italian cooking and tai chi in the last 4 years). Traveling abroad to visit new places and cultures helps a lot too.
@@JerehmiaBoaz I don't really think that you are "keeping your brain plastic". The last few decades of neuroscience has just kept proving that we retain significant plasticity into old age, despite traditional beliefs about mental decline. The difference is that younger people are just forced to use that plasticity because they don't have the same build-up of crystallised intelligence. Crystallised intelligence is quick, pleasant to use and economically desirable whereas plasticity is slow, uncomfortable and mostly economically useless. Little actually changed; it's just that if you have plenty of crystallised intelligence the temptation is to rely on that and you end up just not stretching yourself like you were forced to in your youth.
I think that is fair. I am 61 and I work with a lot of people under 30 and my 'boss' is about 45. They are actually figuring out complicated problems. My role is to act as highly experienced adviser along with two other people around my age. I remember things from before most people I work with were born that are still relevant. The young people and my boss come to ask me advice. They genuinely value it. However, I never step across the boundary of telling them the 'answer'. That is their job - I just help them to get to the answer but asking them questions to make them think and telling them things that might help. I am no longer creative enough and to be honest it would be a waste of their talent and my expertise if I tried.
I'm 62 as well, Rick, and I've only just recently started writing orchestral arrangements. It's a brand new skill set for me and I'm very much enjoying it. I think this is also a solid mix of fluid and crystallized intelligence because I'm having to explore melodic themes and counterpoints for each of the instruments. I'm both drawing on having played multiple instruments since 12 years old as well as learning anew how each orchestral section sits within a score. These kinds of brain pushups are great, I think, for keeping one sharp. Do new stuff as you get older and the excitement never goes away.
As someone who has explored writing orchestral pieces but not coming from a multi instrument background but having knowledge of music theory I will say first, I think its really cool to bump into another person venturing into the composing space. second, I want to know if you are sequencing your pieces and using a sample library or just curious what your process is and finally, my initial point, that heck yeah! thinking about how each instrument works together to bring melodic lines together along with the subtle moods and colors each instrument brings make my neurons start tingling in the best way and Im so glad you are enjoying your journey and finding a similar satisfaction.
@@jaychip1 DAW choice is a challenge. I've been using Logic, but both Luna and Cubase look very compelling. If/as/when I upgrade to an Apollo interface, the argument for Luna improves. But Logic is very comfortable for my workflow. With the template I made for BBCSO, getting things fired up is pretty quick. Enjoy the process, Jay!
@@YOUCANTDOTHATONTELEVISION Great question. For a full orchestral arrangement, I mostly use Spitfire's BBC Symphony Orchestra plugin. It sounds really nice and has about all the techniques you could want. Bonus points for the plugin pre-panning from the perspective of the conductor so you don't need to spend massive time setting up your mix. From a creation perspective, I'm a jazz/blues noodler, and thus far my writing process just involves me hearing a theme, often in a celli voice, and turn to my Oxygen Pro 61 to see where it leads. With the template already in place, I can quickly choose different instruments/techniques to explore the theme. It's definitely hit-or-miss because I don't _quite_ have the chops to hear stuff in my head and just transcribe it. That's especially true since we've got instruments in C, B♭, E♭, etc. I hear it in my head and then grab a guitar, bass, flugelhorn or keyboard to commit it to virtual tape. For legato playing, I tend to not quantize because I think a little movement feels more natural. I am more likely to quantize a bit with spiccato or pizzicato sections, but it really depends on whether it feels right. I'm really enjoying the process and managed to sell my first commissioned piece of music in September that is being used as the main menu theme in a game. The developer has informed me that he wants me to do two more pieces for this game, so at 62 years old I appear to have found a brand new turn in life. I long wanted to be a pro musician and I guess it's finally coming to pass in a manner of speaking. I look forward to seeing where this journey leads. 🥰
We have a window of opportunity that doesn't stay open forever. That window is fueled by novelty, hunger and amazement. At age 74, I gave away my 45 year old D35 to someone who was still young at heart.
Everything is new in your teens and twenties, you believe you are the first teenager and first 24 year old in history and you won't be "old". Full of energy and lots of contacts and friends, most of whom like the same things you do, that changes fast at about 30 as people settle down.
@shiftyschitt5890 The evidence Rick presented merely suggested that the majority of creative acts occur early in our lives. He also pointed out some obvious exceptions. I agree with him.
It's even more surreal: Mr. Williams, doesn't like movies, as in he doesn't watch them for entertainment. To me, he is a brilliant composer that also so happens to dabble in movie scores. It's crazy.
@@cadriver2570 True, consider how the majority of pop music is created - e.g. in fast and loose sessions at recording studios - some of the biggest pop hits have been created in just a few minutes - compared to classical music, where many of the greatest works were labored for over months, even years.
Very encouraging for young people especially! I'm glad you got around to making this video ❤ I wonder if crystalization is happening earlier now than it was? Like a perceived advantage in filling kids with facts and figures instead of encouraging their ability to think independently.
Maybe the rebelliousness of youth being suppressed or distracted but if that's the case it hasn't diminished the instability of society as far as I can see.
Take Bowie. An example of an artist who was still creating in their older age but the music is older too. A little slower. More reflective. More sophisticated. No 70 year old is going to write 'Queen Bitch'. Or 'My Generation' come to that.
I immediately thought of Bowie as well. He created great work until he died. Some of his very best work came well after 30. Look at the song Black Gives wayto Blue by Jerry Cantrell or Tears in Heaven by Clapton- written in his late 40s. It's time, place, level of genius and inspiration.
Oh Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I'm writing my current masterpiece... Queen Stone Heart's revenge and other shoes that fit! I've written this epic 2 minute piece on a giant pink kazoo while wearing a salmon spawning suit! At 70, I feel this is my definitive work for a world in need of overbearing and monstrous visual eye sores with an edge only the most critical ear might understand. It shall be heard outside "Hang Son Doong" in Vietnam at my first Funeral for an abscessed tooth and it's burial.
Bowie may well have occasionally recorded fast-tempo, less-reflective music even into his old age, if the reaction to his "Earthling" album (recorded at age 49) hadn't been so mixed.
Cervantes points out that “the road is better than the inn”. It’s the journey you miss when you’ve reached the destination. Not only were they in their 20’s but they were also, for the most part, HUNGRY and STRUGGLING which can have an incredibly wonderful effect on so called ‘creativity’.
I think you are correct. It's probably as much to do with sociology or socio-economics (where people fit into their lives as they mature) as some inherent biologically determined changes. How often did we hear about an artist's LABEL imposing limits on what the artist wanted to try? The suits at the label are trying to duplicate some commercially successful formula, which puts the brakes on innovation. And the artist may feel the same need themselves. SOMETIMES, as when Santana hooked backed up with Clive Davis for Supernatural, because Santana specifically wanted to get back to the top of the charts to be relevant again, great work comes out of it. But mostly it results in retreads and stale output. How many artists get their new material rejected by audiences, who want to hear the greatest hits? It's a rare artist who can reinvent themselves and find new successes. So they don't try to do it.
Worse: then they arrive and have to keep writing as if they're hungry because you can't mess with the formula. Trying to write "mature" songs is where most careers crash.
Nick Cave. The older he gets, the more amazing he becomes. His music has always been great, but the records he has put out over the last 8-10 years have been f'n amazing.
Rick, Love it all. You explained this very well. Like the content of all your work. I happen to live just north of Fairport and liked to hear your history also. Keep it going !
Some people are just very talented and burn fast, while others take their time to develop skills, and find the inner music and inspiration. I think creativity is subjective from individual to individual. I’m 35 and I just began to unleash creativity, cause in my 20’s I was crap, trying to copy artists and follow trends. I’m now fully released of that, I’ve just matured as an artist. In some cases might be the young courage, the fearlessness of youth thinking that drives them to make music. And by the time they are 30, they simply realize they don’t like the music they did when being 20. And their new music might be perceived as “not as good”.
I really appreciate this video, especially because it generated so many thoughtful insights in the comments below. It's nice to see people wrestling with hard intellectual concepts on the internet rather than just dog-piling one another.
Donald Glover was in his mid 30s when he made Awaken My Love with Redbone. Kanye West was in his 30s when he made his most famous works. Damon Albarn created the Gorillaz at 30. Pharrell Williams is 51 and still producing hits. Charli XCX just released what I think will go down as one of the most iconic albums of the decade at 32. Outside of music, Van Gogh painted Starry Night at 36. There's so many examples to show creativity doesn't fade with age, some people just get boring.
Great episode Rick. I harken back to being extremely competitive in my younger years with a deep emotional desire to be a better musician/performer than other guitar players and songwriters. Acquired knowledge comes through study and practice. I recall competing to win the battle of the bands was a huge goal which supports my youthful competition theory. I found similarities in the desire to be picked to be on my baseball All Star team. The drive one must have to "acquire" both types of knowledge and deliver the goods physically and emotionally is easier in your 20's for the most part. And, as we age, one will lose a step so to speak and tend to lose our competitive edge. That being said, I don't have the desire or physical requirements to make the All-Star Team again. I do have plenty of creative desire to continue making music almost daily. The benefit of acquired knowledge is being able to pass on our invaluable wisdom to the youngsters.
@@mobanewman7139That's a good point. It's certainly true of the Beatles first album, which remains my favorite. The joy, excitement and energy is unmatched.
@@charleshuguley9323 When I think of albums like VH1 and Appetite, it's the raw energy and attitude that leaps out. All of the producers on those killer first albums have done a fantastic job, would have been easy to kill that special vibe by overworking things.
I agree with what you say. I play jazz and have noticed that my ability to improvise freshly has gradually diminished as I got older. However, I now have a storehouse of musical vocabulary that I can call on, collected over many years, and I can still do enough to perform in a band. I am 81. Still enjoying making music in bands since the age of 16.
I just turned 60 and have never been more creative in my songwriting, playing, and vocals. I am writing the best songs I ever have, now, and have been writing for 50 years! I think it depends on the artist.
