Episode 267: To Build the Temple-the Creative Destruction of Justin Gillam

Send us Fan MailJustin Gillam is a member of the Chicago area-based Americana band, the Mudflapps.  He also studied literature and is an avid painter.  He is also a brilliant solo artist and lyricist.  Gillam's lyrics are about the human condition--the idea that to build something beautiful and worthwhile also requires a willingness to destroy what is there.  In other words, creativity is not just about creating, but destruction of that which inhibits growth and expression.    Gillam's own personal life serves as a model.  His songs have a lot to do with vulnerability, lost loves, death of loves.  But he is not a morose human being.  Far from it.  He surveys life with a cautious, but whimsical eye.  His story of spending $90 to see Kris Christopherson and Merle Haggard perform for 45 minutes is both funny, but insightful.  He may have been cheated on the show, but he was able to ingest the depth and songwriting sincerity of both of his idols during that brief concert.   Gillam is a damn fine songwriter in the way he brings honesty and uniqueness to his songs.  He is an excellent model to study and many more temples are out there to build and destroy. His website is www.justingillam.com.https://www.themudflapps.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...