Playing it Wrong on Purpose

Playing it Wrong on Purpose

I saw a band recently that I hadn’t seen since 1984. That’s right – 37 years ago. I was excited to see them again but wondered…would still have the same wildly creative spirit?  To me, NRBQ is one of those bands that plays it wrong on purpose, i.e., it is too easy and...

OTTO Heavy Rotation 2020: Pandemic Edition

This mix was made from the music that we played from March, 15 2020 through March 2021. It started out as a way to help a friend who had been through a lot and was isolated overseas, away from her family and friends. To help lift her spirits and let her know that we...

OTTO Heavy Rotation Rating System

Every problem presents an opportunity for a creative solution. Case in point. A few years back we made the move to digital mixes as apposed to cds or—excuse my age—cassette tapes! The convenience of not having to carry a stack of music with you has obvious benefits....
Food And Hope For The Homeless

Food And Hope For The Homeless

When New Yorkers began to shelter in place at the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, the city’s homeless became even more vulnerable. One dedicated non-profit organization decided the virus would not stop them from feeding the hungry, nor keep them from providing a sense...
Your Brain on Creativity

Your Brain on Creativity

In this demanding marketplace, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get clients to take a creative risk. Most companies wish to be unique but few are comfortable being different. Everyone wants to be a market leader but nobody wants to take a chance. Once we agree...