October 18, 2023 • 50 mins
The Bear is one of my favorite shows of all time, and it hasn’t even ended yet. And luckily enough, it's a favorite of my guest today!
LXNNY is a hip-hop artist who draws inspiration from the meticulous detail and care found in FX's The Bear. We set off on a fascinating exploration of LXNNY's music, his influences, and the journey he has traversed in his artistic career. You'll get a taste of his music, as we share a track from his recently released EP Mango Sherbet, an album that serves as a testament to his creativity and commitment to his craft.
In our discussion, we uncover the depth of LXNNY's passion for the culinary arts, stemming from his childhood love for Food Network shows, and how The Bear presents similar concepts in a more raw and unadulterated light. Delight in the unique mix of his music and culinary inspiration as he weaves stories of personal experiences and connections into his creative process.
Finally, we delve into the reality of being an artist, the challenges it presents, and how LXNNY, inspired by The Bear's dedication to detail and purpose, strikes a balance. We discuss how he navigates creating relatable music while maintaining artistic freedom amidst the chaos of life. Our journey concludes by exploring how The Bear draws the viewer in and and blends chaos and tranquility like jazz. Get ready for an immersive journey through LXNNY's world of art, life, and everything in between.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Taylor D. Adams (00:51):
Hi, I'm Taylor and welcome back to the Film
that's Podcast, a show about whywe love what we do.
So right off the bat I'm goingto say that the Bear is one of
my favorite shows of all time,and it hasn't even ended yet.
There's something presented inthis show that I truly
appreciate, and that is theimportance of care.
(01:14):
The Bear itself is a productionwhose attention to detail and
purpose is evident in everyepisode, and the Bear's
characters are all trying theirbest to put so much care into
their work and relationships.
Are they perfect in theirattempts?
Absolutely not, but thecharacters' intentions are one
of the many reasons why the Bearhas inspired my guest today.
(01:38):
Hip hop artist LXNNY was hookedby the Bear's portrayal of the
raw and honest process of makingfood, equating that to the
process of creating art.
Lxnny and I talk about impostersyndrome, finding ways to work
through loss and the chaos andtranquility of the Bear.
Be sure, and stay tuned to theend of the episode where you can
(02:00):
hear Summer Blaine's music, butfor now let it rip.
Here's Lxnny talking about theBear on the Film Nuts Podcast.
LXNNY (02:11):
Today is actually a really cool day because my EP
that just released Mango'sSharbert just came out, so I'm
feeling good man.
It's been all day trying tofigure out that between work and
everything updated on thewebsite links, things like that.
Taylor D. Adams (02:30):
Yeah, that's awesome.
How long have you been workingon a particular project?
LXNNY (02:36):
That one.
It wasn't really long, to behonest.
I feel like maybe with writingand recording and everything
like that, like a couple ofweeks.
It was just kind of waiting andfiguring out the timing after
that.
Taylor D. Adams (02:53):
So I've talked with actually a number of hip
hop artists have been on theshow.
It's been really cool.
What's your creative process?
I know it's like a generic term, but how do you get inspired to
make what you make?
LXNNY (03:06):
Yeah, I love that question.
For me it's like really justliving life and just consuming
different things.
If you will, I kind of createmy own world and my own bubble
of things I'm interested in.
So just taking that andincorporating those thought
processes into what I do, andthen just hearing the things and
(03:30):
paying attention to thingsthat's in front of me If I'm
outside, seeing some beautifulnature or hearing a sound, if
I'm out in public at a store orsomething at a restaurant, hear
a song that I've never heardbefore gives me the inspiration
to sample it.
And then, with like rapping andwriting the lyrics, that just
(03:53):
kind of comes on a day to day Irandomly start thinking about
different lines or differentways to put things together.
So it's kind of going with theflow.
Taylor D. Adams (04:04):
You mentioned using that word like consume.
What types of things are youconsuming that lead to?
I mean, if you want to talkabout the project specifically,
what kind of things did youconsume or were you inspired by
when you were working on thisone?
LXNNY (04:21):
Yeah, for me it's definitely different movies and
TV shows and just music as well.
With this project it really wasjust me trying to have fun, not
really overthinking the processof writing and just flowing
with what comes to mind.
It felt like production that Iwouldn't say is like always my
(04:46):
main go to, if you will, butkind of in the same vein.
Taylor D. Adams (04:51):
So yeah that was cool.
So what kinds of movies andshows were you, were you
watching?
LXNNY (04:58):
Yeah, so definitely the bear when it came out.
Taylor D. Adams (05:27):
What about the bear?
LXNNY (05:33):
I really have always loved cooking and the idea of
being a chef.
I used to watch Food Network alot when I was a kid and when I
first watched Season One of theBear it was really nice to see
that thing that I appreciatedand that I like in such a direct
(05:55):
and adult way, if you will.
I didn't cut any corners, nottrying to appeal to anything,
really just raw, uncutexperience.
But experience that's like man,things are tough but you can do
(06:16):
it as well.
And yeah, just watching thatit's crazy hearing people talk
about it.
I went to a cooking class withmy wife and the chef.
I talked about how like some ofthe scenes really got to her
and like made her hyperventilatein things like that, taking her
back to the days you know inthe kitchen, especially like the
(06:36):
ticketing scene.
(07:09):
For me.
I'm like man.
Watching the show actually mademe like want to be a chef, like
more.
I tell people I'm like dude.
If I ever had to make like alife pivot, I might just go to
culinary school and just justfull floods and go that way.
That'll be my midlife crisis.
Taylor D. Adams (07:27):
Have you ever worked in a restaurant?
LXNNY (07:29):
No, I'm not.
No, just been like a consumeryeah.
Taylor D. Adams (07:34):
I got you.
LXNNY (07:35):
Yeah, so, but I've been in the vein of like retail and
service, just that yeah.
Taylor D. Adams (07:41):
I feel like I'm a firm believer of everybody in
their life needs to either workin a restaurant or work in
retail.
Yeah, yeah.
LXNNY (07:47):
Yeah, for sure, you definitely get a true
understanding of people, likefrom all sides.
To be honest, I feel likepeople are their most vulnerable
, if you will, when they're likeeating or shopping.
Hmm.
When you're wet.
Taylor D. Adams (08:03):
So what kinds of food shows were you into when
you were?
LXNNY (08:06):
younger 30 minute meals.
Rachel Ray, our chef, america.
Yeah, it was like the how it'smade, but, like for food, I
can't think of the name of itUnwrapped.
I think it might have beenunwrapped.
Yeah, yeah, I think it wasabout a day.
Lorenz's um watch barefootcontests every now and then as
(08:28):
well.
Taylor D. Adams (08:28):
Yeah, I was a big food Me and my family were
watching Food Network on Fridays.
I was, it was, it was, it wasemerald and then it was the
original iron chef.
Oh yeah, like from Japan, yeah.
LXNNY (08:39):
Yeah, I remember they used to come on like like, if
you cut off Food Network, liketwo in the morning or something,
it would just have like amarathon of that.
Yeah, it would be wild.
Taylor D. Adams (08:50):
Yeah, and the first thing that I had seen that
was like food and theater atthe same time.
I was like this is extra Likethese guys are going hard on
this show.
LXNNY (08:58):
I love it.
This is crazy Chopped tooChopped.
Taylor D. Adams (09:01):
Oh yeah, Actually my partner and I are
watching chopped right now.
She had never seen it.
I was like, oh, you actuallydig this show, yeah, and we're
watching it.
And I realized like how, likeme and the judges are like we
were going back and watching allthe episodes and the judges are
so mean.
But like you know, it's, it's apart of the, it's a part of the
gig.
So, watching the bear, uh, hetalks about kind of the things
(09:25):
that inspired or appealed to you.
So what was your initialreaction to it?
Like how did you get hooked onit?
LXNNY (09:32):
Initial reaction and just like waiting to see, kind of
like all right, let me absorbthe first few moments and kind
of get a feel of where I feelthis was going.
And then when I realized it'slike, okay, here's this
extremely experienced chef who'scoming back to his hometown, a
place that he really wanted torun away from, but is now have
(09:53):
to go back and, in a way, likesave a portion of his like
family's legacy through arestaurant, and you know it's
obviously focused on therestaurant and, like you know,
as you watch it, especiallyseason two, you're really like
(10:13):
deep into the story of likewanting to see that come to
fruition.
But in that background it'slike these are the things that
he's really battling.
You know, like he's having todo this in the middle of really
truly confronting all the stuffthat he left behind in real time
.
So it's just crazy.
Taylor D. Adams (10:33):
What an intense battle I just loved.
So it seems to me you're kindof like someone who is very
thoughtfully Experiencing thethings that he's like watching
or listening to, or you know, oreating for lack of a better
term like thinking about what islike just contemplating a lot
on what you're actuallyexperiencing.