Two things: Great lighting in this video, like a Dutch Master painting and WOW! Everybody has an opinion on this subject. I think that before 30ish we do more exploratory work and after that we do more "polishing " work. Basically we're learning our craft then using our craft.
Oh, my dear Rick! I am sooo happy that you go back in your examples even some 300 years, back to J.S. Bach and the like. I truly appreciate that you, as a "rock" musician, have a thorough knowledge of the history of music and that you do not disregard the masterpieces of the past. You truly know broadly about music. And that's how it should be.
Great video. I've often thought this exact thing where it seems a person's dam bursts and they have a flood of creativity in their 20s that slows to a steady stream at +30.
When I was in my 20s the world was new, full of wonder, discovery was around every corner. Energy, passion, and excitement were everywhere. Now I am 52 and many of life's mysteries have been de mystified and it takes a lot to rev my engine and get me excited now. The only solution going forward is to say yes to as much as I possibly can.
And yet Rick Beato is having his biggest success and impact on the world when he in his 60s!!! I think that this "age 30" premise is interesting but not really valid.
The responsibilities of our culture can definitely beatdown creativity and joy if you let it The happiest people retain a childlike sense of wonder and excitement
I appreciate the angle and also think it's partly to do with 'been there, done that'. Creativity changes shape as you get older. I composed a lot in my 20's. Today in my late 50's I've been creative in programming and video production for the last 20-30 years. Some recent compositions written after a decades long break were just as strong as what I was writing in my 20's, albeit in very different genres. Even today I've felt interest start to move in a more science, physics direction so you never can tell where creativity leads. Keep it fun and utilise all that's available and you'll rarely get bored.
As someone in my mid-30s, my priorities are my marriage, supporting my family through furthering my career, and raising my children well. My 20s were very creative, but also chaotic or sporadic. Now, I’m in a season that focuses more on followthrough and that’s been a great skill and personality to foster for my creativity; I even revisit great ideas from my early creative period, but I have the ability to actually execute them in a more mature manner. In that way, my creative output is better than it was when I was being bombarded by so much inspiration. Maybe, after the kids are graduated and I’m entering retirement I’ll have another deluge from the Muses. But until then, I enough on my plate to keep me busy personally, professionally, and creatively. (As though that last one isn’t playing a role in the first two.)
Many creative souls have their creativity hampered by the expectations and pressures of life choices and expectations of society that block their flow states and joy of existence. When a soul in this position awakens to who they truly are and begins to follow their passions with gusto, everything changes. I'm 53 now and have been writing, performing and recording for 40 years. I'm currently working on my biggest, most inspired and most passionate album to date. My passion and excitement for life has come full circle and has been unlocked in a beautiful way with my recent awakening.
Interesting that so many people in their 50's or 60's are sayin the same thing in this comment section. But when you listen to already established artist, famous rockbands. Their work is so much worse after 30. But somehow everybody in this comment section say that they are the most creative in their 50's, then they ever were.. 🤔
I've worked with many well established bands and artists in Australia as an engineer (live and recording) and many of them I listened to on the radio when I was a teenager. Many of them are just as good, if not better than they've ever been.
@@Atlas65Every next album by Periphery is more interesting than the previous one, and the latest one was released when the guys were in their late 30s-early 40s. That's probably 'not old enough' for you, but that's definitely 30+ no matter how you look at it.
As a creative, and having been doing video here on TH-cam now for almost 15 years, I think that it falls to "The Grind," doing what you do day after day--likely 300 to 340 days a year. I have seen my creativity ebb and rise as I've been rolling through time. I've watched others surpass my numbers in record time. Been driven into depression by this. That depression, the need for daily work, the grind of the social media machine has taken a toll on me. So I can say that, for me, the grind is what crashed my creativity for a while. I've learned that I will probably never be Vice Grip Garage level, or Rick Beato level, but I am happy creating again, and feeling creative again. It is a good discussion, but also VERY subjective.
You're onto something here. Youth in their peak years (usually) being able to create better...almost "anything" than their older counterparts. I think revolutionary, new ideas are coming forth here.
Much of what you talk about can be distilled into the social situation. I found when I was surrounded by younger people, my creativity and adaptability was at its peak - even at age 40+. Now I'm pushing mid 50s and don't have that same social network, it gets more difficult. Yet I refuse to be stuck in the mindset of so many others in my age group. Having teenage kids helps a lot.
I can attest to that. 12 years ago I was in a band with my son and his good friend, they were in their late 20's and me in my mid 50's and the inspiration just flowed. Coming home from band practice with all these great Ideas kept me up for hours working them out. Now I occasionally play with musicians my age and older and there's less inspiration to create much as the energy gets lost in the 'good old time' perspective.
I found that being around teenagers and people in their early 20s was such a breath of fresh air. I really can't see myself going back to the same old office environment after that, so I'm working on switching careers. Art Blakey felt the same way, so hopefully I'm in good company :-)
Younger people are free to experiment and play around with ideas. The cost of mistakes are low, you have few commitments and years ahead of you to put things right, there is little risk. By contrast a 50 Yr old say probably has a career, a family and a home and cannot take this path. So if you did music when you left school and formed a band you are more likely to produce a hit. You can't form a band at 50 or very few can. It's societal, not creativity.
@@nicholasbell9017If he leaves his full time job (which, we assume, is at that point not music) and has a great source of passive income… sure, why not?
I'm in my late 40s and almost died a few years ago from an illness. Maybe it was from that experience or from not caring as much about other's opinions as I've gotten older but I had an insane urge to start learning/ playing as many instruments as I can. Painting and drawing, getting out into nature. There aren't enough hours in the day to fit in all of the new things I want to discover for myself and play around with these discoveries. There are people in their 70s, 80s and 90s doing amazing things but they are behind closed doors. They are doing it for themselves and not necessarily to perform for others. This might be why there's the perception that creativity is associated with youth.
You have a lifetime of experience and all of your ideas to pull from for your first record. From that point forward, each subsequent record only has a fraction of that experience shaping the ideas for your music, and some of your first and perhaps best ideas have already been tapped into, perhaps leaving you with less to pull from. It’s only natural that there are only so many ‘best’ ideas in any one person, and everything else will fall short, regardless of quality
You make a great point in this video. Makes a lot of sense. Rock/pop- mostly inspired by fluid intel. Classical- mostly inspired by crystalized intel. Jazz- mix of both. My favorite genre is prog rock. Most prog bands were at their best in their classic days when they were in their 20s.
What about Allan Holdsworth? "City Nights"? He was 43 when he did that. Check out his tune "Every Tenth Man" on youtube (taken from a live show when he was in his sixties but never got released on record). He had additional new songs "Insomniac", "Pirate of Fukuoka" plus the tune "Earth" (2015) did get released - he was 69 when he recorded that. It is on youtube which is one of the last things he released that was new - written by Virgil Donati but Allan's reharmonizations on Synthaxe of that tune still sounds amazing to me. His guitar solo is one of the most melodic I've heard him do. Plus there's a recording of a concert he did at Alvas Showroom just weeks before he died where he was still playing well. He was an improviser so much so that much of what he did sounded new and fresh. Not everyone is Allan Holdsworth I'll give you.
QueenV14 nailed it. FOR MOST PEOPLE, LIFE HAPPENS AFTER 30. The job, the mortgage, the kids, the wife, social media with the echo chambers, the rabbit holes, etc.
Yes! I had more time (and less talent) when I was in my 20s. Now, in my 50s, I have much less time, but - arguably - more talent. Honestly, I think there are a number of factors, but simply having the time is vital. 🤘
@@acf8888 They had free time because they had "made it". What's the inspiration at that point? I remember Dee Snider talking about how hard it was to write angry rock anthems once he had "made it" and was sitting out by the pool LOL. There are many factors in this, but lack of inspiration has to be one.
@@keithavarney170 Is it more talent that you have now? Or is it more experience and now, you're just better because you're seasoned? Genuine question. . .
I think of what Steve Howe did in a matter of 3 years. Clap - Roundabout - Close to the edge and other epic pieces and extraordinary flat picking. All is his 20’s! 😊 Great take Ric!
![Chris Langan - The Interview THEY Didn't Want You To See - CTMU [Full Version; Timestamps]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9miVG2xT5jY/mqdefault.jpg)
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a psychologist. There are two general creative periods, before 30 and after 60. At these times, there are fewer demands and better condition for promoting creative focus and development. The dip is generally because of demands for career financial and family stability. It's not really about intelligence. It's more about personal agency, motivation, and values. Aquired knowledge leads to the experienced mindset. PS. the prefrontal cortex is found to be less active in jazz improv to reduce executive control and permit flow in the default mode network. In sum, creativity will flourish at any age if the opportunity, support, resources, and motivation are there!!! Be careful of cherry-picking psychology. It's far more complex than most people realise. A good effort, nonetheless!
@@GaryBradleymusic love your post 'cause I just turned 61.
Spot on! Just hitting retirement - at 69 - and am now excited about what I’ll be creating next year, freed of career and child-rearing.
I'm a psychology harvester. I have to cherry-pick it, else I do not get paid.
Great insight imo. Many factors come into play.
Verdi's Falstaff, written when he was nearly 80, has several dozen musical musical threads. His head was percolating with creativity creativity. Rock, Hip-Hop, etc. is music written for children, by children. It's mystifying how full-grown adults can be locked into adolescent trivialities for the duration of their existence.
I was going to leave a thought but at my age I can not think of any
Lol.
I don’t know why I’m here. I think my toaster is broken.
You may, of course, have had a thought and just forgotten.
hear hear!
😂🤣
In terms of music, I also think it's complacency. They have made it. Millions of records sold, tons of money. The hunger is not as big as it was.
And also falling into common patterns and not being able to break free from them.
100 % truth here.
It might be the complacency clock doesn't start ticking until you begin learning music. If you begin at 20, then you wind down by 50. If you begin at 40, then you wind down at 70.
Yup. As glamourous as it looks. It's their "9 to 5" after a while. Many people in their 20 first try out many many things and then decide what their journey will be. If you're already a famous musician in your 20s your somewhat stuck and you also missed out on other things. Everything has its price.
@potato9832 Of course. A lot of big time bands broke out during their early to mid 20s. That was my thinking.
