I was listening to The Current this morning. The Current is a Minnesota Public Radio station that plays indie rock, local musicians, as well as lot of older music like Bob Dylan and The Beatles. They also play the occasional Kanye West song. Basically, they play good music you aren’t going to hear everywhere. (Minus Kanye West , of course,  on both accounts.)

This morning they had an in-studio with Mason Jennings. They interviewed him, and he played a few songs off his new record. If you are interested, you can listen to the interview here: http://www.thecurrent.org/listen/minnesota/the_current/performances/2013/11/08/20131112_mason_jennings_in_studio_20131108 and buy his album here: http://masonjennings.cinderblock.com/always-been-album-only-lp-cd-download-pre-order.html . He sang a song called “Patti and Robert.” The song was inspired by the relationship between musician Patti Smith and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. They were involved romantically, though Mapplethorpe later came to terms with his homosexuality. They were, however, incredibly instrumental in each other’s lives as artists.

A relationship between two artists always fascinates me. I love to see how they influence and inspire each other. I have a relationship like this with my best friend, James. James is a singer/songwriter/pianist in The Paisley Fields. We share art and writing. James encourages me to write more and be less afraid to share my work. He gives me feedback. I am a sounding board for many of James’ ideas. I also write PR stuff for the band.

Being an artist can be incredibly frustrating and hard on a person’s ego. Rejection is terrifying. Having an artist friend not only inspires your work, but it helps you keep creating. James has helped sustain me. And because of James, I am a better writer today.