I read this local quote once in a local magazine about a local Nashville band that I can locally recall to this day:
“It makes me claustrophobic to think about music that doesn’t move.”
Music is an experience that takes us to places we can touch, taste, see, and most especially, hear.
Every time we listen to the sound of music, whether through headphones or speakers, in a studio, or in the elevator, it affects how we think and feel.
There is a real, tangible reaction in our minds to the sounds around us, especially well organized sounds (or music).
More remembered is the music that really moves us, sinks deep into our soul like a heavy weight cast into the sea, sinking quickly to the bottom of the ocean floor.
For example, a song that moves is A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cook and the story behind the song displayed persuasively in the movie One Night in Miami.
Music is a journey that evolves with time. Don’t some songs just bring you back in time? Flooding your mind with memories when you listened to it growing up?
In this there is almost a rediscovery of the song. Maybe the lyrics mean more now, or an instrument comes through more. Whatever it is, hold on to it, write it down, voice record your interpretation.
Another song that hits me is Fix You by Coldplay. It’s such a simple and short song, but yet so impactful.
There’s been thousands of people singing along to that song at one moment or another and then there’s me, with the floodgates open, alone in my bedroom at one moment and at a 65,000 attendee concert in Atlanta, Georgia at another.
I also remember biking back from work in Nashville at 11 at night, the yellow traffic light flashing and Yellow by Coldplay softly playing in my ears.
Music has such an amazing ability to pull back the veil of time and reveal a different you during a different place and time.
The other incredible thing about music is it’s universal, it connects people all around the world from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures. A single song, like Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira that played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Though I may not know the words to Tuyo by Rodrigo Amarante, I still feel the message permeate every time I watch the intro to Narcos on Netflix.
Music is also one of the most subjective experiences in life, what one person may love, another just can’t stand listening to and vice versa.
Developing a sense of openness towards music will find yourself open to so much more in life, crossing mental boundaries and kindling friendships.
I’m not into screamo or hard metal music at all, but I went to see a band called AFI with a friend once and it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had at a live concert.
I think the accolade that defines a musician more than anything in the world is an album. A good album is well constructed and conveys the artist’s message in an eloquent and beautiful or honest way.
Of all my years listening to hundreds of albums by all kinds of artists, these are my personal favorites:
- In Between Dreams by Jack Johnson
- A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay
- Currents by Tame Impala
- Room For Squares by John Mayer
- Freudian by Daniel Caesar
- Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
- Legend by Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
- Conjure by Elliot Root
- Fuzzybrain by Dayglow
I encourage you (as I encourage myself) to look back on your musical journey.
What music makes you move and why? How does the music you listen to affect you?
Being mindful about what we listen to can change entirely the way we feel.
Five More Things:
- How music changes the brain.
- Why we like some type of music and not other.
- My personal Spotify profile, so you can listen to what I do.
- The evolution of music.
- The world without music.
Thank you deeply for your time and attention reading this post, it is a rare gift these days. Feel free to comment, like, or share it. You can also support me by Buying Me A Coffee. Thank you in advance!