Wonderful topic!
Three counterpoints:
1. Rock stars are most marketable in their 20s.
2. The Beatles were the sum talent of 5 individuals, including George Martin. No way any of them could match that by themselves.
3. Can't remember the 3rd point I wanted to make because I'm old.
Also, the beatles changed their style and their sound evolved, they took the band to other places while the fans wanted more of the same thing and that didn't happen. So it wasn't the same crazyness in the streets when they stopped playing live and released their last albums which were very different from their early material.
George Martin is unforgiveably often forgotten. He was the chystallised intelligence in the Beatles formula.
This comment is actually a golden comment. Needs more likes.
Age got nun to do w music this is ageism I love rick but don’t push your insecurities on the people , every October I know Artist quit music n people feel bad cause all the dark energy and spirits but don’t push that on millions of people
4. Maybe First Album Syndrome? Most artists have a relatively singular take on the world and 8 songs gives plenty of scope to execute and share that. It's rare (and typically alienating to marketing and fanbase) to keep making unique, fresh artistic statements with each consecutive piece of work.
Creativity doesn’t fade…passion does. Also to be peak creative..the state of mind must be care free which comes easy in your 20s.
You've pretty much nailed it.
This seems a good explanation to me. You don’t think as far ahead in your earlier years, worrying less about what comes later
For some reason some interests also change. I remember in school I wasn’t really into politics or history, now it’s most of the contents I consume
Exactly
No, it's brain degeneration. Rick is correct. Some of the 20-something greats were tortured souls, like Cobain, not carefree at all.
The motivation to stay creative becomes the battle.
I produced four albums with my band in my fifties and have written and published four novels since I turned 60. Creativity is always there for everyone, don't ever stop living.
I believe he is talking about quality of works which in terms of music could be tracked by sales of tickets and albums.
Yea but were they any good? I’ve never heard of you so I’m kinda doubting it. No offence meant lil buddy! If it makes you happy, keep doin it! 😊
Right on. Rick's argument fails on its own examples. The classical composers he cites are using fluid intelligence and creativity like crazy, but they were not writing music for teenagers. All the pop stars he spoke about at the beginning of the video were trying to sell records to people their own age or younger. Teens then turned away from their music when these artists aged to embrace styles and artists who reflect the teenagers lives and feelings.
@@Compliment_Thief Bro, so you think if he wrote them all when he was 25 they'd be better? haha. Rick is talking very niche about pop and rock musicians who have to have a young aesthetic and are often on drugs etc...
Look at Picasso's self -potraits from 18 to 90 and tell me if you think they lost their creativity. Rick I believe is blinded by his niche art form and has little conception for the history of the arts.
@@orlock20 Sales and tickets is not a measure of creativity. If anything it is a demonstration of how derivative you can be for mass market appeal. Lowest common denominator. It highly concerns me that people would equate sales as a way to measure creativity. I guess that's the American way though.
My 20’s were miserable. I’m 43 now, and i finally feel like I can live my life
Yeah Beato can beato his --- inside his----- on this one. I think he is gaslighting people.
Congratulations - living your life is why you’re alive. Print your comment and put it in your wallet so you never forget what a great change such moments of self realization make in daily experience.
Same 💪
My 20s were also miserable, my 30s have been much more stable and enjoyable. I think having a foundation is a huge part of that
Ive had several elderly individuals state that life begins after 40.
It’s not just creativity. When I was in my 20’s I was a machine. Couldn’t do or perform hard enough to stop me. Now approaching 60, I feel somewhat like the thing that is the last item at a garage sale. I am learning new things still today and have shifted my passions to new avenues. Retiring in one year and will focus on the new chapter. But I will never be that unstoppable stud from days gone by. I don’t feel bad about it, it’s a new phase of my life. I do so love seeing the new young studs perform at their peak. Makes me nostalgic and gives me so much joy.
What sucks is NEVER being the stud, in spite of putting time into guitar 😂
As someone who is 43, I totally understand why athletes retire around age 35 to 40. I can do most of the same things but the "pop" is gone. Its been tough to start thinking differently about my physical capabilities. In my head I can still do it, takes a little longer now. Wondered why at age 30 because I was invincible then
That's why being in my 20s I'm writing down all the songs that pop into my head, until at a later date when I am financially stable I can then record them. Being broke in your 20s is the best that can happen for creativity that you'll never get back again.
@@GM-ie2zl Reminds of of something my dad once said at 40. "I think I could still pass military basic training, but at this age they could never convince me I like it"
You have a point Rick. But, I just want to add that I’m 69 years old. I’ve been playing guitar and bass professionally since I was 18. Everything from Rock and R&B to Country and Folk. I was Arlo Guthrie’s guitar player off and on for 40 years until he retired. I had a gig last night where I was in that “zone” that we all love when it happens. It was like the ideas were coming through me from somewhere else. I just had to stand aside and let it happen. I’m not sure what kind of thinking you would call that, I’m just happy that it still happens at this ripe “old” age.
I love your channel…..
Can’t believe you could comment without being taken down.
@@hoppes9658 Curious, why would you expect the comment to get taken down?
73 here, still being creative. I've made at least 7 inventions and 10 new/modified songs in 2024. Not trying to brag; just providing a data point
If we could only stay in the zone we would probably live there. Keep on Rockin my friend and fellow zoner
I think of it as... not over thinking it. Oftentimes for me, the harder I think about what I want to play, especially the technical aspect of playing something, the greater the likelihood I'm going to jack it up.
I like to compare it to writing. There's a phase in our lives where we're learning the mechanics of writing. Early, the physical motor control of drawing letters. Then the mental aspects of spelling words, forming sentences. Grammar and punctuation. We tend to not have a lot to say as children. That is, not a lot of anything with real depth, although I suppose there are exceptions. Later, we've hopefully developed some level of mastery of communication. We have thoughts, hopefully, worth sharing and as we communicate those thoughts we're probably not consciously thinking too hard about whether our prepositions and verbs are in the right place, or where to put a punctuation mark. Our focus us more likely just on saying what we want to say. Music theory is a little like this for me. It's the fundamental building blocks of communicatiing musical thoughts. We focus and do a lot of thinking about the "grammar" of music in that early phase. Where to put the punctuation marks. How to structure our sentences. But later, hopefully, we're less concerned with constantly thinking about "sentence structure" while we play, and more about the story we're telling with those sentences. If we can get to that point, it's easier to find that flow you're talking about. That point where not concentrating on the mechanics of playing ir the exact notes in a scale or the names of the chords in a progression (speaking strictly for myself). Rather, we just play and express ourselves in the moment. On those occasions when I can accomplish that, I'm not just at my best, but I feel my best. It's pretty serendipitous. My 2 pence, adjusted for inflation 🙃 Cheers!
I think when people are young, everything is new to them, they’re also figuring out their world view and their passion and enthusiasm is at peak levels. They also tend to have less responsibilities so it frees their mind up more.
As someone who will be 60 in 3 weeks I'd argue that as you approach the end of life there can be a revitalised sense of urgency to make the internal, external. To express what it means to be and meant to be alive. The difference between now and when I was young is obviously experience. Experience is rounded, full, has gravitas and weight that youth is convinced it has. Nothing like an impending end to free up the mind for creativity. All the best.
@@periel a lot of youthfulness lacks experience and technical ability. Pop music doesn't require experience and technical ability and it's a youth market based on fashion that doesn't translate to older musicianship or talent. Most of the younger pop musicians I knew in Los Angeles are not and never ended up in music careers. To have a long term professional career in music at an older age requires a different skill set - training, education, talent, effort, desire, business skills.
I agree the responsibilities of our culture beatdown Joy and creativity if you let it
The happiest people over time retain childlike wonder and excitement
@@GS44691 You have still be tainted by your own personal experiences by that point. You can't be as creative in the same novel way regardless of what your motivation levels are.
*_"FEWER_* responsibilities..." : This Public Service comment has been brought to you courtesy of the Stannis Baratheon Grammar Appreciation Society. ;)
A few things to consider. Everyone has their vital period. Once you've done a body of work, there is a limit. AND...the industry tends to promote young people. But that's not necessarily age related. Beethoven was a late bloomer. Bonnie Raitt got her first hit at 40. Coltrane was in his 30's when he blossomed. Wes Montgomery too. Tom Sholtz didn't start playing guitar until he was in college. I'm sure there are many more but nobody wants to pay attention to old people. Older people tend to be less ambitious as well. Younger people can take more risks, which gives them a better chance at success and recognition. Personally, I did my best work later in life. Everything -- my writing, my playing, my arranging are much better at 60 than they were at 30.
I won't put myself in line with these people of course, but I have to say that I started creating music after 40, when i got on my feet first of all (have find time for that) and received the necessary listening and life experience to do it consciously (they call it inspiration). But in defense of the statistics proposed by Mr. Biato I will assume that young performers resonate better with young listeners, while older listeners are drawn more to what they listened to when they were young.
Beethoven was a late bloomer....?? realy his first piece publised in print is from 1782 when he was 12 years old his first symphony is when he was 29 and thats early very early for a composer at that time.
Very good points.
The record industry utilized younger artists because they were easier to take advantage of financially. The older you get, the less naive, which means you'll question where the money is going.
Bruce Hornsby famously broke out when he was 32 years old. Sammy Hagar also joined Van Halen in his mid-30s and we all know how that went.
I'd like to echo the point that many of Leonard Cohen's masterpieces were written AFTER he was 40 up until his death at 82 which is amazing to see that there really is no limit to creating.
everyone uses leonard court but his only big song was hallelujah, and only after it was covered by john cale and then jeff buckley did it reach classic status. nothing else he wrote is that good
@@jjvs9You should look into more Leonard Cohen stuff if all you know is Hallelujah - Suzanne, Famous Blue Raincoat, Bird on a Wire - there’s a lot to discover there
@@jjvs9 Cohen's later songs that are just as good as Hallelujah if you actually pay attention to the lyrics: Dance Me To The End Of Love, First We Take Manhattan, Nevermind, Tower Of Song, Thousand Kisses Deep, Everybody Knows, and more than that
@@jjvs9 "big" and "creative" has nothing to do with each other, because if it did Taylor Swift would be the most creative musician in the modern time. I'd venture to say something like Dance Me to the End of Love and First We Take Manhattan is much more creative than Hallelujah both musically and lyrically. Listen to You Want It Darker, that is as chilling as anything he's ever wrote.