But was there a moment in theshow that you went Okay, I'm in
(10:57):
this for however long this storyis told?
LXNNY (11:00):
I got you, oh, I think it was when they were first Trying
to Like put it all together inseason one, like hiring the
staff, like having the dinnerthat Sid made and everything to
see if she can be the chef.
(11:20):
It's like, alright, this isgonna be.
It's gonna be a nice littleroller coaster.
I'm excited to see what's going.
Taylor D. Adams (12:07):
That was a good moment.
I really appreciated that.
The thing that hooked me wasjust, I mean, I used to work in
a restaurant and I didn't workback of house, I worked front of
house.
But you're, you're around eachother and I always like and like
you cooking shows, like Ialways like the energy behind
things and so that's what I wasin.
I was, that's what I was intois like how fast things felt,
but also Everyone's from.
(12:27):
I was just kind of like pulledback and yeah, sit in a
particular moment.
What's there?
Is there one of these?
Care you, when you'redescribing Kind of like what you
first were inspired by with theshow you're very focused on
Karmie's character Is that thecharacter, character you most
identified with?
LXNNY (12:48):
So actually, no, I feel like as you watch it, naturally,
especially being a creative,you want to attach yourself to
that because it's like man, theidea of being able to attain
your dream and taking thatknowledge to come back and bring
it to your city.
But for me it's more so cousinand seed, and mainly from the
(13:09):
standpoint of like being onlychildren and Having people in
their family that they lost.
They're close.
So those two stories, for me Iconnect with a lot because for
them both of them it's like theyfeel like they failed in a
sense.
Both of them express it indifferent ways, but they both
(13:32):
want that chance for redemptionand they have both Express that
in different ways as well andthey have each have their own
journey of how they have to likefigure that out and understand.
Like, alright, I Know where myniche is, I know I can provide
value and this is why I need todouble down.
Taylor D. Adams (13:53):
Mm-hmm, I Don't .
I don't mean to pry, but do youmind sharing a story, the story
of loss that maybe connectedyou to these two characters?
LXNNY (14:01):
Yeah, so for me, my dad passed away back in 2017, so
learning that portion of Sid Umdefinitely hits home, because
that's like another level to youknow, on top of being like an
only child, just like anotherlevel of a way to live life, if
(14:22):
you will, yeah, wait, yeah, andtrying to maneuver through that
and still, like you know,realize your purpose and like
still attain those dreams thatyou have.
Taylor D. Adams (14:34):
So yeah, I understand.
So With the characters ofRichie and Sid, how do you, do
you think they handled this lossthe same way, or did they
handle them differently?
And is there a process to whichyou identify, you particular
attach yourself to?
LXNNY (14:57):
Yeah, I think like Richie is more outward, sid's more
inward, yeah, and I'm definitelymore on the inward side To
where it sounds like Richieinside my head, but it's just in
my head, yeah, but yeah, I mean, I think that's the biggest
thing it's like for him.
He felt like he needed to beforceful To get his point of
(15:21):
gross and and stake his claimwhere Sid felt like she needed
to play the background becauseOf maybe her mess ups in the
past, when in reality it waslike they both needed to do the
opposite to grow.
(16:26):
Like Richie needed to fall back,get in line and actually
understand the process and knowhow to be a team player, where
Sid actually needed to learn howto step up and understand that
she's here for a reason.
And you have to like go withyour thought processes and be
comfortable in the choices thatyou may and stand on it, but be
(16:49):
prepared for the consequencesalso, but know that we can
always Adjust.
You know whatever consequenceshappen and whatever bad things
happen, we can adjust andcorrect it.
Taylor D. Adams (17:01):
So I Feel like you identifying with those two
characters and the fact that youare an artist.
I feel like there's.
I feel like if I asked a bunchof artists, they would almost
pick the same thing, becauseboth of them have this have.
They both have impostersyndrome and and the confidence
and just constantly swappingback and forth.
(17:22):
Is that kind of how you see it?
LXNNY (17:24):
Yeah, cuz I mean, if you think every day, it's like you
know where you can be, you knowyou've been envisioning so long,
like you do become delusionalto the sense that it sounds far
fetched, but I feel like thiscan really be a thing.
But at the same time, throughgoing through that, you're also
(17:46):
faced with like the reality ofwhere you're at.
So it's like man, like kind ofhaving that internal, like
humbling yourself, if you will.
But you just see the world inthat way of like I feel like I'm
up here, like it's as far astalent and what my ability is,
(18:06):
like I feel like I'm on par.
It's just that I have like alot more steps in between that
outside of just the talentability.
Taylor D. Adams (18:16):
So which one of the characters do you feel like
you are right now?
Whoo.
LXNNY (18:25):
I feel like I'm sitting.
No, I'm in a sense because Ifeel like I've already done the
work in the process to getthrough Richie's part.
Well, let me actually rephrasethat.
Hmm, I feel like Sid, when itcomes to the art and the product
(18:46):
, if you will, and Like as faras the next steps that I need to
take, like I feel like Sid inthat regard, it's like I need to
go out and claim it, you know,reach out, touch people, you
know Fellowship with folks andlike really continue to foster
(19:06):
that community.
But then, like, on the big, like, larger scale of it, as far as
just like, just being an artistand like having a certain niche,
if you will, maybe knowing thatI have the versatility to be
able to do things, but also,again, going back to that
reality of understand, like whatpeople think about when they
(19:27):
hear my music.
You know, or expect, if youwill, and then feeling like
Richie in that sense, to whereit's like man, like I gotta
figure out where I like, trulylike land in the world, if you
will, with all of the way I feelwith the art and stuff, like
that it's like all right, butpresented to the world, I have
(19:49):
to figure out where I fall,because I feel like I can do so
many different things, but likewhere can I fall to make that
impact?
Taylor D. Adams (19:57):
So yeah, that makes sense.
Well, one of my I mean one ofmy favorite moments in season
two is when Sid is going aroundand trying all the food in
Chicago.
(20:27):
They keep cutting to the shot of, like the blank, empty black
bowl and like it's just randomstuff in there, like her brain
going through that process ofputting the things together.
She's very much focused on theart, the accolades, the
self-expression, in a way,trying a bunch of different
things, but she wants, you know,people to eat it.
She wants people to enjoy it.
(20:47):
You mentioned earlier aboutjust the music you put together.
What is your goal with howsomeone receives your music?
LXNNY (20:59):
Yeah For me.
I want them to feel like it'ssomething that they can like
live life to and be vulnerableto and with.
If that makes any sense For me,music was an escape.
So I want people to be able toget lost in my music, no matter
(21:19):
what they got going on in theworld, and feel like, okay, I
can relate to this person.
I'm not the only person thatmay be like dealing with
something, but there is likelight on the other side and I
always want that to be in mymusic.
You know, like, yeah, we mighthit some like topics and I might
(21:42):
, you know, talk about how I'mfeeling.
That's in a very deep, directway.
But I want to take it back andhave fun as well, because I want
to have fun in life, you know,but again, I just have to be
like cognizant of like what'sreally going on.
You know what I'm reallythinking about.
Taylor D. Adams (22:02):
Where did it seems I was listening to
somebody who was like, and itvery much to me creates kind of
a movement and it's kind of amood.
I feel like a lot of hip hopartists, a lot of rappers, the
prominent part of their music isthe message and the word play.
(22:24):
But I feel like with yoursthat's present, but also the
music is very like it's tranquil, I think, for lack of a better
term like it's just for me, Iwas just like in a space where I
was so calm that I ended upjust like paying attention to
only you and I wasn't even likerealizing that I was like doing
that.
And to me the weird thing isthat the bear is such a show
(22:47):
that does such a good job withcreating chaos.
How do you, someone who createsvery like chill, inward,
contemplative music, how likewhat is that balance like of
like creating one thing butenjoying something else?
LXNNY (23:06):
Yeah, I guess, because for me, I feel like everything
is chaos in reality.
You know, when you try tocompartmentalize, like maybe one
specific scenario, maybe it'snot chaos.
You know, like right now we'rehaving a great conversation,
talking about a great show,great topics.
(23:28):
It's no chaos going on rightnow, but that doesn't
necessarily mean it's no chaosgoing on in the world, where you
continue to take a wider lensand a wider scope of things.
So, and that's kind of how Ifeel about everything, if you
will, it's like I like to saythis a lot, at least in my head
like I feel like everything isjazz, like jazz is like a very.
(23:52):
It can sound chaotic if youdon't really know what's going
on, but if you know what's goingon, it doesn't sound chaotic.
It actually sounds very puttogether and methodical, but if
you don't, it's just noise forsome people.
Taylor D. Adams (24:09):
Yeah, but yeah, is there an episode of the show
that really hits home for you?
LXNNY (24:18):
It's definitely out of everything.
It's for sure, richie's episode.
