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Dix pour Cent (“Call My Agent”, in the English version) is a French sitcom released in 2015 that revolves around the lives of talent agents working at a Parisian agency. The plot focuses on the professional and personal challenges they face while representing a diverse array of clients in the entertainment industry.

Throughout its four seasons, the show portrays the intricacies of deal-making, client relations, and the glamorous, yet demanding, world of show business. The first season ends with the following sentence, said by senior agent Arlettte Azémar, played by actress Liliane Rovère:

“When things are not going well, there will always be the cinema“

I really like this phrase, and whenever necessary, I resort to its variant:

When things are not going well, there will always be the music.

For me, this is not just a catchphrase, but rather a profound belief that serves as a key to open the door to a refuge that welcomes me when things are going wrong and the world seems like an incomprehensible place.

It is as if the music becomes a soothing companion, providing solace and understanding when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. Far from being an exclusive privilege of music, this healing element is present in all arts.

I am sure that different forms of art have already provided comfort in challenging situations in your life, just as they have in mine, but I would guess that most times you did not realize that they were the ones doing the trick, crediting you well-being feeling to external factors (the place, the company etc), instead of ralizing the magic was happening in you.

I mena, you do not need to be a painter, or a dancer, or a filmmaker to feel the same way about Painting, Dance or Cinema. Just find a form of expression that is dear to you and enjoy it.

Whether producing or consuming art mindfully, by focusing on the comforting and healing aspects of it, you unlock healing companions, who can be very helpful in seeking refuge and emotional relief. In times of difficulty, it is important to intentionally make space for art to manifest itself as a source of comfort in our lives.

The transformative impact of art during challenging moments comes from its power of providing emotional support and, sometimes, that is all we need.

One way to do this is by setting aside dedicated time for creative activities. It does not have have to be much, it can be minutes or hours, you will find out what works best for you.

Whether it is writing, painting, playing an instrument or simply listening to that song you like (and if you suddenly feel ike dancing to it, even better). Creating a designated space for artistic expression can also help, as it signals to the mind that this is a priority. It can be as simple as choosing a nice place to read a book.

Actively seeking out and immersing yourself in art forms can provide a sense of comfort when the world is being mean to us. It is all about recognizing the value of art in providing emotional nourishment and intentionally incorporating it into your daily life. Every simple gesture counts.

When everything goes wrong, the arts always remain, as a healing source that never runs out.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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In the seventeenth episode of the fourth season of the sitcom Sex and The City, acclaimed actress Candice Bergen made her first appearance as the character Enid Frick, the Vogue editor of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker).

Enid is not easy to get along with and criticizes Carrie frequently, but when the editor insinuates that Carrie does not know anything about shoes, the protagonist responds with a very witty phrase, half snobbish, half wise: “Men I may not know, but shoes… shoes I know!”

I remembered the scene this week when I went to a beauty salon. It was my turn there, but I had been following the social media of the place for some time and thought it served what I needed: trimming the ends of my hair.

Some context: I cannot remember a time when I actually enjoyed going to beauty salons. It probably has to do with the fact that, in general, I do not leave the place looking amazing, as with many women do. Why? I have no idea, but maybe it is because trendy cutting and finishing styles (straightening, drying with a diffuser, etc.) do not usually give good results on my hair. In the end, I always return to my good, old homemade way of doing things, and that is how I really like it.

In practice, this means that I have extensive and lengthy experience with my hair and have a good idea of what damages or improves its appearance. I am not a professional in the field, and I probably would not know how to give good advice about anyone’s hair. But when it comes to my locks, I am like Carrie Bradshaw to Enid: I know my hair.

So, when a hairdresser, after talking about himself for 20 minutes and not even touching my hair, starts listing a list of things I can or cannot do, I tend to perceive it as a bad start.There is no point in trying to cover up the fact that there is no hot water in the taps, with the false advice that warm water (not hot, just not cold) will be extremely harmful to me, because I will notice.

There is no point in swearing to me that your way of styling is unique, and in the end just clogging my head with styling cream, especially if it is a low-quality one. I might be going through a low-budget phase (who hasn’t?), but my nose still knows how to differentiate between a good cosmetic and an imitation. You see, the hairdresser was not bad, only too, let us say, pretentious.