@@jjvs9 wow! I think you need to go listen to The Future and then literally everything after that.
I just started perusing music and recording in Nashville at 35 after believing for my whole life that I could sing but couldn’t write songs. Something happened in the last year or so where this music came to me out of thin air. I’ve had the amazing pleasure of recording with Tom Bukovac (a friend of Rick’s) and I’ve never been more proud of anything in my life. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re over 30, just remember to continue to challenge yourself.
Amazing! Keep going!
(36 year old songwriter here 😊)
That's awesome and what a great experience getting to play with Tom! I attended a couple Woodshed events with Andy Wood and got to meet a lot of amazing musicians from Nashville. Great place to surround yourself with talent.
I didn’t expect to see Jamie here 😭 so cool! Keep up the work and keep challenging yourself too! People at any age get complacent for sure
Yeah, I feel the same way-- when the music is ready to come out, it comes out. I think when I was younger I had more to say because it was all new. Now, I say it more selectively, but with no less passion.
@@JoshPatersonAndy Wood from Mother Love Bone?? Either way that’s awesome. You are right about Nashville. It’s a magical place.
Creativity is also connected to your inner child/playfulness.Keep that alive.
Absolutely.
This is the main thing. George Land conducted studies on this and used the same creativity test that NASA uses and found that 98% of 5 year olds rank highly in creative intelligence while only 2% of adults do. And honestly, about 2% of the world's adult population being creative sounds about right. Most likely our education system is the root cause of this retarding of creativity.
@@AWSOMEPOSSUM16 Yes ,interesting i agree! When you observe creative people they are often very youthful and even childish in behavior.Maybe you should never be 100 percent an adult,like in the movie peter pan with Robin Williams are shown the negative consequences of that.
Novelty. The records that inspired others are magical because the artists were inspired by others (Hendrix by Dylan, etc). When that sense of novelty wears off, the impetus to create dies.
Creativity stems from Curiosty. Stay curious :)
Rick, being 75, I just read a book titled- From Success to Success. And it covers the exact topic you're talking about. With both fluid and crystalized intelligence being discussed. The book gives great encouragement to guys like me. Life and creativity isn't over at 75, it's just different and can still be embraced.
The book is From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks. He discusses fluid and crystalized intelligence in chapter two.
@greggacek1655 think for us older people we need to be reminded of that creativity over doing the ingrained reaction.
Fascinating thought, Rick! I think the reason so many people produce their best work in their 20s is that it’s a unique, transformative phase of life. During that time, most people are in the process of discovering who they’re going to be, which fuels an intense drive and creative spark. While creativity can flourish at any age, this period often brings a potent combination of self-discovery and ambition that propels creative output. Of course, upbringing, family dynamics, and personal motivation all play crucial roles, making this a complex and multifaceted topic.
P.S: I watched the entire video. Great discussion!
I completely agree, you've explained it perfectly!!
I think there are many reasons, but one is that life happens. As you get older, you have more responsibilities. I don't have a hard time being creative or coming up with ideas...I have a hard time finding the time to do it and being able to focus 100%.
Also for successful artists, there's the element of complacency. There's no thirst or urgency anymore and it shows in the music. There are always exceptions but it's what tends to happen.
I no just think same, but I feel it, cause I would like to do a lot of things That I can't due to responsibilities as Father and as Source of resources in my family
Agreed. For young musicians (or any other field of creative endeavour) their craft can be all consuming, but age brings responsibilities. Raising a family is a shift in priority. But Rick hasn’t really mentioned the role of band dynamics and the influence on creativity, where the expression “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” applies. The bands mentioned had a chemistry between the members that fostered creativity as a collective not as individuals. And who knows, perhaps a lot of creativity was buried just by the nature of the recording industry and changing public tastes. Which kinda brings us back to responsibilities, being a musician is a job and you can’t always do what you like, you need to get paid.
@@philrichmond5919 I also notice that at 50 something I don't wake up with any groupies.
Agreed. The cyclical nature of being a signed/touring artist means that the inspiration changes or dries up. New things can be fresh at an older age, but old things will just get older
@ErnestoSchnack I agree, it's not the creativity that fades-just look at authors, playwrights, film directors... Tom Stoppard was 83 when Leopoldstadt premiered in 2020; it won the Olivier and Tony award for best play. I know Rick mentioned Bach, but then tried to strangely parse it by saying he relied on "crystallized intelligence." Does Rick think that the creativity behind improvisation isn't just as necessary for writing (in any art form) as it is for soloing? He started off talking about a bunch of pop icons and then randomly pivoted to "impressive solos." This could have been an interesting video, but the examples are terrible. He mentioned a lot of artists who didn't even write their own music. Rick's videos are becoming more and more clickbait-y by the week. Yes, in popular music, most artists' best works have come in their twenties, but their subsequent "fade out," in my opinion, has more to do with pop/rock/punk/grunge/metal's requirement of a certain type of angst (the thirst and urgency, like you said). As we age, there are hormonal changes and psychological differences in how emotional pain is processed (plus the artists are already rich and thus have many new options for dealing with life's pain other than art). I think it's more interesting to discuss the span of years that the best are able to put out good, fresh work; the cap seems to be around 40 years. Dylan, the Stones, and Van Morrison are all decent examples. Bowie might top the list, though: Blackstar came 49 years after his first record, and it burns with passion and is devoid of cliché.
edited to add reply handle
I think it's a more complicated issue.
People often times grow and get set in their ways and not really realize it, which can lead to lack of creativity. Just like everything, it's something you have to keep up with.
Plus as you get older, "homonal milieu", let's call it, changes and motivation becomes harder to come by.
When you're a "young buck" you got something to prove, so to speak. You care more about social hierarchy and the opinions of your so-called peers.
You get older, ya run out of f's to give...
Plus, younger people are more willing to take risks and perhaps experiment (for example, I'm sure our drug use was most intense in our twenties 🙄)
I’m a deaf musician that didn’t start playing music until later in life. I started lessons from scratch at 45 and now, at 65, I’m starting to hit my peak. My reflexes may have slowed down a bit but my ability to learn and absorb new songs has increased significantly so I’m gonna ride that wave for as long as I can. As for creativity, I’ve barely scratched the surface. Rock On!
You would have been better in your 20's.
Hats off to ya, sir!!! 🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻🎷🪈🪕🪘🎶💖
Just curious what instrument(s) you play? The Bass would seem the most likely since that is a sound heard/felt by your entire body but I suppose other instruments could work.
@ Yes, I play bass primarily because it’s easier to feel/hear the lower frequencies. I also play some acoustic and electric guitar.
Now this is inspiring, buddy ♥
Such a good analysis! And very encouraging too… when you talked about the crystallized intelligence, then showed the great composers and the jazz albums that depend on previous knowledge. So the message is not negative for any age. Even 62-year-olds can create something of great value that is even needed by others… as you show in your own posts!
I don't think it's that creativity fades, but fear increases ... Or fearlessness decreases.
More risk taking when you are younger.
Amen... It's sad, being a musician, all alone in a large city, and at my age, there's a lot of fear now. My taking risks younger presented so much more opportunities. But that was also when there was a music industry, too. I can't believe what happened to the music business. :-(
My personal experience is the opposite. I have a lot more confidence / less fear now in my 60s than when I was younger. However, I am a classical orchestral player, so improvisation is not a big part of what I do.
I think fearlessness does decrease into and through middle age, but then increases again. I'm in my early 50's and have become much less concerned of others' expectations, for instance.
I agree.
Ironically a big part of why The Beatles albums sounded so good was because of someone over 30
That's a point
Very true. All those orchestral arrangements and wild production techniques were done by an older, professionally, trained, man. You take all those interesting arrangements and production techniques away and they're a really good band, not a great one.
The late great Mr. George Martin.
Tavistock Institute is older.
In painting is just the opposite.
I'm in my 60's and I think my musical ideas are way better than when I was in my 20's. In my 20's I was slavishly following musical trends that I thought I should follow to be cool.
Better musical ideas don't equate to better creative emotions essential to art.
@@Thefamiliaguy Show me what the difference is.
Agree! Queen was very creative and produced many multi-faceted songs after Night at the Opera. The spontaneous David Bowie collaboration jumps to mind as well as how they evolved in style to create many hit songs.
You might think that, but now we are talking about musical ideas that equate into commercial success
There's no apostrophe in 60s nor 20s.
Love the way your mind works, Rick. And your genuine passion and interest in music is contagious. Would love to get to sit down and talk over lunch one of these days with you. I have the same fascination with music. From one Rick to another. Take care!
I never even knew I had a creative side until I was 50 years old. The past four years have been an explosion in creativity and has produced some amazing experiences and songs. Age does not matter.
That’s great! Me too!
AMEN!! it’s ONLY getting BETTER!!
I agree mate. I only picked up a mandolin after I hit 50; probably 54. I'm not saying I've written anything - creatively - but I've learned so much, and i get an enormous sense of enjoyment and achievement when i learn anything new. Maybe Rick's right about best solos before people hit 30 but it's never too late to go for it.
Thank God for medical marijuana cards😂
But are capable of making something outstanding? Something that will go down in history? Most likely not. That's the kind of creativity Rick is talking about.
I don’t think creativity wanes with age, I just think life and regular jobs get in the way, the creativity gets dulled down
To clarify, I did watch the video and I gave my personal opinion on my creativity as a sound engineer trying to navigate the post covid years, it’s been incredibly hard as a result life got in my way, my creativity has been dulled - no offence intended
I haven’t been 30 for many years
You might be onto something here.
Yep. And you certainly can’t attach a specific age to it, as everyone is different.
Yep, that's it
Completely agree. If I'm away from work for a couple of weeks my brain has chance to re set and once I get home and a guitar in my hands all sorts fall out which I record. It is as you say repressed but doesn't disappear. The older I get the less energy I have and contacts to make it into something which is the greatest shame.
