What The B-52’s Can Teach You About Creativity

“Hop on the cosmic wagon train!” - B-52’s

The B-52’s just released their first new album in sixteen years. It’s called Funplex (of course it is!) and it’s terrific. You may or may not like the B-52’s, but they’ve got a lot to teach us about creativity. Here are a few tips from one of rock’s most original bands:

1. Have Fun.

B-52’s music is infused with fun. They are fun. How can you not dance to Rock Lobster, Loveshack, or Private Idaho? When it comes to your creativity, are you having fun yet? Sure, the creative process can be frustrating, even painstaking. But that’s part of the birthing process. As long as it’s a labor of love, even the pain contains joy. The B-52’s remind us to have fun creating and living. Even when their lyrics are dark, the music is upbeat. Life can, and should be, a celebration.

2. Stay true to yourself.

The B-52’s are more than a band - they’re a brand. They know who they are, they know what you expect, and they deliver it. That’s focus. That’s smart business. You don’t see them straying from who they are, suddenly releasing classical music albums. They don’t apologize for making almost nothing but party anthems. It’s what they do best, they stick to it, and that’s why we love them.

3. Be memorable.

There’s only one B-52’s. They combine dance grooves with quirky, kitschy sensibilities, bouffant hairdos, surf-rock guitar, and trippy vocals. There’s nobody else like them.

What kind of creator do you want to be? Are you happy making paintings, or writing, or starting a business to make extra money? If so, that’s wonderful - there’s nothing wrong with that. The act of creating for it’s own sake is soul-nourishing and fulfilling. However, if you want to take things to another level, strive to be like the B-52’s and figure out a way to hone your talents and become memorable.

4. Persevere.

Did you know that one of the B-52’s founding members, Ricky Wilson, (brother of blonde singer, Cindy) died of AIDS in 1985? Despite the huge loss for the band, a couple of years later they released their biggest, best-selling album ever - Cosmic Thing. It contained a little song called Loveshack.

Still, even after the success of Cosmic Thing, another blow: Cindy left the band. They persevered and toured without her. Now, sixteen years later, Cindy is back, and Funplex picks up right where the band left off.

Successful creators seem to persevere, despite setbacks and frustrations, no matter how many times they get rejected. Why? Because creating is like breathing - it’s something we need to do to feel vibrant and alive. It’s our way of connecting.

5. Embrace and accept your limitations, and make them work for you.

Fred Schneider is the member of the B-52’s who barks orders at us like a crazed party planner:

“I’ve got me a car, it seats about twenty, so hurry up and bring your jukebox money!”

Can we really call Fred a singer? Not really. He’s no Frank Sinatra. Yet he handles lead vocals on most B-52 songs. He’s a huge reason the band is so fun, successful, and memorable. How does he pull it off?

What he lacks in singing ability, he makes up for in spades with style, charisma, and confidence. His wacky spoken-word vocals compliment and contrast with the angelic harmonies provided by Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. Together they’re like one big crazy family, each playing a key role.

How can you take your own creative limitations, and use them as strengths?

6. It’s good to be weird.

Weird can be good, because it means originality. Look at Tim Burton, creator of Edward Scissorhands; maybe the most successful weird guy ever. The B-52’s embrace their weird natures and deliver memorable content. Can you imagine how many of their uptight, straight-laced friends and family members discouraged them when they first got started? Yet here they are, weirder and better than ever.

Any quirky thoughts you’d like to share about this post? Leave a comment!