Byron's Babbles

One reason I love rock music so much is how the great artists/bands develop such distinct sounds that become their own. The best are very layered, complex, and very unique. One of the best examples of what I am describing is the great Italian metal band Lacuna Coil. Interestingly, yesterday Jose Mangin, on SeriusXM Octane, played Lacuna Coil’s new song, Swamped XX, as part of the Octane #TestDrive and I new immediately that this was their song because of that incredibly distinct sound that is theirs and theirs alone. I love it! When the song ended Mangin made a great comment. He said, “I Love seeing what they’ve [Lacuna Coil] done with their approach to hard rock metal music!” I really liked his choice of the word “approach.” This is one reason I am so drawn to use rock/metal bands and songs as prompts to posts like this one or hooks for leadership lessons – those authentic approaches.

I love this thought of “authentic approaches” because no matter what we do, we all have our own approaches. Those things that make us who we are. Just like the greatest bands are those who recognize, embrace, and develop their own unique approaches, the most significant of us must all do that same thing in our chosen fields. We all have influences and then we must decide how to use those influences to make ourselves the best we can be. In an interview when asked about the album Dark Adrenaline, Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia, who is an incredible artist, said, “…because it’s an album that contains a lot of new influences, but a lot of reminiscences and a lot of vibe from the old school albums of Lacuna Coil. There are some songs that could be in the first EP, or even in a reverie, you know, the very first works we did. But at the same time, there is this new vibe coming out, and a big production, and a heavier sound with more guitar solos. It’s the most obscure album of our careers, so I really really like it.” Did you catch that? A lot of new influences, a lot of reminiscences, a lot of vibe from their old school albums, but with a new vibe coming out. Such superb artists! On a side note, you should check out interviews of Cristina – there is a lot to learn, is a great human being, and really good at her job.

But, the part that I want to drive home in this post is that even as new approaches are found and developed we still must be true to who we are, what we stand for, and what our unique competitive advantages (vibes) are. Our organizations and us personally will always be evolving, but we must remember to stay true to our core values and that special sound that is only ours. Even as I heard Lacuna Coil’s Swamped XX off their new album, Comalies XX, for the first time, I didn’t need anyone to tell me it was them. There is only one Cristina Scabbia and Lacuna Coil. They are being the best Lacuna Coil they can be.