Fourth that
It’s not a lack of creativity. It’s an abundance of complacency.
Absolutely spot on!
It is NOT an abundance of complacency.
Completely agree .
That was really a well thunk out comment of the reality of the amazing time we are existing in..................................🤮
@@sandragoodman2059Prove it.
In classical music, Johannes Brahms was in his 40s by the time he wrote his first symphony; he is considered one of Germany's greatest composers. Sir Edward Elgar was in his 50s when he too wrote his first symphony. Jean-Philippe Rameau was in his forties when he penned his first opera; a bust statue in the foyer of Paris's Opera Garnier exists today in honor of his late-in-life achievements.
I am in my late 70's and enjoy your videos immensely; The knowledge you have shared with all of us viewers has helped me immensely with my guitar knowledge and playing abilities.
"Teenage angst has paid off well...Now I'm bored and old"
Kurt Cobain
"I hope I die before I turn in to Pete Townshend." - Kurt Cobain
@@mindelomanHe made sure he did...
@@mindeloman Pete had better music and he did not blow his brains out.
Some people are just crazy…
@@UrielX1212 thank you
As a 68 year old lifetime musician, largely, I agree with you. That said, I think the one big variable is this. Life experience has taught me that no matter what I enjoy doing, be it playing guitar, hiking, swimming...or even making love...the magic is never to stop, because once you do, you're done. In my life for one reason or another, there have been things that I "paused" long enough to loose my edge, and there are things I can no longer do to my satisfaction because my "pause" was too long. Thankfully, by love of guitar wasn't one of those. I'm no Tommy Emanuel or anything, I'm probably the best mediocre guitar player you ever heard, but I feel that because of experience, constant learning and NEVER stopping, I'm a better player today than I was at 25. For that I am grateful. Love the channel man...rock on.
Thank you for this piece of advice! :)
I love the way you leave us hope at the end whether young or old, with the challenge to remain creative.
I started writing my 1st song at 65 and have since produced, recorded, over 85 songs in collaboration with over half my own originals. Maybe as people get older, they run out of ideas. As we age, I believe we gain so much more experience and have greater creativity and ability. I enjoy your channel and appreciate your commentary.
I don't think it's necessarily age. If you pick up a new hobby at an older age, there's a freshness to it, and when it's fresh and new, it's exciting, and more creativity takes place.
I agree.
I think creativity, and coming up with new things on the spot (fluidity) comes from experiencing things for the first time. Kids come up with amazing things on their own because they always ask "why" or "why not". With age, you rely more upon the previous experiences you've had and things that didn't seem to work you start disregarding.
Younger minds tend not to disregard them but more ask why it doesn't seem to work and try to find a solution.
But creativity doesn't end with age or just fades away, it finds a new focal point. You rely more on experience and use your fluidity to adapt so things do work, whereas younger minds find ways to circle around problems and find new solutions instead of relying on things they don't even know about...yet.
Creativity turns into experience in some way.
of course theres a feeling of freshness when you do something new, to the point of feeling 'alive' again. but the approach of explore something new at younger ages is totally different, because it's easier to think out of the box (or not being 100% rational) and thus get creative / innovative for young people.
exactly, most his examples are all people who achieved success in their 20s. It’s not age, it’s success that stifles creativity.
And you don't have your old works to compete against, either.
I think that's a big part of it. If you're talented enough to make great pieces of art, you probably have some degree of a perfectionist streak. The more you learn, the less satisfied you become with the limits of what you know or can articulate.
John Williams was aged:
43 (Jaws)
45 (Star Wars episode iv)
46 (Superman)
49 (Raiders of the Lost Ark)
50 (ET)
61 (Jurassic Park)
61 (Schindler’s List)
66 (Saving Private Ryan)
67 (Duel of the Fates)
69 (Harry Potter)
Shakespeare was around 37 when he wrote Hamlet.
And Raymond Chandler only started writing at 40.
Furthermore, there may be a survivorship bias in the pop music industry: if your creative period comes when you're 50, you probably haven't been successful as a rock/pop/rap... author
If Williams had died at 30, nobody would have ever heard of him. That can be said about a lot of people who hit their "creative" stride well after their 20s.
@@CYNICdiogenes yes, yours is a literal example of what survival bias is. I also think that the nature of the pop music market makes it possible to even just "kill" the careers of those who don't succeed when they're young.
Star Wars (heavily influenced by the planets by Gustav Holst who was himself in his 40s when he wrote it)
Is Williams all that creative? Almost all his famous themes were stolen from 19th Century classical composers.
Loved this clip. You really cover ALL aspects of the music business, in a thoughtful and enlightening way. kudos!
The younger you are the more fresh everything is. I'm simply not as excited as I was about many aspects of music anymore. I've had so much of it. New experiences, surprises, discovery, that's where the magic is.
Yeah, I can listen to 'impressive' music many times and it doesn't spin me up like it did before I heard decades of impressive music etc. Sometimes it'll be wow, never listen to it again.
If one keeps that "child within," alive and well. Inspirations stay musically, "fresh." imho
Exactly! You cant play all your life those impressive licks you established in your 20s. Then you start experimenting, making maybe some more avangarde things. But i would not suggest that this has less value. ❤
I agree. The older I get (I'm thoroughly Gen X), the more I find myself saying the phrase "there's nothing new under the sun". That phrase never seemed to be in my vernacular when I was younger.
We have to mention that he's talking about artists who were world reknown artists in their late 20s. They did it all and they seen it all. I don't think it's just creativity but they had their 20s full of intense taste of the music industry. This drains you and they also missed out on a lot of private life.
Virtually everything I have accomplished happened after 40. I got my bachelor's degree in computer science, my master's in software engineering, wrote, shot and directed several short films (I recently had a short comedy shown at a festival and was the hit of the evening), started playing out regularly, have written dozens of songs, recorded and produced artists in my home studio and done a complete renovation of my house. It's never too late to do things. I suspect that the problem most people have in being creative is the problem I had: I spent most of my energy when I was younger just trying to survive.
This, this, this! Very good points indeed.
Also, congratulations on your achievements!
It's inspiring to read that! Thank you. I think Rick missed the mark big time with this video.
Can you elaborate on the last point. I'm in late 20s and just trying to survive.😢 What/how can i do differently?
@@nandu1770 You're going to have a struggle ahead - the economy sucks for everyone, but moreso for the young and the old. BUT, through your struggles, try to keep an eye on the things that really matter (after you have safety and security (i.,e. housing and food)). Those things being the experiences you have, the friendships you forge... the priceless parts of life.
Pick your battles, you can't win every fight; BUT you absolutely must learn to advocate for yourself and your friends/family -- advocacy is one of the most important skills missing from high school curriculum's.
Don't kick yourself too much for mistakes you make along the way -- mistakes are, unfortunately, how us humans learn our lessons best, so take your bruises, learn from them, and carry-on. Stay true to your heart, and whenever possible, follow your passion.
If you want some more general good advice for a young person, check out Ed Helms' Cornwall Commencement! :)
Good luck!
As a life long inventor (35 years in R&D for 3M, with over a 100 inventions and about 26 patent applications) I feel I can comment on this. The most creative people I've met were, like myself, often generalists who could take unrelated facts and see ways to create something novel from them. Some of my fellows, often those who had specialised in an area during their Phd work., appeared to be hamstrung by narrow thinking: they'd learned more and more about less and less. Others, who were much better chemists than I, were distracted by career aspirations that often lead them away form R&D into business management via an MBA. I saw the trap early on, when I noticed that few managers ever looked happy. And now, in my 60's, I find new ways to create, such as art, learning the piano and programming micro-controllers etc. Great channel by the way!
Yes, I too have always been a generalist, absorbing and integrating information from sources without effort. In my 70's now, lots of my friends see me as brilliant, but I'm not really that smart - I just connect old and new knowledge, sometimes in novel ways. I'm always thinking "That would make a great Phd thesis!" but I never went past a BS. I wouldn't have it any other way!
@@87mini Yes, your experience resonates with me. I found that though others thought me cleverer than I am, they did not seem to connect the dots like I did; even though they had better qualifications. Perhaps top- tier universities like Cambridge favour academic potential over innovative thinking?
I had to reread that last bit. I am relieved to know you are not programming mind controllers.
@@GershwinWobblecakesFlintmusket Ha Ha ha! No, it's a Raspberry Pi Pico W. I'm trying to build my own guitar pedal synthesiser - in between chasing our beagle who likes to sneak up to my work room to steal my socks...
Gosh, a wonderful comment that has provoked many interesting thoughts for me. I suppose my own light bulb moment came when I was about 35 At that time I started producing a whole series of articles on a variety of subjects that went down very well. The light bulbs really started popping when I experienced 'flow' at that time, even when I did not know much about that wonderfully pleasant immersive experience which is part of the process. If anyone is interested, I can describe my process for writing something good - in less than 24 hours - on any subject.
One of your most memorable and informative videos. I'm 68, every thing you say rings true.
I still sing in a rock band. Still love music. Still ad-lib in numbers.
Stay kewel Rick.
I’m 57 and creating the best music of my life! I wish I had more time to focus on it and less time spent working. Ideas are flowing, but my schedule doesn’t always allow for it. It makes me wonder how many people are trapped in jobs that drain their passion and love for creativity. Could a lifetime of drugs or alcohol be taking its toll? Or is it that record companies just won’t support artists past a certain age? People have families and they take up a lot of their concentration and passion... Just some thoughts I’ve been reflecting on.
Everything you just said.
You are not alone on this
I can't get the time to spend on music like I used to.
Rock on, brother. Unless we’re in the ground, it’s never too late. I’m so sick of the ageism stuff.
agree
John Williams was like 44 when he wrote the Star Wars masterpiece - and he was only starting :D
I posted something similar about classical composers from Mozart to Beethoven to Bach to even John Williams. They all got better, more creative, often times more complex, as they got older.
John Williams was not 'starting' in 1977 I would say his creative peak was 1979-1980.
@@manuelper Yes, I agree completely.
