We recently connected with Kosta Kutay and have shared our conversation below.
Kosta, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity lives within everyone, it’s an inherent part of the human experience. Despite it always being there, it can be incredibly hard to protect, prioritize and access on a consistent basis. I go through periods of time where I feel unable to write anything new or inspired. Most artists would agree that is a normal part of the creative process but it can be incredibly frustrating and causes many people to step away from their craft forever. I’ve learned that in these moments it’s important to practice patience and humility. I actively try to slow down and approach everything in my life with more curiosity and less judgement on a day to day basis. When you are young creativity comes naturally because you are constantly asking questions with an open heart and mind but as we age we start to feel like we have all the answers. My most creatively fulfilling work happens when I lean into solitude and fall in love with the questions.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Kosta Kutay, I am a 24 year old saxophonist/composer/educator based in Los Angeles. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Jazz Studies at University of Southern California while working as a professional musician. My debut record EVA was released July 2023 and is available for streaming on all platforms.
EVA was inspired by my health journey in 2022 after being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis. This project became my outlet through both the mental and physical challenges I was facing and was my attempt at redirecting my energy into something positive. I am joined alongside pianist Michael Ragonese, bassist Jermaine Paul, drummer Myles Martin and features a special guest alto saxophonist Shai Golan. EVA was mixed and mastered by Steve Kutay and the artwork for was shot by Los Angeles photographer Emanuel Guy.
You can keep up to date with future shows and releases by following my instagram @koslice
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Learn to be kinder to yourself. It’s engrained in human nature to compare yourself to the people around you. Recognize when you catch yourself thinking this way, take note of it and remember you are enough and you are where you need to be.
Treat discipline as an act of self love. Long term commitment to any creative act will be frustrating but when you choose to fight through the daily resistance you are gifting yourself a more rewarding future. When I first started getting serious about saxophone, I made a rule that I would always put my saxophone together everyday. Even if I didn’t think I had the energy to practice I would still make myself set up the horn. Eventually, I noticed that the act of setting up the saxophone was always enough positive momentum to get me excited to practice.
Also, I think there’s a lot of value in open-mindedness. Embracing new ideas and experiences is the fastest way to learn and grow.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Letters To A Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke has had a large impact on me as a musician and person. The book is a compilation of letters from a young poet, Franz Kappus, reaching out to Rilke for advice in the early 1900’s. They talk about a lot of relevant artistic concepts like the importance of looking inward and creating art through necessity but also more broad ideas like love and humanity. It’s a super short read and I always find myself coming back to it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @koslice
- Youtube: @kostakutay8036
Image Credits
Emanuel Guy