After I got home, washed it, and styled my hai my way, I gotta admit I actually liked the cut. The only issue is having to play the whole “influencer game,” you know, having to accept something just because the person has tons of followers on social media. That is what happened with this professional. I mean, the social media of the place was on point, most posts had lots of likes and amazing reviews, and they never hinted that reality was any less glamorous (trust me, washing your head with super cold water is anything but glamorous).

When it comes to taste, contrary to what people say, there is a lot to discuss, debate and inform. Perhaps people would change their opinion about many products and services if they had the chance to use them, intead of only getting the opinion from the so-called influencers. A good way to value services and products is to learn about their costs of production in terms of work, skills involved, preparation time and execution.

The coolest experiences have always been the ones we live on our own, but I’ve noticed that we’re letting the algorithms of the platforms take over too much of this power, hardly ever stepping out of our bubbles where everything similar to our thoughts is right and everything different is wrong.

What bothers me most about algorithm culture is that it does not matter who you are or what you do: the important thing is to constantly brag about yourself, your achievements and your overwhelming qualities. How can we blame the hairdresser who would not stop talking about himself, if doctors, musicians, lawyers, students, travelers, in short, everyone is there, on the internet doing the same?

Following the manual exhaustively repeated in the thousand and one tutorials on how to sell anything and everything we turned all the “experiences” in our lives in sales pitches. We create empathy, we cite examples that prove our social validation, we primisse to solve the pain of our customer, we follow the journey of the hero… we read the whole script.

Maybe part of our collective anxiety comes from the feeling that we need to “close a sale” at all times, whatever that “sale” may be, from a cosmetic treatment, a service, a new relationship, a new single. This constant pressure to achieve a successful outcome in every situation can create a sense of unease and perpetual striving.

It is as if we are constantly on the lookout for potential opportunities to “seal the deal” in various aspects of our lives, whether it is through personal improvement, professional advancement, or social interactions. This mindset can lead to constant stress and the belief that we must always be in a state of negotiation with ourselves and others.

One potential solution to reduce the impact of algorithm culture on personal decision-making and self-worth is to prioritize self-awareness and mindfulness. By consciously reflecting on our values, goals, and genuine desires, we can make decisions based on internal authenticity rather than external pressures.

Cultivating a diverse range of offline experiences and real-world connections that are not governed by algorithmic recommendations also helps, for it allows fae-to-face interactions, unburdened by the constant pursuit of digital validatio.

By prioritizing genuine experiences over external validations, we reclaim our autonomy and self-worth, recognizing that true value lies in meaningful connections and personal fulfillment rather than in the metrics of algorithmic approval.

Advertising is good, but what really keeps customers is good merchandise, good stuff. And good suff, darling, good stuff I know.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Mulholland Dr.ive is a 2001 film written and directed by David Lynch. In this intriguing work, a scene that has become iconic is that of the protagonists Betty and Rita at “Club Silencio” (love the name!): it starts with the master of ceremonies explains that everything is an illusion (there is no band, and yet we hear a band). The women soon cry to the sound of the Spanish version of “Crying” by Rebekah del Rio. The artist faints, but the singing continues, revealing that the audio is a playback recording.

I could not help thinking of this scene so full of meanings, while watching on tv to the recent performance of popstar Madonna in Rio de Janeiro, in a mega show for over 1,5 million people on the Copacabana beach.

The magnitude of the show was undeniable. From the dedicated members of her team to the remarkable audience numbers for the live broadcast, every aspect of the event was larger than life. Even the undertaking of cleaning up the Copacabana beach after the concert was colossal, highlighting the immense scale of the production.

All the figures surrounding the presentation are gigantic, except one, which, by the way, is zero: the number of musicians on stage.

Such nonsense, in addition to the fact that the vocals themselves are based on pre-recorded bases, made me think about how a performance like this cannot be considered, strictly speaking, a concert. After all, what is the place of music in pop?

When considering the performance, technology, and the perception of musical artistry within the realm of pop music, it is important to acknowledge the dynamic interplay between these elements. The evolution of technology has not only revolutionized the way music is produced and consumed, but it has also significantly impacted the performance aspect of pop music.

Advances in audio recording, digital effects, and electronic instruments have provided artists with unprecedented creative tools, allowing them to push the boundaries of their artistry. From the use of Auto-Tune to enhance vocal performances, to the incorporation of electronic instruments and samples in live shows, technology has become an integral part of pop music, raising questions about the authenticity and artistry of these performances.

It is disheartening to witness major international pop stars, Madonna being just one example among many, dismissing musicians during their world tours. This behavior raises questions about fair treatment and respect within the music industry. When artists who have reached the pinnacle of success neglect their supporting musicians, it is, well, disappointing, to say the least.