He pinched part of it though.
8:53 I can't tell you when they did their "best" solos. I can only tell you when they played some of my favorites though. They played them at varying ages. But your theory GENERALLY makes sense I suppose.
The older I get, the more creative I get (currently 62)- but then I've never done drugs or alcohol. Partying and non-stop activity (like touring) burns one out very early. I've gone through life slowly and contemplatively and deliberately. It just keeps getting better.
Thnx for the encouragement.
Start a new era, twist one
@@MegaChoo2 Twist one? Is that like pinching one off?
Structured and creatively delivered. Presented much like an argumentative thesis statement. Well done.
Fascinating theory. It lands with my 71 year old crystallized brain. I have a lifetime of love for music, marginal ability to play instrumentally, and have been developing vocally starting in my 50’s into both classical and rock genres. Started a band for the first time in my life this year; a lifelong dream. Starting to write lyrics and have the ambition to create the music around it. I’m trying to kickstart my fluid brain back to life!
Let me know how you started a band! I would love to do that, but it seems no one wants to work with an older woman...
@ It happened in such an organic way. An acquaintance of mine posts inspirational messages on FB. One day, the gist of his message was to never give up on your dreams, and it’s never too late to start. I commented back that I’d always wanted to be in a band and just never did it. I stated that I had in mind a Prog type band and I profiled some of my favorite musicians as models for who I’d love to make music with. Next thing I knew, another acquaintance of his whom I did not know wrote me back saying he was a drummer and “let’s go!” This kind of forced my hand, so to speak. I was already in a pretty serious church choir doing high church music and one of my fellow choristers I knew played guitar. I asked him if he’d be interested in a start up band and lo and behold he was. We next invited an acquaintance of the drummer (they play hockey together) who is learning guitar to join in. But then we kind of got stuck without a bass player. It wasn’t too long though that the second guitar player found us a bass player. We are still looking to add a keyboard player at some point. So, I had to just go with the flow that I set in motion and we are having a blast making music. I dipped my toe in the water and the ripple took over from there!
I’ve played keyboards with vocals semi pro since 14. I’m now 70. You got me thinking here. I remember the passion while playing in my teens and twenties. I enjoy playing now however the passion is milder. I was more musically extroverted when younger and now more musically introverted. With age and experience I am now more aware of trying to play modestly rather than boldly
As a general rule, I agree with you. I think it has to do with energy more than anything else. In youth, there simply is more of it. In terms of basic creativity, however, although a very few are blessed with talent beyond measure, it is up to most of us to maintain a certain discipline over the long haul. Each case is dependent on an individual's capabilities, capacities, and a myriad of other potential factors. The key, it has been said by some, is to bring that childhood enthusiasm into adult life/creativity.
"The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old ages, which means never losing your enthusiasm" - Aldous Huxley
“Genius is the recovery of childhood at will.” - Arthur Rimbaud
As an old person, I’m glad i decided to watch your video to the end. 😊
The more likely explanation is pop/rockstars made it at that age because it's a lot easier to sell the image of a youthful artist. Also explains why classical composers were still creative in old age, it was less about image and more about the music in those times.
yyyyyep. there are about 10 points he missed, but he wanted to show off that he read a 4 minute read about types of intelligence which, to me, seems to be the ONLY reason he could have possibly made this video, aside from taking advantage of the fact that people will watch any garbage he puts out and he will get paid. he should have rubbed one out instead of making this video. our society is ageist, you nailed that point. and capitalism beats us into the ground. it is MUCH harder, for so many reason other than rick's discovery in his 12 total minutes of research on this, to live a music-centered life into your 30's because of the nature of our society- our capitalism.
Exactly, the youth culture market was created to sell music products to youths.
Good point
Wonderful observation. At younger ages, we are also not as burdened or involved with the (happy or otherwise) trappings of family responsibilities, cumulative failures or disappointment, and growing frailties. We are more free. More reckless. Less cautionary about failing.
I turned 42 last month and am on a creative streak that surprises me.
Ditto here.
Yep, turned 42 early this year and I'm making the most "creative" music of my life so far
Well done guys! Keep going! Much of this (especially decades ago) is 'feeling old' & conforming to societal expectations, often unconsciously. Those who don't seem to age were blissfully free of those restrictions, like (thankfully for us) David Bowie. Hopefully an increasingly less ageist society will respect your creations for what they are. More power to you! 💜
Same here. Except I just turned forty fckng five.
He didnt say it was everyone. Its not a hard fast rule..it was a generalization. smh And its also relative to what you think is creative or your own personal barometer. If someone never was very creative, and decided to pursue something that uses or exercisers that creative "muscle" when older, then of course they will be more creative now vs younger. Its simple logic.
This was a very thought-provoking video. I’m glad you got the courage to present it. I sent a copy of it to a young man who is extremely talented with all sorts of instruments. I’m hoping to encourage him to maybe go to a performing art school or something like that. I think God for the talent that He’s put in all of you guys and I thank you guys for developing it.
I strongly agree with your final comment Rick, play to your strengths and be aware but don't waste time on your weaknesses, ive done this all my life and this positive attitude has served me well.
Great video! I'm 70 years old and I have a simple goal. Each day I strive to play and Sound noticeably better than the day before. Your videos and courses are very helpful.
Do you feel yourself improving, making reasonable strides at your age?
Youthful energy and vigour go a long way...But with the Beatles, they were stronger together because of their chemistry, as well as their youth.
They also got lots of ideas and inspiration from other artists, many of them American.
And their producer/manager, Sir George Martin. I'm not sure they would have remained a club band without him.
Their creativity RELIED on their YOUTH (Hormones) and Curiosity.
As we grow older and slowly lose some of the hormones we RELIED on "Knowledge and Wisdom".. which is accumulated through experience/age.
@@valcrist7428 I wonder what the relative difference in Testosterone is in 20's / 30's / 40's / 50's / 60's? A lot of anger and drive in one's 20's!
A fun & thought-provoking diversion from notes and chords. Keep 'em coming.
Leonard Cohen was 34 when he released his debut album in 1967 Rick! ✨✨✨✨✨
Bill Weathers was 33 when he released his 1st album and he continued to drop hits for years
Yes he was. And he did. But how many such people do you really know?:) not too much i bet. I can name only 3, who beyond doubt were getting better and much better, the older they got. They are: Leonard, Johnny Cash, and Mark Sandman Every next albom they did, was greater in every way than the earlier was. That might not been reflected in popularity in something like "hit count" But it was better. And there are no other similar examples. At least if we talk big, widely known names. Usually - if you was outstanding, amazing, one of a kind - you can always be at least good. And even better than a lot of your younger "brothers in guitars" But never so great as "back then" there's nothing bad about it, That's just how the life settled, how things are. And as for the three amazing men i named. They had one thing in common. Their main creative force was, a very special mix of melancholy, suffering, going into the dark parts of own mind, but always with covered with curiosity for life, and the abillity to value it, no matter how hard it can be. And all those things - tends to grow and unveil more, when you get older. But if your creativity core was in such things like energy, joy, unconditional love to all the world, or maybe the "cool rocky" state of mind - it is going to fade out. Same goes for any kind of sexual motives if were present. But it's not a at all a cause to get mad at lots and lots of genious and bright people who've done so much good to the world, just cuz they are "not the same anymore"
Cohen never had a golden era though. His entire catalog is derivative and stale.
The embodiment of a talentless hack.
But we don't know how old he was when he wrote those songs. Some goes for Bill Withers, DangleSan..
@@Hola-ro6yvThis is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. By far.
2 days after posting this video, over 1,2 million viewers and more than 12,000 comments. As someone over 60, you're proving yourself wrong. Keep on going, Rick!
Your comment made me laugh and you have a good point with proof.
Did you watch the whole video?
Gotta watch the whole video, dummy.
Someone didn't finish watching the video... tsk tsk.
As a 62 year old myself, my reaction is "I hear ya." Whether in music, or my professional field of Computer Science, I've definitely noticed a shift over the years from spontaneous out of the box creativity to a mastery based on experience.
Yes!
I'm in my 60s too, my theory is that fluid intelligence is linked to neuroplasticity (the brain's capability to rewire itself in response to external stimuli), and the best way to keep high neuroplasticity in old age is to acquire new skills, preferably skills with both a motor component and a mental component. I believe keeping yourself mentally young and creative requires new experiences and I try to keep the creative juices flowing by learning new arts, crafts and skills every few years (I picked up playing tanbur, Italian cooking and tai chi in the last 4 years). Traveling abroad to visit new places and cultures helps a lot too.
Some of these old timers seem to have trouble hearing, so you're doing well, my friend.
@@JerehmiaBoaz I don't really think that you are "keeping your brain plastic". The last few decades of neuroscience has just kept proving that we retain significant plasticity into old age, despite traditional beliefs about mental decline.
The difference is that younger people are just forced to use that plasticity because they don't have the same build-up of crystallised intelligence. Crystallised intelligence is quick, pleasant to use and economically desirable whereas plasticity is slow, uncomfortable and mostly economically useless. Little actually changed; it's just that if you have plenty of crystallised intelligence the temptation is to rely on that and you end up just not stretching yourself like you were forced to in your youth.
I think that is fair. I am 61 and I work with a lot of people under 30 and my 'boss' is about 45. They are actually figuring out complicated problems. My role is to act as highly experienced adviser along with two other people around my age. I remember things from before most people I work with were born that are still relevant. The young people and my boss come to ask me advice. They genuinely value it. However, I never step across the boundary of telling them the 'answer'. That is their job - I just help them to get to the answer but asking them questions to make them think and telling them things that might help. I am no longer creative enough and to be honest it would be a waste of their talent and my expertise if I tried.
I'm a life member of the A. F. of M. This is a most amazing video about musical creativity over one's life span. Kudos to you, Rick!
I'm 62 as well, Rick, and I've only just recently started writing orchestral arrangements. It's a brand new skill set for me and I'm very much enjoying it. I think this is also a solid mix of fluid and crystallized intelligence because I'm having to explore melodic themes and counterpoints for each of the instruments. I'm both drawing on having played multiple instruments since 12 years old as well as learning anew how each orchestral section sits within a score. These kinds of brain pushups are great, I think, for keeping one sharp. Do new stuff as you get older and the excitement never goes away.
