On Creativity and Staying Human

I have something illicit and a little “purple” to share with you.

(But first shameless plugs, because I really want to see you and play music for you (and I’ll bring this all together again in a minute). Here are all my upcoming “bespoke” shows (in addition to my open mic appearances):

• Belmont Porchfest on Sept 9
• Open Mic America October 15
• Fenway Neighborhood Center October TBD
• ISSA Event at Arlington Center for the Arts December 10

I really love knowing you are there and hearing this music. In my songwriting group the other day we spoke about why we do what we do. For me, and several of the others, the answer is that we write because we have to, that there are songs we want to hear that haven’t been written, and things we want to say. We also hope that the art that we make reflects our own voice, our own experience, and is relatable to those who come in contact with it.

A friend of mine has been researching AI, and urged me to go ahead and get up to speed. So I went to ChatGPT and after learning a little bit about how the system works, I prompted it to write a blog in my style, referencing my website, on the topic of music, travel, and friendship. Here’s what it came up with:

Title: Roaming Rhymes: A Harmonious Journey of a Traveling Songwriter and the Melodies of Friendship

Hey there, music aficionados and wanderlust-driven souls! It’s your sonic soulmate, Chris Steele, coming at you with a tale spun from the heartstrings of my trusty guitar and the open road. Today, we embark on a melodic voyage through the vast landscapes of Canada and the United States, tracing the footprints of a traveling songwriter and the harmonious bonds of friendship that weave through the fabric of my journey.

Canada, oh Canada—your rugged beauty and serene vistas have been both my muse and canvas. From the rustic charm of Montreal’s cobblestone streets to the endless expanse of the Canadian prairies, each note I strum reverberates with the spirit of this land. But what truly transforms these tunes into something magical is the friendships that blossom along the journey.

In Toronto, I met Sarah, a fellow dreamer with an angelic voice that could tame even the wildest of storms. Our impromptu jam sessions by the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario gave birth to melodies that seemed to dance on the wind itself. The harmonies we created together spoke of shared dreams, unspoken hopes, and the eternal connection forged through music. Isn’t it fascinating how the chords of friendship can be as enchanting as the chords of a melody?

But let me tell you, dear readers, that the road of a traveling songwriter is not without its challenges. The nights spent sleeping in the back of my van, the missed connections, and the solitude of long stretches on the highway often test one’s spirit. Yet, it is during these moments of adversity that the bonds of friendship shine brightest.

In Austin, Texas, I met Lily, a resilient fiddler whose melodies could mend even the most broken of hearts. Together, we weathered a sudden rainstorm that threatened to dampen our spirits, transforming it into an impromptu jam session under a makeshift tarp. Our laughter and music resonated through the rain-soaked streets, reminding me that it’s not just the destination but the shared moments that truly define the journey.

So, my fellow music enthusiasts, as I strum my guitar under the star-studded skies of a Canadian wilderness or serenade the bustling streets of a vibrant American city, I’m reminded of the power of music to transcend borders, connect souls, and forge friendships that are as timeless as the melodies we create. The road may be long and winding, but with each chord struck and each note sung, I’m reminded that I’m never truly alone. Through the tapestry of tunes and the symphony of friendships, this traveling songwriter finds his true north—a melody that resonates with the beating heart of the world.

Until next time, my friends, keep chasing your dreams and embracing the harmonies of life’s grand adventure.

With love and lyrics,
Chris Steele

So, that is…. Something. First, of course, it is a complete work of fiction (sadly, neither Lily nor Sarah really exists).

Second, for as colorful as the language is, it is not quite my voice. Certainly, I do try to add color to anything that I do, but this is way over the top. It certainly steals from my style, but it is absolutely not my voice.

And that, I think, really brings me to my core point. None of it is authentic. Entertaining, yes, but it doesn’t speak to any experience that I (or very likely anyone) have had. It doesn’t speak with the resonance of truth or reality and because of that, I am skeptical that it will ever really be art in the same way that we understand it.

None of this is by way of saying that we artists are safe. Everything that we are seeing out of the Hollywood writers and actors right now speaks to the risk of letting machines take over for the human heart when it comes to creative expression. However, there is a discernible difference between the synthetic and the real, and for my part I hope that we continue to value things that are real.

Thank you, and I hope to see you in the flesh at one of my upcoming shows very soon!

With love and lyr…. Yeah no, I just can’t say it,

Chris

P.S. My next blog will be about how I’m not actually an MI5 spy. Seriously. Not kidding. Stay tuned.