This is excellent. Thanks for starting this conversation.
As an 80s teen, I was immersed in music. It spoke to me. It was my escape, my entertainment. It soothed my restless Caribbean soul and ingnited my youthful passion. I was either constantly singing or when possible listening to the radio. I did not have a specific genre although pop was generally my go to I also loved classical music.
When I moved to Canada music was constant companion for the many years I lived alone. The notes of those 80s and 90s anthems would bolster my home-aching lonely heart. My kids, from the womb, was listening to my music. I would play it for them and sing it to them. When they were born, I was the one who put to them to sleep singing songs to them. I wanted them to explore the creativity of music. I am thankful that is exactly what happened. Now they tastes range from Hip Hop, to K-Pop, Beethoven to Grunge. Our family's playlist has music from all over the world. I am currently listening to Ren, Kendrick, Jidenna, and recently discovered Dax and Raja Kumari. I also discovered the Coke Studios specials.
Gandhi said "Music does not proceed from the throat alone. There is music of mind, of the senses and of the heart" and I think this is the fundamental essence of your well written article. Thanks again!!
What an interesting topic! I haven't listened to ANY of the music you mention - not one artist. But your process resonated deeply with me. I have found it critical to make time for silence amidst all the noise, but I have not attuned to filling that space with music - known or new. I will think about what you have said.
I love how everything about this journey is described in such a clear, rich, honest way. This line is so simple, crisp and clear, yet it perfectly captures an experience that is significant and complex: "Everything changed when I crossed the threshold—emotionally, spiritually, sonically."
So true that we can find ourselves listening to (and needing) different songs/music for different purposes "like bandages, sometimes like mirrors, sometimes like time machines." Really appreciate how this article honours the incredible power of music; enjoyed the writing style too.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. It really has been one of my greatest therapists ( funny to say for someone like me I know lol). I appreciated how you framed “being in conversation with music” in your article and how that transitioned for you in time. I loved that part.
I have been writing music for as long as I can remember. A good memory of my dad is that he could take ANY conversation , casual or deep and find lyrics or make them up and would just start randomly singing and that is something that I have done as well especially when my kids were younger. I could take any mundane task and make it a full on musical 😂 not sure if they loved it or not haha
Music is one of those things that can connect and bring people together across so many spans of life , time and culture. I could go on and on about this. Great article and really like how it is facilitating conversations here among us!
This is excellent. Thanks for starting this conversation.
As an 80s teen, I was immersed in music. It spoke to me. It was my escape, my entertainment. It soothed my restless Caribbean soul and ingnited my youthful passion. I was either constantly singing or when possible listening to the radio. I did not have a specific genre although pop was generally my go to I also loved classical music.
When I moved to Canada music was constant companion for the many years I lived alone. The notes of those 80s and 90s anthems would bolster my home-aching lonely heart. My kids, from the womb, was listening to my music. I would play it for them and sing it to them. When they were born, I was the one who put to them to sleep singing songs to them. I wanted them to explore the creativity of music. I am thankful that is exactly what happened. Now they tastes range from Hip Hop, to K-Pop, Beethoven to Grunge. Our family's playlist has music from all over the world. I am currently listening to Ren, Kendrick, Jidenna, and recently discovered Dax and Raja Kumari. I also discovered the Coke Studios specials.
Gandhi said "Music does not proceed from the throat alone. There is music of mind, of the senses and of the heart" and I think this is the fundamental essence of your well written article. Thanks again!!
What an interesting topic! I haven't listened to ANY of the music you mention - not one artist. But your process resonated deeply with me. I have found it critical to make time for silence amidst all the noise, but I have not attuned to filling that space with music - known or new. I will think about what you have said.
Also it has been a long time since I composed or played music. There needs to be a certain space and grace and peace for me to do that.
I love how everything about this journey is described in such a clear, rich, honest way. This line is so simple, crisp and clear, yet it perfectly captures an experience that is significant and complex: "Everything changed when I crossed the threshold—emotionally, spiritually, sonically."
So true that we can find ourselves listening to (and needing) different songs/music for different purposes "like bandages, sometimes like mirrors, sometimes like time machines." Really appreciate how this article honours the incredible power of music; enjoyed the writing style too.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. It really has been one of my greatest therapists ( funny to say for someone like me I know lol). I appreciated how you framed “being in conversation with music” in your article and how that transitioned for you in time. I loved that part.
I have been writing music for as long as I can remember. A good memory of my dad is that he could take ANY conversation , casual or deep and find lyrics or make them up and would just start randomly singing and that is something that I have done as well especially when my kids were younger. I could take any mundane task and make it a full on musical 😂 not sure if they loved it or not haha
Music is one of those things that can connect and bring people together across so many spans of life , time and culture. I could go on and on about this. Great article and really like how it is facilitating conversations here among us!