And the Midi editor helps a bit too!
Studio One was like a candy store for me.
As someone who has explored writing orchestral pieces but not coming from a multi instrument background but having knowledge of music theory I will say first, I think its really cool to bump into another person venturing into the composing space. second, I want to know if you are sequencing your pieces and using a sample library or just curious what your process is and finally, my initial point, that heck yeah! thinking about how each instrument works together to bring melodic lines together along with the subtle moods and colors each instrument brings make my neurons start tingling in the best way and Im so glad you are enjoying your journey and finding a similar satisfaction.
@@jaychip1 DAW choice is a challenge. I've been using Logic, but both Luna and Cubase look very compelling. If/as/when I upgrade to an Apollo interface, the argument for Luna improves. But Logic is very comfortable for my workflow. With the template I made for BBCSO, getting things fired up is pretty quick.
Enjoy the process, Jay!
@@YOUCANTDOTHATONTELEVISION Great question. For a full orchestral arrangement, I mostly use Spitfire's BBC Symphony Orchestra plugin. It sounds really nice and has about all the techniques you could want. Bonus points for the plugin pre-panning from the perspective of the conductor so you don't need to spend massive time setting up your mix.
From a creation perspective, I'm a jazz/blues noodler, and thus far my writing process just involves me hearing a theme, often in a celli voice, and turn to my Oxygen Pro 61 to see where it leads. With the template already in place, I can quickly choose different instruments/techniques to explore the theme. It's definitely hit-or-miss because I don't _quite_ have the chops to hear stuff in my head and just transcribe it. That's especially true since we've got instruments in C, B♭, E♭, etc. I hear it in my head and then grab a guitar, bass, flugelhorn or keyboard to commit it to virtual tape.
For legato playing, I tend to not quantize because I think a little movement feels more natural. I am more likely to quantize a bit with spiccato or pizzicato sections, but it really depends on whether it feels right.
I'm really enjoying the process and managed to sell my first commissioned piece of music in September that is being used as the main menu theme in a game. The developer has informed me that he wants me to do two more pieces for this game, so at 62 years old I appear to have found a brand new turn in life. I long wanted to be a pro musician and I guess it's finally coming to pass in a manner of speaking. I look forward to seeing where this journey leads. 🥰
Nice I’d like to hear your work! Keep it up whippersnapper!!
We have a window of opportunity that doesn't stay open forever. That window is fueled by novelty, hunger and amazement. At age 74, I gave away my 45 year old D35 to someone who was still young at heart.
I love this comment, the only thing I might add to that window is energy.
Everything is new in your teens and twenties, you believe you are the first teenager and first 24 year old in history and you won't be "old". Full of energy and lots of contacts and friends, most of whom like the same things you do, that changes fast at about 30 as people settle down.
❤ !!!
@shiftyschitt5890 The evidence Rick presented merely suggested that the majority of creative acts occur early in our lives. He also pointed out some obvious exceptions. I agree with him.
John Williams must be alien. He was 61 when he wrote the score to Jurrasic Park and 83 when he wrote the Jedi Steps for The Force Awakens.
Maybe you should interview John Williams next ---- see what he says.
It's even more surreal: Mr. Williams, doesn't like movies, as in he doesn't watch them for entertainment. To me, he is a brilliant composer that also so happens to dabble in movie scores. It's crazy.
Best work past the age of 30 is more the norm outside of pop music. Look at Jazz and classical composers.
@@cadriver2570 True, consider how the majority of pop music is created - e.g. in fast and loose sessions at recording studios - some of the biggest pop hits have been created in just a few minutes - compared to classical music, where many of the greatest works were labored for over months, even years.
....you have no point to make. RB made exceptions to the rule perfectly clear....try again.
Very encouraging for young people especially! I'm glad you got around to making this video ❤ I wonder if crystalization is happening earlier now than it was? Like a perceived advantage in filling kids with facts and figures instead of encouraging their ability to think independently.
Maybe the rebelliousness of youth being suppressed or distracted but if that's the case it hasn't diminished the instability of society as far as I can see.
Take Bowie. An example of an artist who was still creating in their older age but the music is older too. A little slower. More reflective. More sophisticated. No 70 year old is going to write 'Queen Bitch'. Or 'My Generation' come to that.
I immediately thought of Bowie as well. He created great work until he died. Some of his very best work came well after 30. Look at the song Black Gives wayto Blue by Jerry Cantrell or Tears in Heaven by Clapton- written in his late 40s. It's time, place, level of genius and inspiration.
Oh Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I'm writing my current masterpiece... Queen Stone Heart's revenge and other shoes that fit! I've written this epic 2 minute piece on a giant pink kazoo while wearing a salmon spawning suit! At 70, I feel this is my definitive work for a world in need of overbearing and monstrous visual eye sores with an edge only the most critical ear might understand. It shall be heard outside "Hang Son Doong" in Vietnam at my first Funeral for an abscessed tooth and it's burial.
They might write 'My Generation' but it would be a completely different song.
But who cares to listen other than his hardcore fans?
Bowie may well have occasionally recorded fast-tempo, less-reflective music even into his old age, if the reaction to his "Earthling" album (recorded at age 49) hadn't been so mixed.
Cervantes points out that “the road is better than the inn”.
It’s the journey you miss when you’ve reached the destination.
Not only were they in their 20’s but they were also, for the most part, HUNGRY and STRUGGLING which can have an incredibly wonderful effect on so called ‘creativity’.
I think you are correct.
It's probably as much to do with sociology or socio-economics (where people fit into their lives as they mature) as some inherent biologically determined changes.
How often did we hear about an artist's LABEL imposing limits on what the artist wanted to try? The suits at the label are trying to duplicate some commercially successful formula, which puts the brakes on innovation. And the artist may feel the same need themselves. SOMETIMES, as when Santana hooked backed up with Clive Davis for Supernatural, because Santana specifically wanted to get back to the top of the charts to be relevant again, great work comes out of it. But mostly it results in retreads and stale output. How many artists get their new material rejected by audiences, who want to hear the greatest hits?
It's a rare artist who can reinvent themselves and find new successes. So they don't try to do it.
Nice...bravo Sir🎉
Yeeeeesssss! My best work and ideas came from traveling when I was a young adult.
Or in a more modern way: "Its got to be the goin, not the gettin there that's good" Harry Chapin - Greyhound
Worse: then they arrive and have to keep writing as if they're hungry because you can't mess with the formula. Trying to write "mature" songs is where most careers crash.
Nick Cave. The older he gets, the more amazing he becomes. His music has always been great, but the records he has put out over the last 8-10 years have been f'n amazing.
Agreed! Nick Cave has aged like fine wine.
I agree. I LOVE Nick Cave.
Rick,
Love it all. You explained this very well. Like the content of all your work.
I happen to live just north of Fairport and liked to hear your history also.
Keep it going !
Some people are just very talented and burn fast, while others take their time to develop skills, and find the inner music and inspiration.
I think creativity is subjective from individual to individual. I’m 35 and I just began to unleash creativity, cause in my 20’s I was crap, trying to copy artists and follow trends. I’m now fully released of that, I’ve just matured as an artist.
In some cases might be the young courage, the fearlessness of youth thinking that drives them to make music. And by the time they are 30, they simply realize they don’t like the music they did when being 20. And their new music might be perceived as “not as good”.
I also think hunger is a big driving force. Being rich and famous is just to good to be bothered anymore
I really appreciate this video, especially because it generated so many thoughtful insights in the comments below. It's nice to see people wrestling with hard intellectual concepts on the internet rather than just dog-piling one another.
Yes, a thoughtful and thought provoking vid from Rick. Perhaps he, like Miss Brodie, is in his prime
Donald Glover was in his mid 30s when he made Awaken My Love with Redbone. Kanye West was in his 30s when he made his most famous works. Damon Albarn created the Gorillaz at 30. Pharrell Williams is 51 and still producing hits. Charli XCX just released what I think will go down as one of the most iconic albums of the decade at 32. Outside of music, Van Gogh painted Starry Night at 36. There's so many examples to show creativity doesn't fade with age, some people just get boring.
Great episode Rick. I harken back to being extremely competitive in my younger years with a deep emotional desire to be a better musician/performer than other guitar players and songwriters. Acquired knowledge comes through study and practice. I recall competing to win the battle of the bands was a huge goal which supports my youthful competition theory. I found similarities in the desire to be picked to be on my baseball All Star team. The drive one must have to "acquire" both types of knowledge and deliver the goods physically and emotionally is easier in your 20's for the most part. And, as we age, one will lose a step so to speak and tend to lose our competitive edge. That being said, I don't have the desire or physical requirements to make the All-Star Team again. I do have plenty of creative desire to continue making music almost daily. The benefit of acquired knowledge is being able to pass on our invaluable wisdom to the youngsters.
Disruption, innovation and angst is a younger man’s game. But, wisdom, reality and perspective are the older man’s value. Not one, or the other. Both.
……and than u tube removes your comment.
There is something special about debut albums, when bands are really young, wild and don't overthink what they do.
Absolutely! I think it's the passion and rebellion of youth.
And many of their songs were fine tuned while touring, so they resonate with the listener more, I think.
@@mobanewman7139That's a good point. It's certainly true of the Beatles first album, which remains my favorite. The joy, excitement and energy is unmatched.
@@charleshuguley9323 When I think of albums like VH1 and Appetite, it's the raw energy and attitude that leaps out. All of the producers on those killer first albums have done a fantastic job, would have been easy to kill that special vibe by overworking things.
I agree with what you say. I play jazz and have noticed that my ability to improvise freshly has gradually diminished as I got older. However, I now have a storehouse of musical vocabulary that I can call on, collected over many years, and I can still do enough to perform in a band. I am 81. Still enjoying making music in bands since the age of 16.
Bro.... What? 81 and playing since 16. My man you surely are a powerhouse playing your instrument.
I dont think it has anything to do with age. It was more exciting when it was new to you. I have the same issue producing electronic music.
