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A Musical Monotrope: In A Red Clay Strays Kind of Craze
An example of where what I said and what I meant did not align
Paige Mitts
November 20, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Red Clay Strays and the Neurosparkle Mantra
Recently, I said out loud, “I’m in a Red Clay Strays kind of craze these days,” a simple, extemporaneous statement that captured a moment. Then, out of curiosity, I typed it into ChatGPT to see how it would respond. What followed turned out to be the perfect illustration of my Neurosparkle Mantra: "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
The Neurosparkle Mantra isn’t just a quirky phrase—it’s a reality for many of us, especially those of us who are neurodivergent. The problem we so often face is that the words we say mean exactly what we said, but they’re interpreted differently based on the listener’s understanding of context. It happens in human conversations all the time, but with AI, there’s a unique opportunity: I can correct its understanding without having to "unexplain" what I said that it misunderstood.
What I Said vs. What Was Heard
When I entered my statement, this was the AI’s initial response:
“The Red Clay Strays, hailing from Mobile, Alabama, have been making significant waves in the music scene. Their 2022 single ‘Wondering Why’ gained viral attention on TikTok, propelling them onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart.”
It was factual. It was helpful. But it wasn’t what I meant. It was a perfect example of the least-common-denominator approach—generic information devoid of the context that made my statement personal.
So, I rephrased:
“I discovered the Red Clay Strays while in Nicaragua with friends in August. Now, it’s November, and I’ve memorized every word of every song. I’m diving deep into their lyrics, uncovering underlying messages, researching whether their songs are autobiographical, and if so, whose perspective they’re told from. It’s the kind of craze where my neurodivergence—my AuDHD and serial monotropism—shines through as I explore their music through my synesthetic lens.”
And this time, the AI responded with depth and nuance, addressing my curiosity about the autobiographical nature of the songs, the personal struggles of the band members, and the themes woven into their music.
Here is the revised response that addresses the questions I was really asking!
The Red Clay Strays, formed in 2016 in Mobile, Alabama, have garnered attention for their authentic storytelling and soulful blend of country rock, Delta blues, and gospel influences. Their lyrics often delve into personal experiences, faith, and the human condition, reflecting the band's Southern roots and individual journeys.
Many of their songs are autobiographical, drawing from the lives of the band members:
"Disaster": This track explores themes of personal struggle and moral ambiguity. It reflects on the complexities of human nature and the cyclical nature of hardship and redemption.
"I'm Still Fine": Frontman Brandon Coleman addresses self-doubt, depression, and anxiety, offering a glimpse into his personal battles and resilience.
"Devil in My Ear": Guitarist and songwriter Drew Nix penned this song inspired by the loss of a close friend to suicide. It serves as a message of hope for those grappling with similar thoughts, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
The band's commitment to authenticity is evident in their willingness to share personal stories through their music, resonating deeply with listeners.
ChatGPT Response
The Neurosparkle Connection
This experience reminded me why I talk about Neurosparkle so much. Neurosparkle is the lens through which I experience the world, shaped by my strengths, idiosyncrasies, and instincts. The music of the Red Clay Strays speaks to me on a visceral level. I revised lyrics from the song Wanna Be Loved in posts explaining what it feels like to actually be loved the way that the song longs for. I do know what it feels like to be loved that way and the longing that the video illustrates shows me just how special that love is.
For me, as someone with AuDHD, my focus often narrows into what’s called serial monotropism—a deep, singular immersion into one interest at a time. It’s not just listening to music; it’s seeing it, feeling it, and breaking it apart to understand its essence.
Serial Monotropism - A Definition of Deep Dives
Serial Monotropism refers to a cognitive trait where an individual intensely focuses on one interest or activity at a time, often to the exclusion of other tasks or stimuli. It is commonly associated with neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Key Characteristics:
Deep Immersion: Individuals with serial monotropism experience a "flow state" where their attention is deeply engaged with their current focus.
Sequential Interests: While they may move on to different topics over time, their focus tends to shift serially—one interest at a time, rather than multitasking or juggling several interests simultaneously.
High Attention to Detail: The intense focus often leads to a profound understanding or mastery of the chosen topic or activity.
Difficulty with Switching: Transitions between tasks or areas of interest can feel jarring or difficult because the brain is fully invested in the current activity.
Passion-Driven: The focus is often driven by intrinsic motivation, stemming from curiosity, fascination, or emotional resonance.
Implications:
Strengths: Serial monotropism allows for deep expertise, creativity, and unique insights in areas of interest.
Challenges: It can make balancing multiple priorities difficult and lead to frustration when interrupted or unable to pursue the current focus.
In the context of neurodivergence, serial monotropism reflects a natural way of engaging with the world, offering both opportunities for brilliance and challenges in adapting to environments that demand multitasking or rapid switching.
Why This Matters
Conversations like this illustrate the gap between what we mean and what is heard. With AI, that gap can be bridged quickly and without friction. But in human interactions, it’s not always so easy. Misunderstandings often lead to frustration, requiring effort to unravel and re-explain.
The beauty of AI is that I can test, refine, and clarify—ensuring that my meaning shines through without the emotional labor of "unexplaining." And for those of us who navigate the world through the lens of neurodivergence, that’s a powerful tool for communication.
Join the Conversation
Does this resonate with you? Do you find yourself navigating the gap between what you say and what others hear? Whether you're neurodivergent or simply curious about the lenses through which we all experience the world, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Leave a comment, share your perspective, or tell me about the music that has pulled you into your own kind of "craze." And if you haven’t yet discovered the Red Clay Strays, here’s your invitation to dive in.
For a visual and auditory experience of their storytelling and why I will probably be in my Red Clay Strays craze for a while, you might appreciate the official video for "Wanna Be Loved":
If this post sparked something in you, consider subscribing to my newsletter. Together, let’s explore the layers of meaning, music, and connection that make life shine.
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