Taylor D. Adams (24:26):
Oh, the Forks episode yeah.
LXNNY (25:09):
It felt like we really watched him hit rock bottom in
that episode, like he wasalready feeling like, you know,
low and like I don't really knowour stand, like kind of getting
paranoid, if you will, creatinghis own thought processes of
how people are feeling about him, because it goes to, like his
(25:29):
upbringing, you know, movingaround a lot.
I didn't have that necessarily,but yeah, you know only child
moving around a lot and feelinglike relationships could be
fickle if you do like one thingand like mess up once or
something, so like crema trulyin your head, severing the ties,
(25:54):
if you will.
So that way, if it happens,you're not surprised.
So like the way he was talkingto cousin, like I know you
wanted to get rid of me, youknow you, that's why you sent me
here, you know, thenunderstanding what's going on
with his ex-wife, that's justlike the point where it's like,
alright, he's as low as he canbe right now, like he has
(26:17):
nowhere to go but up.
And then, once he humbledhimself and honestly got to that
point of just like days of I'mjust going to focus on what I'm
doing in front of me and justlike whatever happens next
happens next, and then in that,figured out his value and
understanding the like dog.
(26:38):
Like you're a people person, youknow.
Like yeah, you are who you are,but that's why people want you
around.
You know what I mean.
Like you don't have to like notbe that person, it's just like
just tame it down a little bit,you know, still play the
instrument, just don't like beblast in the horn.
(26:59):
Like just tone it down just alittle bit, take it down a
couple of decibels and keepdoing what you're doing.
And then him realizing that inreal time in such a like, you
know, prestigious scenario andrealizing that if I can be
valuable here, like I can dothis anywhere.
(27:19):
And you and then, once you knowthe finale, it's like he's
coming in there, like yeah, Iwear a suit.
Now he gets up like five clean.
You know what I mean.
Like his whole thought processon everything is like different.
It was like a shift.
So, yeah, that was what?
Taylor D. Adams (27:41):
Why is that episode one that hits home for
you?
LXNNY (27:45):
Because I just love seeing that process and seeing
somebody get out of that,because I feel like it's a lot
of times where you see stuffwhere folks like I don't know
folks are not able to get out ofthose situations and I just
like seeing the hope you know in, like the realistic scenarios,
(28:07):
and it was just beautiful towatch man Like person just
really finding like theirpurpose and value and real time,
like putting it in a practiceand just having the switch click
.
It was just beautiful to see.
Taylor D. Adams (28:27):
So sorry for the interruption, but I will be
brief.
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(28:49):
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(29:12):
like yourself.
Okay, enough of me ramblingBack to the good stuff, because
you said you connected withRichie.
Like is that?
Are you someone that has beendown low and had to overcome
that by realizing certain things?
LXNNY (29:29):
Yeah, I mean definitely with the passing of my dad and,
like you know, moving out to anentirely different state,
starting a whole new situationin that regard, while dealing
with stuff with my dad, it'sjust a lot.
And then even with the musicknowing you're maybe like a late
(29:54):
bloomer, because he spoke aboutthat as well Him really
figuring stuff out I mean, hewas like 45, he spoke about it.
But with me and music, comparedto most people, I'm a late
bloomer.
A lot of folks started whenever, like 14, 12, super young, and
for me, I was in a band fromthird grade to high school and
(30:19):
that was my musical school, ifyou will.
But I wasn't creating anythingon my own, whether it was raps
or beats or anything, so Ididn't start until I was already
in college.
So I didn't really startgetting my groove with things
and get into the point whereit's like, okay, I'm pretty good
(30:43):
at this until like a couple ofyears ago, realistically, so it
took time.
So feeling like a late bloomerand trying to figure out, okay,
where do I fit now in competingwith, maybe, folks that started
at a younger age and have a headstart, if you will.
(31:03):
So it's like, how do I maximizethe time and the situation.
Taylor D. Adams (31:08):
Yeah, Every second counts right.
LXNNY (31:10):
Yeah.
Taylor D. Adams (31:11):
And that's where I end up with my musical
goals, speaking of music.
So from a musical standpoint Imean, this show does a lot of
needle drops, indie bands or alot of stuff from the 90s too.
But just from the musicalstandpoint of this show, the way
it flows, the way that all theelements of production kind of
(31:31):
mingle together, is there arhythm or a sound to the show
that you've noticed?
LXNNY (31:36):
Yeah, and it's kind of crazy, though I can't lie like
through watching the show.
I don't necessarily rememberlike the score, if you will like
a lot of songs that were played.
A lot of my favorite momentsare when there was really no
music.
You know, it was really thesound of the atmosphere, yeah,
(31:57):
and in the silence ofconversations, just the noise in
the kitchen, you know, justhearing whatever song.
If they were like playingsomething on the radio or
something, cause it's likeimmersing you in the experience
with them.
You just feel like a personwho's just like standing in the
room as they're going about allthese things.
Taylor D. Adams (32:19):
For people who are watching this show and you
know there are.
There are characters toidentify with, there are
scenarios to identify with.
Why do you think this show hasbecome so successful?
Cause, like on paper it itseems like it doesn't seem like
anything special, but then youwatch it and it's got a lot to
(32:43):
say.
So what do you, what do youthink might be drawing people in
?
LXNNY (32:47):
Yeah, I think really cause at its core is the show
about triumph through hardshipsand I think, with everything you
know the world has been goingthrough, like really just an
existence of humanity, likefolks love that story.
But then when you add anotherlayer to it, the demographic, as
(33:12):
far as like the, the age andthe time we're in, a lot of the
folks on the show are in an agerage to where it's like, you
know, you got some probably likelate 20, you know, but then you
got some 40, mid 40s and it'speople from and even older.
(33:34):
Honestly, when you start tothink about the staff, so older
than that, all these peopletrying to figure life out, you
know, from all different walksof life, and being put in a
scenario that, in a context thateverybody can appreciate,
because we all eat, we all lovefood.
(33:54):
Yeah, you know, I don't thinkI've ever met anybody that
hasn't appreciated going to agood restaurant.
So being able to see peoplecome together to be able to
provide that experience andreally try to make it, it's
inspiring, you know, especiallywith stuff happening, you know,
with the pandemic, and a lot offolks are just trying to be
(34:16):
independent, figure outdifferent ways to get things
going and work for themselves,or even just like go back into
school, you know, figure outdifferent things that they can
learn and different, you know,industries that they can get
into and kind of having a freshstart.
So I think a lot of people canlatch on to that, whether it's
from the creative aspect or thefull-fledged like nine to five
(34:42):
scenario.
Taylor D. Adams (34:45):
Yeah, I think we all like to see those stories
of people to use your wordtriumphing, accomplishing
something that is difficult.
I mean it also helps that allthe characters are incredibly
entertaining to watch too.
They all have their quirks andthe way they talk and the way
they act.
Exactly.
(35:07):
So one of the things that I love, that I sometimes get eye rolls
about, is that this does areally good job.
This show does a really goodjob of presenting food as art,
but it also doesn't make it seempretentious Like it makes it
seem interesting.
Yes.
(35:30):
What are your thoughts on kindof?
I guess in that sense it boilsdown to what is accessible to
people.
So, when you're creating yourart, what kind of level of
accessibility are you keeping inmind?
Do you want it for a specificaudience?
Do you want it for everyone?
Do you want it forunderrepresented or some set of
(35:52):
people?
Who are you targeting when youare making your music?
If you are targeting anyone?
LXNNY (36:01):
In a sense, I feel like I'm targeting people that are
like minded, like me, if youwill.
I feel like, if you have anappreciation for hip hop and
jazz, just honestly, those twothings at its core, or let me
add a third, just like oldschool music, and that ranges
from like 60s, 70s, 80s, all thestuff our parents listen to If
(36:24):
you have an appreciation forthose three things, I feel like
you will be able to findsomething in my catalog that you
will appreciate.
And then you know, as far asthinking about the audience,
definitely nowadays, as far asthe new cadences and drum
(36:44):
patterns, if you will, because Idon't like to say like call
them a type of drums, becausethey're all drums to me kick,
snare, hi-hat, it's just therhythm and the flow that you put
it into and gives it a certainbounce.
So the new bounce that'shappening right now and that's
really the wave of a lot ofthings.
Again, that's where I feel likeI'm rich and then when I get
(37:09):
into that and make sure like I'mable to continue to appeal to
you know, a larger audience,because everybody likes to do
that artist, but still not likecompromising my art, because I
am an artist at the end of theday, but there is the middle
ground and it's trying to figureout that middle ground and
(37:30):
write that love.
Taylor D. Adams (37:33):
Yeah, there is a sense in the artistic world
that the idea of compromise likewhat do you compromise for?
Are you someone who willcompromise for the right thing,
or are you very steadfast inyour vision of things?
