Antony Hegarty is a transexual english-Irish singer/songwriter who has created a unique approach to expressing himself through music. He is heavily influenced by artist such as Boy George and Marc Almond, but remains unique in and of himself. Each time I introduce Antony's music to someone they either react by hysterically laughing, are at a loss for words, or say "what the hell?". I believe that Antony comes as such a shock to the system because his voice is extremely strange to most people and the content of his lyrics are usually extremely morbid in the strangest way possible. The real question that I am getting at is- Is Antony creative by psychologists' definition? Antony's music is most definitely novel (unique), but is it appropriate/useful? While I would venture to say that most people would not hesitate to answer "no", some people find Antony's music extremely relatable and valuable. These are a few comments taken from Antony's performance of "The Cripple and The Starfish" on Youtube,
"I discovered his music when I saw Lou Reed tour Australia. It was the most beautiful voice I'd ever heard."
"Hauntingly beautiful, Antony is a genius."
"One of the greatest stylist and lyricist of contemporary music, a truly mesmerizing artist, experienced at Disney concert hall bravo."
"This music is life changing, antony's music owns something else, something deeper and defenetely better."
After learning how touching Antony's music is to many people, it is impossible to say that his music is not useful to some. This suggests that psychologists' definition of creativity may need some revisions. It is far to general and I think that different categories of creative may be more useful. While Antony may not be creative to some, he may be the most creative person ever stumbled upon by others.
This is Antony's "The cripple and The Starfish" it is a song that is meant to address domestic violence in gay relationships. Now you can make a judgement about whether you think Antony is creative or nonsensical.
Mr. Muscle forcing bursting
Stingy thingy into little me, me, me
But just "ripple" said the cripple
As my jaw dropped to the ground
Smile smile
It's true I always wanted love to be
Hurtful
And it's true I always wanted love to be
Filled with pain
And bruises
Yes, so Cripple-Pig was happy
Screamed " I just compeletely love you!
And there's no rhyme or reason
I'm changing like the seasons
Watch! I'll even cut off my finger
It will grow back like a Starfish!
It will grow back like a Starfish!
It will grow back like a Starfish!"
Mr. Muscle, gazing boredly
And he checking time did punch me
And I sighed and bleeded like a windfall
Happy bleedy, happy bruisy
I am very happy
So please hit me
I am very happy
So please hurt me
I am very happy
So please hit me
I am very very happy
So come on hurt me
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
I'll grow back like a Starfish
Like a Starfish..