Maybe it is about time we start giving classical music some more love. I have always been impressed by how this genre manages to evolve while still holding onto its core essence. I mean, imagine shelling out to watch an opera, only to find out that the lead soprano is lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks? That would be a real scandal, right? So why do we naturalize it in current pop?

I’m aware that it’s difficult to make such criticisms without sounding extremely old-fashioned, but I’m willing to take the risk. After all, I also find some things very old-fashioned, for example, hypersexualized performances. I know that the saying “sex sells” dictates the rules, but I also know that at this point in time, such performances seem more boring than revolutionary. It is all so repetitive!

Do you know what would be revolutionary now? a performance less polluted by stage elements and complicated choreography, based on the artists’ talent and ability to perform live on stage. In short, entertainment that actually entertains, instead of just distracting.

Returning to talent-focused entertainment can have a profound impact on the industry, emphasizing skill and artistry over other superficial qualities. Embracing talent-focused entertainment can lead to a resurgence of genuine artistry, captivating audiences with the sheer brilliance and passion of performers.

In a world saturated with manufactured personas, placing talent at the forefront can breathe new life into the industry, offering audiences an authentic and awe-inspiring entertainment experience.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a significant meeting focused on the execution of a project of mine fora a musical performance, which has been approved through a public selection process. As is often the case, meetings of this nature are not typically filled with excitement. Despite the usual lack of excitement, there was a palpable sense of purpose and determination in the room, as everyone was committed to driving their projects forward and achieving tangible results.

The key to nailing any project is top-notch project management and crystal-clear communication. Making sure everyone is on the same page and totally clued in on the goals of the project is absolutely crucial. And when it comes to dealing with public funds, I cannot stress enough how important it is to be extra careful, double-checking every responsibility and sticking to the rules like glue. After all, it is our money, right?

This whole extra attention can really make us feel like we gotta be on our best behavior, you know? It is all about making sure we handle things the right way and own up to our actions, especially when we are working on projects funded by the public. I am totally onboard with that, but it would be so nice to have some help with all the other stuff! It is tough to stay focused on the music when you’ve got to juggle being your own manager, assistant, and accountant, too.

Sometimes, it is hard not to feel the levels of motivation vary, but in such moments (during boring meetings, for example) I reflect on the journey leading up to this point. I remind myself of the challenges involved in the selection process of public-funded projects, the extensive work required to create and articulate the project proposal, and the substantial weight of responsibility that comes with it.

Ok, I understand that all this theorizing is not always enough to eliminate the boredom of a meeting about the administrative and legal details of executing an artistic project. Fear not, for I haveanother, infallible exercise. I create what I call a “quiet moment’, that is, a moment of reflection in some silent place in my mind, where there is only room for one question: why am I here?

The journey of overcoming challenges is deeply rooted in my passion to create meaningful content that resonates with my audience. Each obstacle surmounted becomes a milestone, shaping me into a more capable and empathetic creator. Moving forward, my focus remains steadfast on crafting compelling and engaging content that not only entertains but also fosters genuine connections.

Every step is a testament to the dedication and perseverance it takes to navigate through the intricate web of artistic production. It takes rime to learn about project development and management, but I feel that it gets a bit easier everytime, which means I am learning the ropes.

Each obstacle overcome represents a triumph, a step forward in the pursuit of creating something impactful and meaningful to the audience, a true wish for becoming a better performer. Every challenge I overcome shows how determined and resilient I am to make a real impact. It is all about making progress and moving forward in my mission to create content that truly connects with my audience.

Quiet moments (even if they happen in a crowdy room) of inner contemplation and self-reflection the source where I find the strength to carry on. As I sit in these meetings, surrounded by paperwork and discussions, I am reminded of the bigger picture, the greater purpose behind the meticulous planning and effort, and it ignites a renewed sense of determination to see it through to fruition.

Boring meetings do not seem so bad when I think about all the challenges faced and overcome in order to get here. Actually, these tedious moments are actually the type of problems I always want to deal with.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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What is your favourite superhero power? Which one would you like to have yourself? Are you sure you could live with it? Let me tell you something: Despite being exciting and awe-inspiring in fiction, superpowers might be incredibly challenging to manage in everyday life. And I really should know, because I have a superpower myself, true story.