LXNNY (37:49):
I don't know if I'll say it's compromise for me
personally, because I have a lotof things that I'm influenced
by.
So you know like, yeah, I reallylove the alchemist, but I
really love Metro Boomin youknow, I really love Jay-Z but I
(38:15):
really love Future, so the ideaof maybe doing something that
can appeal to a larger audiencelike doesn't feel like
compromise, because I'minterested in those things.
Like if Future or Young Thug or, you know, estg, ever wanted to
(38:37):
work with me in any capacity, Iwould be extremely excited and
I feel like I need to be able tohave things in my repertoire to
allow for that to happen Justat the same time.
Like if Earl Sweat shirt, youknow Triggyn Boldy, james
Freddie Gibbs, you know CurrencyAction Bronson, if these folks
(39:01):
want to hop on a song with me aswell, I'm definitely trying to
be in those rooms.
Taylor D. Adams (39:06):
You're not too picky.
You've got standards, butyou're not too picky.
LXNNY (39:10):
I just have standards within those genres of the
things that I like, but I likeit all.
I would love to be on just arecord where it's just like a
jazz band going crazy and I'mjust boom rapping some bars.
I want to be able to go intoevery room because I genuinely
appreciate every room.
Taylor D. Adams (39:31):
So what I'm trying to get.
I don't know the right way toreally phrase this question, but
one of the things that I reallytook away from it at least the
second time watching through itI probably noticed at the first
time, maybe was how muchemphasis this show puts on
caring about what you do.
LXNNY (39:51):
Yeah.
Taylor D. Adams (39:53):
I mean, you seem like a person who
appreciates that and I think, asany musical person, they're
caring about what they're making.
Did that come from somewherefor you?
LXNNY (40:06):
I feel like it's really my tenure in the band and just
that upbringing of just likingdesign and liking the processes
of things.
And then it's interestingbecause being in the band you're
like a part of the process.
You're like you know me as aproducer.
(40:28):
If I take some drums here, youknow, take some sounds here, I'm
kind of like a conductor in asense and like a scientist in
that way.
But when you're just playingthat instrument you're the
person kind of just being movedaround and picked and where do
you need to go when most do youneed to play?
Oh you're talking about marchingband, yeah, and even like, just
(40:50):
like concert band in general,like with the different parts
and stuff like that.
I was in the jazz band as well,very cool.
What did you play?
Trombone, nice, yeah, so yeah.
And then my band director likeI don't know if you've seen the
movie Whiplash.
That's what I should havepicked on the load.
Taylor D. Adams (41:10):
Have you seen the movie Whiplash though?
Yes, I've seen it many times.
LXNNY (41:13):
Okay, so this is going to sound extremely dramatic.
Okay, but my band director wasthat guy.
Taylor D. Adams (41:23):
Really, and I'm surprised you stuck with music
after having that guy's banddirector.
LXNNY (41:29):
But I understood where he was coming from.
I like people that are straightwith me.
Okay, even though I'm notnecessarily.
I mean, I say what comes in mymind and things like that.
I like them when people arevery like, just straight with me
, no matter their thoughtprocess, if you will like, I
(41:50):
just like it when they'restraight with me.
And what I appreciate aboutband director is that's what he
was.
He might say something that washarsh, he might like get on you
for something, but it was allfrom the sense of like I want
this to be good, like, and Iwant you to be the best that you
can be within this, to make itthe best it can be.
You know this is a guy who was aband director for 30 years at
(42:12):
this high school.
I was from Riley.
He brought in high school hewas a band director from for 30
years.
You know, going to bandcompetition, winning awards,
like I mean you go in a bandroom as plaques, everything that
he's won.
So like, this guy has astandard.
You know he's known in Rileyand like, respected, like people
know this guy.
(42:32):
So, yeah, he was like that inWhiplash, like literally, I've
seen him throw drumsticks.
Like inside.
I've seen him throw a chair,like for real.
I've just seen him throw thingsin the room and like he used to
keep us and like cut into ourlunch when we would be outside
(42:55):
marching if he weren't gettingthings right.
Wow, and this is like so, butat the same time, yeah, but at
the same time, like I remember,we went to Florida for a parade,
like, and we rose face mountainwith a meal, my friends,
because we were joking around,like you know, because we were
everybody in high school, likein a band.
They some people didn't likehim because he was like the guy
(43:17):
with blast, you know, they justwere like whatever, but we still
were always cool with them.
Like one time we went up andjust like he had on these like
cool, like fresh Prince typesweatpants.
You know, and this is an older,you know white dude, he's like
at the time I feel like he's inhis fifties and maybe sixties.
(43:37):
He's wearing these like supercrazy sweatpants and we're just
like yo, those are some reallycool sweatpants.
So in the process ofcomplimenting, you know, we're
just talking about the trip andhe's asking us about space
mountain and we're just like, no, we've never been, never been
on the ride.
He's like, all right, well, weget there, we'll ride it.
(43:57):
And we're just like okay.
And then I remember, we getthere, we get off the bus.
He looks at us.
He's like, hey, gentlemen, wemight as well go ahead and knock
that out.
Let's go to space mountain.
So I'm just like okay.
So for me it's like, eventhrough all the yelling because
he yelled at me and, like youknow, got on me, but I never,
(44:19):
like took it hard- I mean, itsounds like, sounds like there
was a lot of influence there,though, so yeah look at you now
I mean, yeah, no, seriously, Ido it all over again, that's for
sure.
So to bring us home what is yourfavorite moment or scene from
the two seasons of the bear, youknow, it might have been when
(44:46):
the gas didn't leak, whensuppression seems to be working,
I will now check the gas line.
Ten.
Nine.
That was, I felt, the genuinerelief sigh of whoa, we're
(45:10):
really about to do this.
Yeah, I felt that Because,again, we're talking about that
anxiety, I felt the buildup ofyo.
I felt like I was in the roomjust like, oh my gosh, if this
thing does not go, this is goingto be absolutely terrible.
And when it didn't, it's likeokay.
Taylor D. Adams (45:31):
Yeah, like you felt, you sighed and jumped up
and down with everyone in thatroom.
LXNNY (45:36):
But then got a little nervous because in a way, like
now, there's no excuses.
See, that's the other likeanxious part about that moment.
It's like, okay, nothing wentwrong.
But now it's like whoa, we likeit's like, yay, we get to do
this.
But it's like no, no, no, no,no, no.
Now we really have to do this.
(45:57):
So like it's not a jump anymore, it's not a game.
So yeah, it's crazy.
Taylor D. Adams (46:04):
Lenny.
Thanks so much for coming on,man.
This has been a great talk.
LXNNY (46:06):
Yeah, absolutely man.
Thanks for having me.
I really appreciate it.
Taylor D. Adams (46:12):
It's evident in talking with Lenny that balance
is something that he strivesfor, and I think we can all
relate to that.
Whether it's embracing the ebbsand flows of life or
integrating seeminglycontrasting elements into some
form of jazz, he has his ownunique way of achieving that
balance.
For the characters in the Bear,especially the lead, karmie,
(46:35):
that process is a lot moredifficult and I think we can all
relate to that as well.
We feel we're only good at onething, so we dedicate all of
ourselves to that one thing,shutting out everything and
everyone else.
Or maybe we think we're notdeserving of love, so we
self-sabotage our relationshipswith other people and maybe we
get so accustomed to being outof balance that all we can do is
(46:57):
remain in that precarious state.
Personally, I struggle with acouple of these and on my latest
rewatch of the Bear for thisepisode, I've realized that that
concept of care that Imentioned earlier should be
applied in balance and that theprocess of getting to a good
place should be embraced, Iguess.
(47:20):
A huge thanks to Lenny forchatting with me today and a
very, very special thanks to allyou bears for listening.
If you want to check out someof Lenny's music, go ahead and
check out the show notes forlinks to that, as well as stay
tuned to the end of the episodeto hear a little preview.
If you enjoyed what you heardtoday, please go ahead and
subscribe on your favoritepodcast platform of choice to
(47:40):
stay up to date on all of ourepisodes.
And if you happen to belistening on Apple Podcasts,
please leave a rating and reviewto help us get noticed by more
awesome folks like yourself.
If you want to support the showon Patreon, please check out
the show notes or visitpatreoncom.
And one quick, importantannouncement Our next episode
will be a very specialmid-season finale on Wes
(48:03):
Anderson's the Life Aquatic withSteve Zizu.
To find out why it's a veryspecial episode, please be sure
you are subscribed to ourYouTube channel.
After that episode, I'll betaking a few months off, but
we'll be back in early 2024 withbrand new Film Nuts goodness.
Our theme this season isbrought to us by the D-Bend, our
artwork is designed by MadungaSubahudi and all episodes of
(48:26):
Film Nuts Podcast are producedand edited by me, taylor D.
