Bando Stone and the New World: A Dedication to Artistic Fluidity & Heart

Let the art take you wherever it wants too... Why not?

Many artists aim to live creatively, letting our art fuel and guide us as it shape-shifts through different disciplines and stages while sharing the process with the world, leading a fulfilling and authentic life. The world is not wired to support this goal (capitalism, discrimination, more capitalism, etc.), but some artists give me audacious hope that I cannot give up. Childish Gambino is one of the artists I see living an authentic artistic reality. Be it Childish Gambino, David Glover, or Gilga, we have witnessed him explore various disciplines with immense success. When he is done expressing himself through that medium or his work is pulling him in another direction, he steps into another art form or venture as needed. His most recent album, Bando Stone and the New World, is a prime example. It’s a beautiful tapestry of various genres, affirmations, and stories wrapped around a film that we hear snippets of throughout. I’d like to think Childish Gambino’s organization of his album is just like his artistic history; he tells a story through a kaleidoscope of time and space that catches you, uplifts you, makes you think, and leaves you wanting more. I have yet to see the movie to confirm or debunk my many theories of the moments we hear at the end or beginning of certain tracks. Still, I have a joyous adventure in my mind through different sounds that Childish Gambino curated.  

I remember when my husband asked me to listen to the album's first song as I was helping our daughter go to bed; he put the earbud in my ear and played H3@RT$ W3RE M3@NT T0 F7¥. Immediately, I was jamming in the dark while my daughter was sleeping. The upbeat energy infused with the blending of ruggedness with the bass gave me the energy. I didn’t know I had that in me after a long day. My husband returned to check on us, and I still danced in my silent disco. His smirk said that this album had more surprises, and he played “Can You Feel Me” next. Tears welled in my eyes as we contemplated what happens to our creativity when the stakes are beyond our vision and dreams, including children and our loved ones. Another level of artistic fluidity is unlocked when we open the door for others to inspire us and add to this New World we artists want to create. A level of vulnerability is needed for this fluidity to flow, and Childish Gambino leans right into it with songs like “Can You Feel Me” and “Dadvocate.” I can’t wait to invite my children into my creative process and incorporate their ideas and musings. This album reminds me that it’s possible and necessary when building an artistic world for yourself. 

My introduction to this album took me to two places emotionally, and I was hooked to learn more. There was a narrative embedded for the protagonist in the movie connected to this album and Childish Gambino as an artist, and I was ready to hear it all. A true voyage began when I sat with the entire album, and I was transported to a rock space with “Lithonia,” an ode to lessons learned, and some mornings you just need to yell, “Nobody gives a fuck!” And some days, I need the bodacious confidence boost that comes with “Talk My Shit” and “Yoshinoya.” Then there are tracks like Andre 3,000 that leave room for your mind to receive rather than respond, like “No Excuses” and “Happy Survival.” Through the narrative and lyricism, pockets of silence and music speak to the fluidity of Childish Gambino’s artistry and movement through genres. The album's last song left me where the first song did, dancing in the dark, smiling in gratitude as the credits run over the resolution of our story; all is well. 

To artists seeking to take the deep plunge into their expression, no matter where it takes them: We can seek inspiration and hope from not only Childish Gambino’s album but also his story and record of diving into artistic mediums earnestly while being true to himself. Yes, capitalism can deflate us with reasons our art needs to remain secondary, even when it's first in our hearts. Let his album, Bando Stone and The New World give us the audacity to let creativity take over, even for a little bit. We don’t do it because it can make us famous, but because when we create and share it, we continue the historic tradition of creating worlds that keep us going forward beyond just survival.