SIMPLY ELABORATE blog

Posts Tagged ‘music’

The last couple of weeks I’ve been getting back into the creative groove by becoming a mini-groupie of an up-and-coming musician Henry Nozuka. Lindsey Drennan and I found out about him when we went to The Piston on Bloor last Monday to view the short film premiere of Making Sense by Natalie Johnson. He did the soundtrack of the film and was there for the showing and we were both amazed at the sheer ease and passion that he played his songs with.

Since then, we’ve followed his band Down By Riverside on MySpace and followed him and his brothers playing around the city at Supermarket in Kensington on Sunday and at The 460 last night where Henry and a few of his brothers played music all night to celebrate his birthday (the youngster turned a whopping 20 years old).

While I can’t speak on Lindsey’s behalf, I can speak on mine and say that this guy has sparked back the inspiration that I’ve severely needed this last little bit. Henry walks through life not needing much more than his blue guitar and a pick. Choosing to perform most of his sets barefoot at open mic nights around the city, and subsequently on the curbs outside said establishments because his devote followers can’t get enough and want more, Henry is a bit of a local celebrity in downtown Toronto – a small celebrity, but one nonetheless. Humbled as he sang through his set last night, clearly shocked, amazed and appreciative of all his friends making it out to celebrate, his calm, idle smile he usually carries was a wide grin as his fingers strummed his guitar and his voice cooed his Jack Johnson-like rhythm lyrics.

Living in this cutthroat world can make finding inspiration rather difficult at times. The competition to always get ahead, be first, have the life society wants can be draining and often de-motivating. Where I stand in my life right now, smack dab in the middle between creative freelancer and corporate entity, it’s difficult to constantly make sure I’m inspired and motivated. Having the corporate world stare down at me while I go against the norms is a little daunting, scary and risky. But when you really think about it, aren’t those the same things that make the end result that much better?

I’m amazed the most at the way Henry seems to go through and against the societal norms with ease and without expectation. He carries himself with love and acceptance of those around him (“peace, a better world is possible” is his current status on Facebook). No judgment, anger or jealousy. He owns no cell phone, but everyone knows how to get a hold of him and where he’s going to be. He takes donations wherever he plays in Toronto, not for his livelihood but for organizations that are in need (last night’s donations were for flood victims of Pakistan). He canvasses during the day for wildlife organizations and charities and is just happy. It’s a type of personality and lifestyle that one can find envious.

Instead of being envious, however, we can use experiences we have in life to inspire us, help us realize and remember that each and every one of us are different and help this world in different ways. And it’s pretty amazing when you find that inkling of inspiration. Go find yours.

Henry Nozuka plays alongside his brother Christian every Sunday at Supermarket in Kensington Market and other establishments around the city, say hello and he’ll gladly tell you where you can find him playing throughout the week.