If you want to get in touch,you can email Film Nuts Podcast
at gmailcom or follow us onInstagram, tiktok and Twitter at
Film Nuts Podcast.
And don't forget to join theNuthouse Discord community
absolutely free by checking outthe link in the show notes.
Thank you all so much forlistening today.
(48:48):
Until next time, merryChristmas, lizards.
Okay, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
Anyway, as promised, here'sCalypso by Lenny to play us out.
Hi, I'm Taylor and welcome back to the Film
that's Podcast, a show about whywe love what we do.
So right off the bat I'm goingto say that the Bear is one of
my favorite shows of all time,and it hasn't even ended yet.
There's something presented inthis show that I truly
appreciate, and that is theimportance of care.
(01:14):
The Bear itself is a productionwhose attention to detail and
purpose is evident in everyepisode, and the Bear's
characters are all trying theirbest to put so much care into
their work and relationships.
Are they perfect in theirattempts?
Absolutely not, but thecharacters' intentions are one
of the many reasons why the Bearhas inspired my guest today.
(01:38):
Hip hop artist LXNNY was hookedby the Bear's portrayal of the
raw and honest process of makingfood, equating that to the
process of creating art.
Lxnny and I talk about impostersyndrome, finding ways to work
through loss and the chaos andtranquility of the Bear.
Be sure, and stay tuned to theend of the episode where you can
(02:00):
hear Summer Blaine's music, butfor now let it rip.
Here's Lxnny talking about theBear on the Film Nuts Podcast.
LXNNY (02:11):
Today is actually a really cool day because my EP
that just released Mango'sSharbert just came out, so I'm
feeling good man.
It's been all day trying tofigure out that between work and
everything updated on thewebsite links, things like that.
Taylor D. Adams (02:30):
Yeah, that's awesome.
How long have you been workingon a particular project?
LXNNY (02:36):
That one.
It wasn't really long, to behonest.
I feel like maybe with writingand recording and everything
like that, like a couple ofweeks.
It was just kind of waiting andfiguring out the timing after
that.
Taylor D. Adams (02:53):
So I've talked with actually a number of hip
hop artists have been on theshow.
It's been really cool.
What's your creative process?
I know it's like a generic term, but how do you get inspired to
make what you make?
LXNNY (03:06):
Yeah, I love that question.
For me it's like really justliving life and just consuming
different things.
If you will, I kind of createmy own world and my own bubble
of things I'm interested in.
So just taking that andincorporating those thought
processes into what I do, andthen just hearing the things and
(03:30):
paying attention to thingsthat's in front of me If I'm
outside, seeing some beautifulnature or hearing a sound, if
I'm out in public at a store orsomething at a restaurant, hear
a song that I've never heardbefore gives me the inspiration
to sample it.
And then, with like rapping andwriting the lyrics, that just
(03:53):
kind of comes on a day to day Irandomly start thinking about
different lines or differentways to put things together.
So it's kind of going with theflow.
Taylor D. Adams (04:04):
You mentioned using that word like consume.
What types of things are youconsuming that lead to?
I mean, if you want to talkabout the project specifically,
what kind of things did youconsume or were you inspired by
when you were working on thisone?
LXNNY (04:21):
Yeah, for me it's definitely different movies and
TV shows and just music as well.
With this project it really wasjust me trying to have fun, not
really overthinking the processof writing and just flowing
with what comes to mind.
It felt like production that Iwouldn't say is like always my
(04:46):
main go to, if you will, butkind of in the same vein.
Taylor D. Adams (04:51):
So yeah that was cool.
So what kinds of movies andshows were you, were you
watching?
LXNNY (04:58):
Yeah, so definitely the bear when it came out.
Taylor D. Adams (05:27):
What about the bear?
LXNNY (05:33):
I really have always loved cooking and the idea of
being a chef.
I used to watch Food Network alot when I was a kid and when I
first watched Season One of theBear it was really nice to see
that thing that I appreciatedand that I like in such a direct
(05:55):
and adult way, if you will.
I didn't cut any corners, nottrying to appeal to anything,
really just raw, uncutexperience.
But experience that's like man,things are tough but you can do
(06:16):
it as well.
And yeah, just watching thatit's crazy hearing people talk
about it.
I went to a cooking class withmy wife and the chef.
I talked about how like some ofthe scenes really got to her
and like made her hyperventilatein things like that, taking her
back to the days you know inthe kitchen, especially like the
(06:36):
ticketing scene.
(07:09):
For me.
I'm like man.
Watching the show actually mademe like want to be a chef, like
more.
I tell people I'm like dude.
If I ever had to make like alife pivot, I might just go to
culinary school and just justfull floods and go that way.
That'll be my midlife crisis.
Taylor D. Adams (07:27):
Have you ever worked in a restaurant?
LXNNY (07:29):
No, I'm not.
No, just been like a consumeryeah.
Taylor D. Adams (07:34):
I got you.
LXNNY (07:35):
Yeah, so, but I've been in the vein of like retail and
service, just that yeah.
Taylor D. Adams (07:41):
I feel like I'm a firm believer of everybody in
their life needs to either workin a restaurant or work in
retail.
Yeah, yeah.
LXNNY (07:47):
Yeah, for sure, you definitely get a true
understanding of people, likefrom all sides.
To be honest, I feel likepeople are their most vulnerable
, if you will, when they're likeeating or shopping.
Hmm.
When you're wet.
Taylor D. Adams (08:03):
So what kinds of food shows were you into when
you were?
LXNNY (08:06):
younger 30 minute meals.
Rachel Ray, our chef, america.
Yeah, it was like the how it'smade, but, like for food, I
can't think of the name of itUnwrapped.
I think it might have beenunwrapped.
Yeah, yeah, I think it wasabout a day.
Lorenz's um watch barefootcontests every now and then as
(08:28):
well.
Taylor D. Adams (08:28):
Yeah, I was a big food Me and my family were
watching Food Network on Fridays.
I was, it was, it was, it wasemerald and then it was the
original iron chef.
Oh yeah, like from Japan, yeah.
LXNNY (08:39):
Yeah, I remember they used to come on like like, if
you cut off Food Network, liketwo in the morning or something,
it would just have like amarathon of that.
Yeah, it would be wild.
Taylor D. Adams (08:50):
Yeah, and the first thing that I had seen that
was like food and theater atthe same time.
I was like this is extra Likethese guys are going hard on
this show.
LXNNY (08:58):
I love it.
This is crazy Chopped tooChopped.
Taylor D. Adams (09:01):
Oh yeah, Actually my partner and I are
watching chopped right now.
She had never seen it.
I was like, oh, you actuallydig this show, yeah, and we're
watching it.
And I realized like how, likeme and the judges are like we
were going back and watching allthe episodes and the judges are
so mean.
But like you know, it's, it's apart of the, it's a part of the
gig.
So, watching the bear, uh, hetalks about kind of the things
(09:25):
that inspired or appealed to you.
So what was your initialreaction to it?
Like how did you get hooked onit?
LXNNY (09:32):
Initial reaction and just like waiting to see, kind of
like all right, let me absorbthe first few moments and kind
of get a feel of where I feelthis was going.
And then when I realized it'slike, okay, here's this
extremely experienced chef who'scoming back to his hometown, a
place that he really wanted torun away from, but is now have
(09:53):
to go back and, in a way, likesave a portion of his like
family's legacy through arestaurant, and you know it's
obviously focused on therestaurant and, like you know,
as you watch it, especiallyseason two, you're really like
(10:13):
deep into the story of likewanting to see that come to
fruition.
But in that background it'slike these are the things that
he's really battling.
You know, like he's having todo this in the middle of really
truly confronting all the stuffthat he left behind in real time
.
So it's just crazy.
Taylor D. Adams (10:33):
What an intense battle I just loved.
So it seems to me you're kindof like someone who is very
thoughtfully Experiencing thethings that he's like watching
or listening to, or you know, oreating for lack of a better
term like thinking about what islike just contemplating a lot
on what you're actuallyexperiencing.
But was there a moment in theshow that you went Okay, I'm in
(10:57):
this for however long this storyis told?
LXNNY (11:00):
I got you, oh, I think it was when they were first Trying
to Like put it all together inseason one, like hiring the
staff, like having the dinnerthat Sid made and everything to
see if she can be the chef.
(11:20):
It's like, alright, this isgonna be.
It's gonna be a nice littleroller coaster.
I'm excited to see what's going.
Taylor D. Adams (12:07):
That was a good moment.
I really appreciated that.
The thing that hooked me wasjust, I mean, I used to work in
a restaurant and I didn't workback of house, I worked front of
house.
But you're, you're around eachother and I always like and like
you cooking shows, like Ialways like the energy behind
things and so that's what I wasin.
I was, that's what I was intois like how fast things felt,
but also Everyone's from.
(12:27):
I was just kind of like pulledback and yeah, sit in a
particular moment.
What's there?
