To accept one’s past – one’s history – is not the same thing as drowning in it; it is learning how to use it. An invented past can never be used; it cracks and crumbles under the pressures of life like clay in a season of drought. James Baldwin
Author Archives: Jeff Ong
Leave Tracks
Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. And that means, don’t do just for yourself, because in the end it’s not going to be fully satisfying. I think you will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived. And there’s no satisfaction that a person can gain from what people callContinue reading “Leave Tracks”
Empty Plate Radio – August 2020
I recorded a mix for Empty Plate Radio that aired this past Monday. It’s all house and techno from Chicago and Detroit. DJing has not been a main focus nor creative outlet for me these past few months given the current climate. Still, making this mix was cathartic and offered me a chance to reflectContinue reading “Empty Plate Radio – August 2020”
The language for creativity
It’s a frequently cited trope that art derives from experiences of suffering and pain. The discussion of the conditions for the creation of great art is usually a tired one, painted in broad strokes with its participants citing heartbreak, conflict, suicide, poverty. But the following passage from Ocean Vuong’s novel, On Earth We’re Briefly GorgeousContinue reading “The language for creativity”
Playing the Hot Hand
Book recommendations have been flowing lately given our collective rush to educate ourselves on systemic racism in America, a frenzied attempt to make up for the failures of our educational systems and previous lack of personal accountability. While this is well-intentioned, it may be particularly challenging when a practice of reading doesn’t already exist withinContinue reading “Playing the Hot Hand”
Minor Feelings
Minor feelings are also the emotions we are accused of having when we decide to be difficult — in other words, when we decide to be honest. When minor feelings are finally externalized, they are interpreted as hostile, ungrateful, jealous, depressing, and belligerent, affects ascribed to racialized behavior that whites consider out of line. OurContinue reading “Minor Feelings”
Sound Signature
All creation is tribute to the pervasive and benevolent unseen. Theo Parrish
Mom’s response to my participation in #BLM protests
Say Their Names
Like so many others, I’ve spent much of the last week sitting with sadness, anger, anxiety, and great discomfort, catalyzed by the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police. This moment in my country’s history feels both unprecedented yet so familiar. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic that isContinue reading “Say Their Names”
Empty Plate Radio: #004
I recorded this mix the day before my 30th birthday. The selections are slightly more contemplative, maybe because I’m nearing a personal milestone, or because of the extended period of social isolation. I hope it can bring you both comfort and release.