Oh, I never told you about it? Well, I do. I have super senses. Well, at least some. Definitely the hearing. So, when the doctor asked for an audiometry to try to find the reason for my increasingly frequent sinusitis, I thought: “Okay, but I am sure it will not help us in this case”.

Obediently, I strolled in for my audiometry test. And guess what? The verdict: even better than last time! The doc was all impressed, but before you accuse me of bragging, let me assure you, having super hearing does not make my life easier and neither make me immune to pesky sinusitis attacks! Oh, the little ironies of life!

Having heightened hearing abilities can be both a blessing and a curse. In fact, they may introduce their own set of unique struggles: while it is fascinating to pick up on even the faintest of sounds, it also means being constantly bombarded with the cacophony of everyday life. The hum of electricity, the rustle of leaves, the distant chatter of people – they all merge into an overwhelming symphony that never seems to fade.

Ah, the delightful paradox of possessing extraordinary abilities while being surrounded by ordinary adversities! In my case, the greatest obstacle happens to be my cacophonous, off-key neighbors. I cannot help but ponder whether this is an unavoidable prerequisite for renting a space in this building. I mean, what are the chances of every single neighbor lacking the ability to hit a single note? It is a true symphony of disharmony indeed!

I am quite aware of the fact that musicians, bless their hearts, seem to have developed a bit of a reputation for being rather stubborn when it comes to the playlists of other people. They can be quite particular about what they consider “good music,” and they have a knack for unearthing tracks from the deepest, darkest corners of the musical world. I wonder if this is why I feel so personally affected the bad musical taste of my neighbors and their irritating inability to sing.

Or, perhaps, the reason comes from something else, immensely more harmful to our life in community than being out of tune: our increasing incapacicity to truly listen the inability to listen, whether to others or to oneself. In many instances, the inability to tune in and listen attentively stems from a place much more detrimental to our collective existence than the mere music taste related discordance.

The inability to truly listen, whether directed towards others or ourselves, can initiate a cascade of miscommunication, hindering the cultivation of empathy, genuine understanding, and meaningful connections. This inability to listen attentively often goes unnoticed, yet its effects can be profound. In a world where everyone is eager to speak and be heard, the lost art of genuine listening has become increasingly rare.

When we fail to truly listen, we miss out on the nuances of communication, which are often more important than the words themselves. We miss the opportunity to truly understand the perspectives, emotions, and the experiences of others, usually paving the way for conflict, creating barriers between individuals and within communities.

On the other hand, the act of authentic listening can foster empathy, trust, and a deep sense of connection. It allows us to grasp the underlying emotions and intentions behind the words, leading to meaningful and fulfilling interactions. In an age where technology has made communication faster and more convenient, the value of genuine, attentive listening cannot be overstated.

In cultivating the skill of listening, we not only enhance our personal relationships but also contribute to the well-being of the larger community. Meaningful connections and a sense of belonging are crucial for the emotional and psychological health of individuals and communities alike.

It is crucial to recognize that the art of listening extends beyond the physical act of hearing; it encompasses the willingness to understand, empathize, and absorb the perspectives and experiences of those around us. When we neglect this vital skill, we risk perpetuating a cycle of discord, misinterpretation, and division. Therefore, nurturing the capacity to listen intently and empathetically is pivotal in fostering a more inlcusive, understanding society.

By making a conscious effort to listen with genuine interest and empathy, we can build bridges and earn the confidence, whether that of your neighbors or your audience. Moreover, developing the skill of active listening with true sincerity and understanding lays the foundation for meaningful connections and trust, where mutual respect and openness can thrive.

The ability to truly pay attention to what others say is a skill that can greatly enrich personal relationships. It demonstrates respect, empathy, and a willingness to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. This quality is not only important in personal relationships, though. It also plays a crucial role in the relationship between an artist and their audience.

For an artist, being able to connect with their audience is a sine qua non quality, an essential element that can make or break their success. When an artist is able to engage with their audience in a way that resonates with both parties, it creates a powerful and meaningful connection that elevates the performance and the experience of the audience.

The act of truly listening – to your inner voice, to the stories and emotions that surround you, to the experiences of others – can profoundly enrich your creative expression and it is a powerful tool for every artist. Deep listening allows you to absorb the nuances and complexities of the world, infusing your art with authenticity and depth.

Genuinely responding to your artistic endeavors means staying true to your vision and expressing it in a way that resonates with your audience. it can be a transformative factor in both your personal relationships and your artistic journey.

Be seeing you!

G.F.