Is there one of these?
Care you, when you'redescribing Kind of like what you
first were inspired by with theshow you're very focused on
Karmie's character Is that thecharacter, character you most
identified with?
LXNNY (12:48):
So actually, no, I feel like as you watch it, naturally,
especially being a creative,you want to attach yourself to
that because it's like man, theidea of being able to attain
your dream and taking thatknowledge to come back and bring
it to your city.
But for me it's more so cousinand seed, and mainly from the
(13:09):
standpoint of like being onlychildren and Having people in
their family that they lost.
They're close.
So those two stories, for me Iconnect with a lot because for
them both of them it's like theyfeel like they failed in a
sense.
Both of them express it indifferent ways, but they both
(13:32):
want that chance for redemptionand they have both Express that
in different ways as well andthey have each have their own
journey of how they have to likefigure that out and understand.
Like, alright, I Know where myniche is, I know I can provide
value and this is why I need todouble down.
Taylor D. Adams (13:53):
Mm-hmm, I Don't .
I don't mean to pry, but do youmind sharing a story, the story
of loss that maybe connectedyou to these two characters?
LXNNY (14:01):
Yeah, so for me, my dad passed away back in 2017, so
learning that portion of Sid Umdefinitely hits home, because
that's like another level to youknow, on top of being like an
only child, just like anotherlevel of a way to live life, if
(14:22):
you will, yeah, wait, yeah, andtrying to maneuver through that
and still, like you know,realize your purpose and like
still attain those dreams thatyou have.
Taylor D. Adams (14:34):
So yeah, I understand.
So With the characters ofRichie and Sid, how do you, do
you think they handled this lossthe same way, or did they
handle them differently?
And is there a process to whichyou identify, you particular
attach yourself to?
LXNNY (14:57):
Yeah, I think like Richie is more outward, sid's more
inward, yeah, and I'm definitelymore on the inward side To
where it sounds like Richieinside my head, but it's just in
my head, yeah, but yeah, I mean, I think that's the biggest
thing it's like for him.
He felt like he needed to beforceful To get his point of
(15:21):
gross and and stake his claimwhere Sid felt like she needed
to play the background becauseOf maybe her mess ups in the
past, when in reality it waslike they both needed to do the
opposite to grow.
(16:26):
Like Richie needed to fall back,get in line and actually
understand the process and knowhow to be a team player, where
Sid actually needed to learn howto step up and understand that
she's here for a reason.
And you have to like go withyour thought processes and be
comfortable in the choices thatyou may and stand on it, but be
(16:49):
prepared for the consequencesalso, but know that we can
always Adjust.
You know whatever consequenceshappen and whatever bad things
happen, we can adjust andcorrect it.
Taylor D. Adams (17:01):
So I Feel like you identifying with those two
characters and the fact that youare an artist.
I feel like there's.
I feel like if I asked a bunchof artists, they would almost
pick the same thing, becauseboth of them have this have.
They both have impostersyndrome and and the confidence
and just constantly swappingback and forth.
(17:22):
Is that kind of how you see it?
LXNNY (17:24):
Yeah, cuz I mean, if you think every day, it's like you
know where you can be, you knowyou've been envisioning so long,
like you do become delusionalto the sense that it sounds far
fetched, but I feel like thiscan really be a thing.
But at the same time, throughgoing through that, you're also
(17:46):
faced with like the reality ofwhere you're at.
So it's like man, like kind ofhaving that internal, like
humbling yourself, if you will.
But you just see the world inthat way of like I feel like I'm
up here, like it's as far astalent and what my ability is,
(18:06):
like I feel like I'm on par.
It's just that I have like alot more steps in between that
outside of just the talentability.
Taylor D. Adams (18:16):
So which one of the characters do you feel like
you are right now?
Whoo.
LXNNY (18:25):
I feel like I'm sitting.
No, I'm in a sense because Ifeel like I've already done the
work in the process to getthrough Richie's part.
Well, let me actually rephrasethat.
Hmm, I feel like Sid, when itcomes to the art and the product
(18:46):
, if you will, and Like as faras the next steps that I need to
take, like I feel like Sid inthat regard, it's like I need to
go out and claim it, you know,reach out, touch people, you
know Fellowship with folks andlike really continue to foster
(19:06):
that community.
But then, like, on the big, like, larger scale of it, as far as
just like, just being an artistand like having a certain niche,
if you will, maybe knowing thatI have the versatility to be
able to do things, but also,again, going back to that
reality of understand, like whatpeople think about when they
(19:27):
hear my music.
You know, or expect, if youwill, and then feeling like
Richie in that sense, to whereit's like man, like I gotta
figure out where I like, trulylike land in the world, if you
will, with all of the way I feelwith the art and stuff, like
that it's like all right, butpresented to the world, I have
(19:49):
to figure out where I fall,because I feel like I can do so
many different things, but likewhere can I fall to make that
impact?
Taylor D. Adams (19:57):
So yeah, that makes sense.
Well, one of my I mean one ofmy favorite moments in season
two is when Sid is going aroundand trying all the food in
Chicago.
(20:27):
They keep cutting to the shot of, like the blank, empty black
bowl and like it's just randomstuff in there, like her brain
going through that process ofputting the things together.
She's very much focused on theart, the accolades, the
self-expression, in a way,trying a bunch of different
things, but she wants, you know,people to eat it.
She wants people to enjoy it.
(20:47):
You mentioned earlier aboutjust the music you put together.
What is your goal with howsomeone receives your music?
LXNNY (20:59):
Yeah For me.
I want them to feel like it'ssomething that they can like
live life to and be vulnerableto and with.
If that makes any sense For me,music was an escape.
So I want people to be able toget lost in my music, no matter
(21:19):
what they got going on in theworld, and feel like, okay, I
can relate to this person.
I'm not the only person thatmay be like dealing with
something, but there is likelight on the other side and I
always want that to be in mymusic.
You know, like, yeah, we mighthit some like topics and I might
(21:42):
, you know, talk about how I'mfeeling.
That's in a very deep, directway.
But I want to take it back andhave fun as well, because I want
to have fun in life, you know,but again, I just have to be
like cognizant of like what'sreally going on.
You know what I'm reallythinking about.
Taylor D. Adams (22:02):
Where did it seems I was listening to
somebody who was like, and itvery much to me creates kind of
a movement and it's kind of amood.
I feel like a lot of hip hopartists, a lot of rappers, the
prominent part of their music isthe message and the word play.
(22:24):
But I feel like with yoursthat's present, but also the
music is very like it's tranquil, I think, for lack of a better
term like it's just for me, Iwas just like in a space where I
was so calm that I ended upjust like paying attention to
only you and I wasn't even likerealizing that I was like doing
that.
And to me the weird thing isthat the bear is such a show
(22:47):
that does such a good job withcreating chaos.
How do you, someone who createsvery like chill, inward,
contemplative music, how likewhat is that balance like of
like creating one thing butenjoying something else?
LXNNY (23:06):
Yeah, I guess, because for me, I feel like everything
is chaos in reality.
You know, when you try tocompartmentalize, like maybe one
specific scenario, maybe it'snot chaos.
You know, like right now we'rehaving a great conversation,
talking about a great show,great topics.
(23:28):
It's no chaos going on rightnow, but that doesn't
necessarily mean it's no chaosgoing on in the world, where you
continue to take a wider lensand a wider scope of things.
So, and that's kind of how Ifeel about everything, if you
will, it's like I like to saythis a lot, at least in my head
like I feel like everything isjazz, like jazz is like a very.
(23:52):
It can sound chaotic if youdon't really know what's going
on, but if you know what's goingon, it doesn't sound chaotic.
It actually sounds very puttogether and methodical, but if
you don't, it's just noise forsome people.
Taylor D. Adams (24:09):
Yeah, but yeah, is there an episode of the show
that really hits home for you?
LXNNY (24:18):
It's definitely out of everything.
It's for sure, richie's episode.
Taylor D. Adams (24:26):
Oh, the Forks episode yeah.
LXNNY (25:09):
It felt like we really watched him hit rock bottom in
that episode, like he wasalready feeling like, you know,
low and like I don't really knowour stand, like kind of getting
paranoid, if you will, creatinghis own thought processes of
how people are feeling about him, because it goes to, like his
(25:29):
upbringing, you know, movingaround a lot.
I didn't have that necessarily,but yeah, you know only child
moving around a lot and feelinglike relationships could be
fickle if you do like one thingand like mess up once or
something, so like crema trulyin your head, severing the ties,
(25:54):
if you will.
So that way, if it happens,you're not surprised.
So like the way he was talkingto cousin, like I know you
wanted to get rid of me, youknow you, that's why you sent me
here, you know, thenunderstanding what's going on
with his ex-wife, that's justlike the point where it's like,
alright, he's as low as he canbe right now, like he has
(26:17):
nowhere to go but up.
