Play Time with David Bowie

On 'Hunky Dory', the concept of play, and bringing more creativity into your life

The other day when I was out for a run in sauna-like weather, I recreated the iconic dancing-in-the-street scene from Frances Ha, starring Greta Gerwig. You know the one, where Frances (Gerwig) is running down Chinatown NYC, twirling and skipping and doing splits among traffic and pedestrians while David Bowie’s 80s smash hit “Modern Love” plays. If not, refresh your memory below and then just sit with the image of me doing the same thing.

I love this scene so much. Not only is it synced to one of my favorite David Bowie songs but also it’s such a pure distillation of play. Although not a new concept, play is something I’ve been thinking about lately and actively implementing more into my adult life. Play is typically referred to, and relegated as, a child’s activity, but there are incredible benefits to keeping play alive as we age. The definition of play, according to the Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development, can apply to any phase of life in which you find yourself:

Play is a spontaneous, voluntary, pleasurable and flexible activity involving a combination of body, object, symbol use and relationships. In contrast to games, play behaviour is more disorganized, and is typically done for its own sake (i.e., the process is more important than any goals or end points).

I gravitate to this specific line in the definition, especially when I think about how play can inspire creativity: “[…] typically done for its own sake (i.e., the process is more important than any goals [...]).” By not focusing on the end result, play lets you live presently in the means of the activity itself. Without fear of judgment or the burden of outcome, play puts imagination in the driver’s seat. It can unlock a state of flow, a.k.a. getting ‘into the zone,’ which often provides the inspiration needed to achieve great art. Simply put, play fosters creativity.

In the times that I have engaged in play, I have found myself more inspired to create. In fact, it was during the aforementioned Frances Ha dramatization that I was inspired to write about this very topic and its relation to arguably the greatest player of our time: Davey Jones. Ziggy Stardust. Aladdin Sane. The Thin White Duke.

David Bowie.

the many faces (and records) of david bowie

As I ran, danced, and avoided passerby while listening to “Modern Love,” the album opener from Bowie’s most commercial album 1983’s Let’s Dance, I couldn’t help but also think about his very first masterpiece 1971’s Hunky Dory. Without Hunky Dory, there would be no “Modern Love”. Without Hunky Dory, frankly, there would be no Bowie music. In Hunky Dory, Bowie simultaneously executes and expands upon many layered definitions of play, setting the stage for the uninhibited and unlimited creative experimentation process that would influence the rest of his artistic career. The immediate result, though? A pure, authentic expression of himself; a wholly original type of sound; and a fresh start for his superstardom.

After trying to be a self-serious mod on David Bowie (1967), an extraterrestrial folk hippie on Space Oddity (1969), and a myth-making rocker on The Man Who Sold the World (1970), Bowie followed his artistic urges and pivoted drastically for his next studio album. Instead of leading with guitar-first arrangements, he drafting piano-driven compositions that mixed glam rock with baroque folk and art pop into something only he could produce. Throughout the entire album, he experimented with his vocals and cadence to exude not only magnetic charisma but also musical whimsy and silliness. Hunky Dory just sounds playful.

Rather than trying to fit into the existing London scene, Bowie tried being himself - even if he didn’t know exactly who, or what, he was. And, as we all know, being himself also meant being other people. The chameleon of rock ‘n roll, the cracked actor - David Bowie was a thespian. It’s no coincidence that the record’s cover image is inspired by the glamorous Hollywood actresses of the past.

Hunky Dory is a pop masterpiece flowing with orchestral arrangements and vibrant lyrical imagery. There’s not one bad song - it’s a complete vision of exploration and reinvention, a musical document of the entire creative process. You can hear Bowie trying to figure out who he is and getting lost in the search for his own voice and identity, an experience that he describes in the opening lyrics of his self-made theme song “Changes.”

I still don't know what I was looking for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet

So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test

The theme of play, as first demonstrated on Hunky Dory, is prevalent throughout his entire discography, too. You can see its influences on Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, where he inhabited a totally new alien persona; on Low, where he used producer Brian Eno’s oblique strategies to break up his creative process and produce unimaginable new sounds; even on his later, equally brilliant albums like 1997’s Earthling, where he was inspired by Nine Inch Nails and 90s drum-and-bass to produce his own twisted take on the popular industrial sound at the time. Bowie was a player, who trusted wherever his creativity led him.

the handwritten notes on the back cover is a nice touch

Which brings me back to that Friday morning run, where I channeled my inner Greta Gerwig/David Bowie. As I leapt in front of Elysian Barbershop (where I get my haircut), I happened to lock eyes with the owner Vic. Without hesitation, he offered me a cup of water. I was taken aback by this kind and simple gesture. We ended up having an incredibly pleasant conversation about our running routes, our wives, and our passions. I felt filled with not only joy from such a great interaction but also, quite frankly, a little more faith in humanity.

I knew that play could foster creativity, but I hadn’t expected that engaging in play could also foster human connection. Then again, maybe it’s the only thing I should have expected. So, the next time you’re blasting Bowie and/or feel the urge to act silly, to create something, or to even strike up a conversation with someone, listen hard, and follow through with it.

You never know where it will lead you next.

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Recommendations inspired by David Bowie’s Hunky Dory

Off the Record: David Bowie (Podcast)

From iHeart Media, this podcast series “breaks down the life, or rather lives, of David Bowie” through the different characters that defined his career. It’s an expansive, thrilling, and pretty complete history of the legendary superstar. More, though, it’s provides insight into the mind and thought process of a creative genius.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin (Book)

Prolific prophet producer Rick Rubin (Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys) has written a beautiful book about the creative process as a way of life. He delicately breaks down elements of creativity into digestible bits that anyone can model and utilize in their artistry. One of the best reads of the summer and a huge influence on this very newsletter, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to foster and evolve their creativity.

“Bring More Play Into Your Life” (Podcast)

For a more focused breakdown on the concept of play, listen to this short episode from NPR’s LifeKit. It also shares tips and on how to bring more play into your daily routine, and the benefits that come with it.

Permanent Records Roadhouse (Record Store)

A bar, a music & comedy venue, a record store, and a great patio - Permanent Records Roadhouse is all of your favorite places to hang out combined into one. You’ll find every music genre in the shop, from psych rock and heavy metal to punk, salsa, funk, and jazz. Their events calendar is stacked with concerts, comedy shows, and music trivia nights. They also serve a pretty damn tasty Michelada. Can’t make it to the shack? Check out their Instagram, where they host nightly sales of great records at fair prices. While I was in the shop the other day, I said to the owner Lance, “Thank you for the instagram sales. You guys helped get me through the pandemic.” His response? “No, you guys got us through it.”

Starman: The Best of David Bowie (Playlist)

Bowie’s discography is expansive, so if you’re looking for an easier entry point, here’s a playlist of my favorite songs from his catalogue, both well-known and obscure.

Honorable Mentions:

• On Bowie by Rob Sheffield (Book)

• Moonage Daydream (Documentary)

• The Last Five Years (Documentary)

• “Dancing in the Street” by David Bowie and Mick Jagger (Music Video) - recommendation from my wife Alysia because she loves this video so much

That’s it for the second volume of First Pressing. Thanks for sticking around, and hope to see you at the next issue. Until then, happy spinning :)

Kadrian

P.S. Whether it’s a Bowie record or a creative activity, what are you playing today?