I still get pleasure out of playing although paying gigs are few nowadays. But I play in 2 social bands with old friends to keep my lip in.
The Taken edit was 👌 just when i realized, Rick is a (crystallozed) genius
I just turned 60 and have never been more creative in my songwriting, playing, and vocals. I am writing the best songs I ever have, now, and have been writing for 50 years! I think it depends on the artist.
Two things: Great lighting in this video, like a Dutch Master painting and WOW! Everybody has an opinion on this subject. I think that before 30ish we do more exploratory work and after that we do more "polishing " work. Basically we're learning our craft then using our craft.
Oh, my dear Rick!
I am sooo happy that you go back in your examples even some 300 years, back to J.S. Bach and the like. I truly appreciate that you, as a "rock" musician, have a thorough knowledge of the history of music and that you do not disregard the masterpieces of the past. You truly know broadly about music. And that's how it should be.
Great video. I've often thought this exact thing where it seems a person's dam bursts and they have a flood of creativity in their 20s that slows to a steady stream at +30.
When I was in my 20s the world was new, full of wonder, discovery was around every corner. Energy, passion, and excitement were everywhere. Now I am 52 and many of life's mysteries have been de mystified and it takes a lot to rev my engine and get me excited now. The only solution going forward is to say yes to as much as I possibly can.
Absolutely. The clock is ticking. Go for it! 😉
And yet Rick Beato is having his biggest success and impact on the world when he in his 60s!!! I think that this "age 30" premise is interesting but not really valid.
hes talking musically not youtube channels
Yes dude, using his crystallised intelligence, like he said in the video, which bolsters his point.
I was thinking the same thing. I would love it if he responded to your comment even though I agree with what he said as a general statement.
Can you imagine how good his channel would be if he was 27? I’m sure we wouldn’t get the same musical taste that he has.
@@FloridaMonty LOL!! I like your train of thought!
The responsibilities of our culture can definitely beatdown creativity and joy if you let it
The happiest people retain a childlike sense of wonder and excitement
Bingo!
Agreed
Every culture is like this, many are much worse.
@ god maybe you are right…
I appreciate the angle and also think it's partly to do with 'been there, done that'. Creativity changes shape as you get older. I composed a lot in my 20's. Today in my late 50's I've been creative in programming and video production for the last 20-30 years. Some recent compositions written after a decades long break were just as strong as what I was writing in my 20's, albeit in very different genres. Even today I've felt interest start to move in a more science, physics direction so you never can tell where creativity leads. Keep it fun and utilise all that's available and you'll rarely get bored.
As someone in my mid-30s, my priorities are my marriage, supporting my family through furthering my career, and raising my children well. My 20s were very creative, but also chaotic or sporadic. Now, I’m in a season that focuses more on followthrough and that’s been a great skill and personality to foster for my creativity; I even revisit great ideas from my early creative period, but I have the ability to actually execute them in a more mature manner. In that way, my creative output is better than it was when I was being bombarded by so much inspiration. Maybe, after the kids are graduated and I’m entering retirement I’ll have another deluge from the Muses. But until then, I enough on my plate to keep me busy personally, professionally, and creatively. (As though that last one isn’t playing a role in the first two.)
Many creative souls have their creativity hampered by the expectations and pressures of life choices and expectations of society that block their flow states and joy of existence.
When a soul in this position awakens to who they truly are and begins to follow their passions with gusto, everything changes.
I'm 53 now and have been writing, performing and recording for 40 years. I'm currently working on my biggest, most inspired and most passionate album to date. My passion and excitement for life has come full circle and has been unlocked in a beautiful way with my recent awakening.
Interesting that so many people in their 50's or 60's are sayin the same thing in this comment section. But when you listen to already established artist, famous rockbands. Their work is so much worse after 30. But somehow everybody in this comment section say that they are the most creative in their 50's, then they ever were.. 🤔
I've worked with many well established bands and artists in Australia as an engineer (live and recording) and many of them I listened to on the radio when I was a teenager. Many of them are just as good, if not better than they've ever been.
@@Atlas65Every next album by Periphery is more interesting than the previous one, and the latest one was released when the guys were in their late 30s-early 40s. That's probably 'not old enough' for you, but that's definitely 30+ no matter how you look at it.
As a creative, and having been doing video here on TH-cam now for almost 15 years, I think that it falls to "The Grind," doing what you do day after day--likely 300 to 340 days a year. I have seen my creativity ebb and rise as I've been rolling through time. I've watched others surpass my numbers in record time. Been driven into depression by this. That depression, the need for daily work, the grind of the social media machine has taken a toll on me. So I can say that, for me, the grind is what crashed my creativity for a while. I've learned that I will probably never be Vice Grip Garage level, or Rick Beato level, but I am happy creating again, and feeling creative again. It is a good discussion, but also VERY subjective.
You're onto something here. Youth in their peak years (usually) being able to create better...almost "anything" than their older counterparts.
I think revolutionary, new ideas are coming forth here.
Much of what you talk about can be distilled into the social situation. I found when I was surrounded by younger people, my creativity and adaptability was at its peak - even at age 40+. Now I'm pushing mid 50s and don't have that same social network, it gets more difficult. Yet I refuse to be stuck in the mindset of so many others in my age group.
Having teenage kids helps a lot.
I can attest to that. 12 years ago I was in a band with my son and his good friend, they were in their late 20's and me in my mid 50's and the inspiration just flowed. Coming home from band practice with all these great Ideas kept me up for hours working them out. Now I occasionally play with musicians my age and older and there's less inspiration to create much as the energy gets lost in the 'good old time' perspective.
I found that being around teenagers and people in their early 20s was such a breath of fresh air. I really can't see myself going back to the same old office environment after that, so I'm working on switching careers. Art Blakey felt the same way, so hopefully I'm in good company :-)
Younger people are free to experiment and play around with ideas. The cost of mistakes are low, you have few commitments and years ahead of you to put things right, there is little risk.
By contrast a 50 Yr old say probably has a career, a family and a home and cannot take this path.
So if you did music when you left school and formed a band you are more likely to produce a hit. You can't form a band at 50 or very few can.
It's societal, not creativity.
Intriguing.
So why can't a 50+ year old not be free to "experiment and play around with ideas"?
@nicholasbell9017 In theory, nothing. In practice, few have the time to master their craft, develop a style and become famous.
@@nicholasbell9017If he leaves his full time job (which, we assume, is at that point not music) and has a great source of passive income… sure, why not?
I'm in my late 40s and almost died a few years ago from an illness. Maybe it was from that experience or from not caring as much about other's opinions as I've gotten older but I had an insane urge to start learning/ playing as many instruments as I can. Painting and drawing, getting out into nature. There aren't enough hours in the day to fit in all of the new things I want to discover for myself and play around with these discoveries.
There are people in their 70s, 80s and 90s doing amazing things but they are behind closed doors. They are doing it for themselves and not necessarily to perform for others. This might be why there's the perception that creativity is associated with youth.
Fascinating Rick! Love your videos, best wishes from the UK👍
I'm 75 and I ain't mad at ya. You are completely right. You just brought reality more into focus for me.
Once I could afford all the instruments and tools I wanted in order to create, my creativity had waned. Bummer!
He's not completely right, he's partially right. There are numerous other factors at play
You have a lifetime of experience and all of your ideas to pull from for your first record. From that point forward, each subsequent record only has a fraction of that experience shaping the ideas for your music, and some of your first and perhaps best ideas have already been tapped into, perhaps leaving you with less to pull from. It’s only natural that there are only so many ‘best’ ideas in any one person, and everything else will fall short, regardless of quality
@@jdmaynash2 The first album is rarely the best tho.
Agree. It some point, you say everything you had to say creatively (some more, some less) and start rehashing old ideas.
Dvorak’s quality of composition developed until his final composition, his ‘cello concerto, just before his death
I love his Cello concerto
You make a great point in this video. Makes a lot of sense. Rock/pop- mostly inspired by fluid intel. Classical- mostly inspired by crystalized intel. Jazz- mix of both. My favorite genre is prog rock. Most prog bands were at their best in their classic days when they were in their 20s.
What about Allan Holdsworth? "City Nights"? He was 43 when he did that. Check out his tune "Every Tenth Man" on youtube (taken from a live show when he was in his sixties but never got released on record). He had additional new songs "Insomniac", "Pirate of Fukuoka" plus the tune "Earth" (2015) did get released - he was 69 when he recorded that. It is on youtube which is one of the last things he released that was new - written by Virgil Donati but Allan's reharmonizations on Synthaxe of that tune still sounds amazing to me. His guitar solo is one of the most melodic I've heard him do. Plus there's a recording of a concert he did at Alvas Showroom just weeks before he died where he was still playing well. He was an improviser so much so that much of what he did sounded new and fresh. Not everyone is Allan Holdsworth I'll give you.
QueenV14 nailed it. FOR MOST PEOPLE, LIFE HAPPENS AFTER 30. The job, the mortgage, the kids, the wife, social media with the echo chambers, the rabbit holes, etc.
Yes! I had more time (and less talent) when I was in my 20s. Now, in my 50s, I have much less time, but - arguably - more talent. Honestly, I think there are a number of factors, but simply having the time is vital. 🤘
Yeah but Ricks talking about huge successful artists who have tons of free time in their 30's and beyond.
@@acf8888 They had free time because they had "made it". What's the inspiration at that point? I remember Dee Snider talking about how hard it was to write angry rock anthems once he had "made it" and was sitting out by the pool LOL. There are many factors in this, but lack of inspiration has to be one.
@@keithavarney170 Is it more talent that you have now? Or is it more experience and now, you're just better because you're seasoned? Genuine question. . .
@@verisof I think it might be a bit of both. To be honest I never gave it much thought prior to watching this video.
00:10 seconds in: Im already mad at Rick!
People got mad at me today, too, so I quit!
Just another day on the Internet 😂
Me too 😡
Lol
I think of what Steve Howe did in a matter of 3 years. Clap - Roundabout - Close to the edge and other epic pieces and extraordinary flat picking. All is his 20’s! 😊 Great take Ric!