And then, once he humbledhimself and honestly got to that
point of just like days of I'mjust going to focus on what I'm
doing in front of me and justlike whatever happens next
happens next, and then in that,figured out his value and
understanding the like dog.
(26:38):
Like you're a people person, youknow.
Like yeah, you are who you are,but that's why people want you
around.
You know what I mean.
Like you don't have to like notbe that person, it's just like
just tame it down a little bit,you know, still play the
instrument, just don't like beblast in the horn.
(26:59):
Like just tone it down just alittle bit, take it down a
couple of decibels and keepdoing what you're doing.
And then him realizing that inreal time in such a like, you
know, prestigious scenario andrealizing that if I can be
valuable here, like I can dothis anywhere.
(27:19):
And you and then, once you knowthe finale, it's like he's
coming in there, like yeah, Iwear a suit.
Now he gets up like five clean.
You know what I mean.
Like his whole thought processon everything is like different.
It was like a shift.
So, yeah, that was what?
Taylor D. Adams (27:41):
Why is that episode one that hits home for
you?
LXNNY (27:45):
Because I just love seeing that process and seeing
somebody get out of that,because I feel like it's a lot
of times where you see stuffwhere folks like I don't know
folks are not able to get out ofthose situations and I just
like seeing the hope you know in, like the realistic scenarios,
(28:07):
and it was just beautiful towatch man Like person just
really finding like theirpurpose and value and real time,
like putting it in a practiceand just having the switch click
.
It was just beautiful to see.
Taylor D. Adams (28:27):
So sorry for the interruption, but I will be
brief.
I am so grateful that youdecided to listen to the Film
Notes podcast today.
If you are enjoying what you'rehearing, please consider
supporting the show on Patreon.
With a small monthly amount,you can get access to behind the
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(28:49):
House Discord.
The Nut House itself is free tojoin and is full of other film
and TV lovers, so you'll fitright in.
You can check out info on allthese things in the show notes,
and if all of this sounds like abit too much, that's totally
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But if you want to keep up todate on all our episodes, please
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if you're listening on Applepodcasts, go ahead and leave a
rating and review so we can getin front of other awesome people
(29:12):
like yourself.
Okay, enough of me ramblingBack to the good stuff, because
you said you connected withRichie.
Like is that?
Are you someone that has beendown low and had to overcome
that by realizing certain things?
LXNNY (29:29):
Yeah, I mean definitely with the passing of my dad and,
like you know, moving out to anentirely different state,
starting a whole new situationin that regard, while dealing
with stuff with my dad, it'sjust a lot.
And then even with the musicknowing you're maybe like a late
(29:54):
bloomer, because he spoke aboutthat as well Him really
figuring stuff out I mean, hewas like 45, he spoke about it.
But with me and music, comparedto most people, I'm a late
bloomer.
A lot of folks started whenever, like 14, 12, super young, and
for me, I was in a band fromthird grade to high school and
(30:19):
that was my musical school, ifyou will.
But I wasn't creating anythingon my own, whether it was raps
or beats or anything, so Ididn't start until I was already
in college.
So I didn't really startgetting my groove with things
and get into the point whereit's like, okay, I'm pretty good
(30:43):
at this until like a couple ofyears ago, realistically, so it
took time.
So feeling like a late bloomerand trying to figure out, okay,
where do I fit now in competingwith, maybe, folks that started
at a younger age and have a headstart, if you will.
(31:03):
So it's like, how do I maximizethe time and the situation.
Taylor D. Adams (31:08):
Yeah, Every second counts right.
LXNNY (31:10):
Yeah.
Taylor D. Adams (31:11):
And that's where I end up with my musical
goals, speaking of music.
So from a musical standpoint Imean, this show does a lot of
needle drops, indie bands or alot of stuff from the 90s too.
But just from the musicalstandpoint of this show, the way
it flows, the way that all theelements of production kind of
(31:31):
mingle together, is there arhythm or a sound to the show
that you've noticed?
LXNNY (31:36):
Yeah, and it's kind of crazy, though I can't lie like
through watching the show.
I don't necessarily rememberlike the score, if you will like
a lot of songs that were played.
A lot of my favorite momentsare when there was really no
music.
You know, it was really thesound of the atmosphere, yeah,
(31:57):
and in the silence ofconversations, just the noise in
the kitchen, you know, justhearing whatever song.
If they were like playingsomething on the radio or
something, cause it's likeimmersing you in the experience
with them.
You just feel like a personwho's just like standing in the
room as they're going about allthese things.
Taylor D. Adams (32:19):
For people who are watching this show and you
know there are.
There are characters toidentify with, there are
scenarios to identify with.
Why do you think this show hasbecome so successful?
Cause, like on paper it itseems like it doesn't seem like
anything special, but then youwatch it and it's got a lot to
(32:43):
say.
So what do you, what do youthink might be drawing people in
?
LXNNY (32:47):
Yeah, I think really cause at its core is the show
about triumph through hardshipsand I think, with everything you
know the world has been goingthrough, like really just an
existence of humanity, likefolks love that story.
But then when you add anotherlayer to it, the demographic, as
(33:12):
far as like the, the age andthe time we're in, a lot of the
folks on the show are in an agerage to where it's like, you
know, you got some probably likelate 20, you know, but then you
got some 40, mid 40s and it'speople from and even older.
(33:34):
Honestly, when you start tothink about the staff, so older
than that, all these peopletrying to figure life out, you
know, from all different walksof life, and being put in a
scenario that, in a context thateverybody can appreciate,
because we all eat, we all lovefood.
(33:54):
Yeah, you know, I don't thinkI've ever met anybody that
hasn't appreciated going to agood restaurant.
So being able to see peoplecome together to be able to
provide that experience andreally try to make it, it's
inspiring, you know, especiallywith stuff happening, you know,
with the pandemic, and a lot offolks are just trying to be
(34:16):
independent, figure outdifferent ways to get things
going and work for themselves,or even just like go back into
school, you know, figure outdifferent things that they can
learn and different, you know,industries that they can get
into and kind of having a freshstart.
So I think a lot of people canlatch on to that, whether it's
from the creative aspect or thefull-fledged like nine to five
(34:42):
scenario.
Taylor D. Adams (34:45):
Yeah, I think we all like to see those stories
of people to use your wordtriumphing, accomplishing
something that is difficult.
I mean it also helps that allthe characters are incredibly
entertaining to watch too.
They all have their quirks andthe way they talk and the way
they act.
Exactly.
(35:07):
So one of the things that I love, that I sometimes get eye rolls
about, is that this does areally good job.
This show does a really goodjob of presenting food as art,
but it also doesn't make it seempretentious Like it makes it
seem interesting.
Yes.
(35:30):
What are your thoughts on kindof?
I guess in that sense it boilsdown to what is accessible to
people.
So, when you're creating yourart, what kind of level of
accessibility are you keeping inmind?
Do you want it for a specificaudience?
Do you want it for everyone?
Do you want it forunderrepresented or some set of
(35:52):
people?
Who are you targeting when youare making your music?
If you are targeting anyone?
LXNNY (36:01):
In a sense, I feel like I'm targeting people that are
like minded, like me, if youwill.
I feel like, if you have anappreciation for hip hop and
jazz, just honestly, those twothings at its core, or let me
add a third, just like oldschool music, and that ranges
from like 60s, 70s, 80s, all thestuff our parents listen to If
(36:24):
you have an appreciation forthose three things, I feel like
you will be able to findsomething in my catalog that you
will appreciate.
And then you know, as far asthinking about the audience,
definitely nowadays, as far asthe new cadences and drum
(36:44):
patterns, if you will, because Idon't like to say like call
them a type of drums, becausethey're all drums to me kick,
snare, hi-hat, it's just therhythm and the flow that you put
it into and gives it a certainbounce.
So the new bounce that'shappening right now and that's
really the wave of a lot ofthings.
Again, that's where I feel likeI'm rich and then when I get
(37:09):
into that and make sure like I'mable to continue to appeal to
you know, a larger audience,because everybody likes to do
that artist, but still not likecompromising my art, because I
am an artist at the end of theday, but there is the middle
ground and it's trying to figureout that middle ground and
(37:30):
write that love.
Taylor D. Adams (37:33):
Yeah, there is a sense in the artistic world
that the idea of compromise likewhat do you compromise for?
Are you someone who willcompromise for the right thing,
or are you very steadfast inyour vision of things?
LXNNY (37:49):
I don't know if I'll say it's compromise for me
personally, because I have a lotof things that I'm influenced
by.
So you know like, yeah, I reallylove the alchemist, but I
really love Metro Boomin youknow, I really love Jay-Z but I
(38:15):
really love Future, so the ideaof maybe doing something that
can appeal to a larger audiencelike doesn't feel like
compromise, because I'minterested in those things.
Like if Future or Young Thug or, you know, estg, ever wanted to
(38:37):
work with me in any capacity, Iwould be extremely excited and
I feel like I need to be able tohave things in my repertoire to
allow for that to happen Justat the same time.
Like if Earl Sweat shirt, youknow Triggyn Boldy, james
Freddie Gibbs, you know CurrencyAction Bronson, if these folks
(39:01):
want to hop on a song with me aswell, I'm definitely trying to
be in those rooms.
Taylor D. Adams (39:06):
You're not too picky.
You've got standards, butyou're not too picky.
LXNNY (39:10):
I just have standards within those genres of the
things that I like, but I likeit all.
I would love to be on just arecord where it's just like a
jazz band going crazy and I'mjust boom rapping some bars.
I want to be able to go intoevery room because I genuinely
appreciate every room.
Taylor D. Adams (39:31):
So what I'm trying to get.
I don't know the right way toreally phrase this question, but
one of the things that I reallytook away from it at least the
second time watching through itI probably noticed at the first
time, maybe was how muchemphasis this show puts on
caring about what you do.
LXNNY (39:51):
Yeah.
Taylor D. Adams (39:53):
I mean, you seem like a person who
appreciates that and I think, asany musical person, they're
caring about what they're making.
Did that come from somewherefor you?
LXNNY (40:06):
I feel like it's really my tenure in the band and just
that upbringing of just likingdesign and liking the processes
of things.
And then it's interestingbecause being in the band you're
like a part of the process.
You're like you know me as aproducer.
(40:28):
If I take some drums here, youknow, take some sounds here, I'm
kind of like a conductor in asense and like a scientist in
that way.
But when you're just playingthat instrument you're the
person kind of just being movedaround and picked and where do
you need to go when most do youneed to play?
Oh you're talking about marchingband, yeah, and even like, just
(40:50):
like concert band in general,like with the different parts
and stuff like that.
I was in the jazz band as well,very cool.
What did you play?
Trombone, nice, yeah, so yeah.
And then my band director likeI don't know if you've seen the
movie Whiplash.
That's what I should havepicked on the load.
Taylor D. Adams (41:10):
Have you seen the movie Whiplash though?
Yes, I've seen it many times.
LXNNY (41:13):
Okay, so this is going to sound extremely dramatic.
Okay, but my band director wasthat guy.
Taylor D. Adams (41:23):
Really, and I'm surprised you stuck with music
after having that guy's banddirector.
LXNNY (41:29):
But I understood where he was coming from.
I like people that are straightwith me.
Okay, even though I'm notnecessarily.
I mean, I say what comes in mymind and things like that.
I like them when people arevery like, just straight with me
, no matter their thoughtprocess, if you will like, I
(41:50):
just like it when they'restraight with me.
And what I appreciate aboutband director is that's what he
was.
He might say something that washarsh, he might like get on you
for something, but it was allfrom the sense of like I want
this to be good, like, and Iwant you to be the best that you
can be within this, to make itthe best it can be.
You know this is a guy who was aband director for 30 years at
(42:12):
this high school.
I was from Riley.
He brought in high school hewas a band director from for 30
years.
You know, going to bandcompetition, winning awards,
like I mean you go in a bandroom as plaques, everything that
he's won.
So like, this guy has astandard.
You know he's known in Rileyand like, respected, like people
know this guy.
(42:32):
So, yeah, he was like that inWhiplash, like literally, I've
seen him throw drumsticks.
Like inside.
I've seen him throw a chair,like for real.
I've just seen him throw thingsin the room and like he used to
keep us and like cut into ourlunch when we would be outside
(42:55):
marching if he weren't gettingthings right.
Wow, and this is like so, butat the same time, yeah, but at
the same time, like I remember,we went to Florida for a parade,
like, and we rose face mountainwith a meal, my friends,
because we were joking around,like you know, because we were
everybody in high school, likein a band.
They some people didn't likehim because he was like the guy
(43:17):
with blast, you know, they justwere like whatever, but we still
were always cool with them.
Like one time we went up andjust like he had on these like
cool, like fresh Prince typesweatpants.
You know, and this is an older,you know white dude, he's like
at the time I feel like he's inhis fifties and maybe sixties.
(43:37):
He's wearing these like supercrazy sweatpants and we're just
like yo, those are some reallycool sweatpants.
So in the process ofcomplimenting, you know, we're
just talking about the trip andhe's asking us about space
mountain and we're just like, no, we've never been, never been
on the ride.
He's like, all right, well, weget there, we'll ride it.
(43:57):
And we're just like okay.
And then I remember, we getthere, we get off the bus.
He looks at us.
He's like, hey, gentlemen, wemight as well go ahead and knock
that out.
Let's go to space mountain.
So I'm just like okay.
So for me it's like, eventhrough all the yelling because
he yelled at me and, like youknow, got on me, but I never,
(44:19):
like took it hard- I mean, itsounds like, sounds like there
was a lot of influence there,though, so yeah look at you now
I mean, yeah, no, seriously, Ido it all over again, that's for
sure.
So to bring us home what is yourfavorite moment or scene from
the two seasons of the bear, youknow, it might have been when
(44:46):
the gas didn't leak, whensuppression seems to be working,
I will now check the gas line.
Ten.
Nine.
That was, I felt, the genuinerelief sigh of whoa, we're
(45:10):
really about to do this.
Yeah, I felt that Because,again, we're talking about that
anxiety, I felt the buildup ofyo.
I felt like I was in the roomjust like, oh my gosh, if this
thing does not go, this is goingto be absolutely terrible.
And when it didn't, it's likeokay.
Taylor D. Adams (45:31):
Yeah, like you felt, you sighed and jumped up
and down with everyone in thatroom.
LXNNY (45:36):
But then got a little nervous because in a way, like
now, there's no excuses.
See, that's the other likeanxious part about that moment.
It's like, okay, nothing wentwrong.
But now it's like whoa, we likeit's like, yay, we get to do
this.
But it's like no, no, no, no,no, no.
Now we really have to do this.
(45:57):
So like it's not a jump anymore, it's not a game.
So yeah, it's crazy.
Taylor D. Adams (46:04):
Lenny.
Thanks so much for coming on,man.
This has been a great talk.
LXNNY (46:06):
Yeah, absolutely man.
Thanks for having me.
I really appreciate it.
Taylor D. Adams (46:12):
It's evident in talking with Lenny that balance
is something that he strivesfor, and I think we can all
relate to that.
Whether it's embracing the ebbsand flows of life or
integrating seeminglycontrasting elements into some
form of jazz, he has his ownunique way of achieving that
balance.
For the characters in the Bear,especially the lead, karmie,
(46:35):
that process is a lot moredifficult and I think we can all
relate to that as well.
We feel we're only good at onething, so we dedicate all of
ourselves to that one thing,shutting out everything and
everyone else.
Or maybe we think we're notdeserving of love, so we
self-sabotage our relationshipswith other people and maybe we
get so accustomed to being outof balance that all we can do is
(46:57):
remain in that precarious state.
Personally, I struggle with acouple of these and on my latest
rewatch of the Bear for thisepisode, I've realized that that
concept of care that Imentioned earlier should be
applied in balance and that theprocess of getting to a good
place should be embraced, Iguess.
(47:20):
A huge thanks to Lenny forchatting with me today and a
very, very special thanks to allyou bears for listening.
If you want to check out someof Lenny's music, go ahead and
check out the show notes forlinks to that, as well as stay
tuned to the end of the episodeto hear a little preview.
If you enjoyed what you heardtoday, please go ahead and
subscribe on your favoritepodcast platform of choice to
(47:40):
stay up to date on all of ourepisodes.
And if you happen to belistening on Apple Podcasts,
please leave a rating and reviewto help us get noticed by more
awesome folks like yourself.
If you want to support the showon Patreon, please check out
the show notes or visitpatreoncom.
And one quick, importantannouncement Our next episode
will be a very specialmid-season finale on Wes
(48:03):
Anderson's the Life Aquatic withSteve Zizu.
To find out why it's a veryspecial episode, please be sure
you are subscribed to ourYouTube channel.
After that episode, I'll betaking a few months off, but
we'll be back in early 2024 withbrand new Film Nuts goodness.
Our theme this season isbrought to us by the D-Bend, our
artwork is designed by MadungaSubahudi and all episodes of
(48:26):
Film Nuts Podcast are producedand edited by me, taylor D.
If you want to get in touch,you can email Film Nuts Podcast
at gmailcom or follow us onInstagram, tiktok and Twitter at
Film Nuts Podcast.
And don't forget to join theNuthouse Discord community
absolutely free by checking outthe link in the show notes.
Thank you all so much forlistening today.
(48:48):
Until next time, merryChristmas, lizards.
Okay, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
Anyway, as promised, here'sCalypso by Lenny to play us out.
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The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.