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I was reading a magazine (I totally forget which one) not to long ago and there was an article with the title of “What does music mean to you?” My thoughts raced. Music means a lot to me and I decided to blog about it.
What does music mean to me?
For some people, music is just something they listen to, something that is just there or something that helps pass the time. For me music goes far beyond that.
I blame this mostly on my stepfather as he was in bands and got me hooked on the sound of live music. My mom has told me countless stories about me as a baby. There were countless nights where I wouldn’t sleep and would instead “wiggle” or “jig” my arms and legs around... and sometimes even hum and bop my head against my crib. The only way I would go to sleep is if my mother came in and sang me to sleep.
All through my childhood my stepdad would try to teach me how to play his guitar and my little hands couldn’t handle a guitar well enough to learn, even a smaller guitar made for small handed girls such as myself. I learned a few strings, but I was never able to get a grasp on it. My stepfather played every instrument imaginable. My instrument of choice had always been my voice. I was in chorus from the 7th grade until my junior year of high school.
I was also fascinated with my step father’s and older sisters record/cassette collection. I remember I would often sneak into my parent’s bedroom and pull out his record collection and sift through the albums. Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent. Although I saw these records a couple hundred times, every time I looked at them it felt like the first time. I secretly wished I owned them. I always told myself I would one day own my own record player and find a way to play and make music.
I attended my first concert at age 9 with my mom. (dont laugh, it was kool and the gang!! lol)) and I will never forget the feeling and essence that I felt that night. I was hooked at that young age! I knew at that moment I wanted to do something within the music industry. I was to young to understand just how or WHAT exactly, but I knew music would be my life.
As time went on, my musical tastes changed. Always a rock girl at heart, I was never obsessed with bands and artists like Hanson, ‘N Sync and Britney Spears. I'd throw darts at their posters IF i dared to put any up!!. I had a weak spot for rock music... from the very beginning, and I’ll tell you the truth, that weak spot is very much still there.
Rush will always hold a sentimental place in my heart. When I was 16 or 17 years old, I dated a drummer and would hold his sheet music. I would hear the drums as my eyes scanned the notes on the page and i became fascinated with Neil Peart and his amazing abilities.
Although I like a lot of different music, I’m not very picky. I love hearing new msuic, new bands etc. When I hear a song for the first time or discover a new artist in order for me to really LOVE it, it has to effect me in someway; take me to a different place. I have to be able to really envision the story. I have to be able to feel something behind it. Over the years I have discovered many artists and bands that stirred up indescribable emotions. Attempting to explain the excitement or rush, some people just don’t understand.
My favorite band is Foo Fighters and I find their music to be incredibly empowering and it captures my soul. Whenever I hear them, I find that I lose myself in them. It’s an incredible feeling. I just love Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins!!!
There is nothing like seeing an artist or band live. Live shows capture the true essence behind the band. You get more than what you hear on CD and the atmosphere is so alive. The best way to know if a band is kick ass for real or not, is to see them LIVE!! Often studio albums are tweaked and edited until bands barely sound like themselves. You cant fake being a great band at a live concert!! It brings people together. I’ve met so many true friends at concerts and a lot of these friends I couldn’t picture not having in my life. Over the years I have seen kool n the gang(not my fault!), Lynard Skynard(several times), queensryche, metallica, GnR, Ted Nugent, Poison, Motley Crue, Ratt, TSOL, 38 special, Aerosmith, Black Crows, Greenday, 311, sublime, acdc, blink 182, santana, Cinderella, Whitesnake, Great white and countless other bands and local artists throughout the years. (its late, theres lots more live bands ive seen...just am at a blank right now)
To me, music is more than what’s on the surface. The only way I can describe the feeling is, it’s like blood. We need blood to circulate through our body in order to live. Music is part of me in that sense. I have a lot to be thankful for. Especially my stepdad for introducing me to music. I’m sure throughout the years my parents found all the concerts that I attended (and still do attend) to be a nuisance, however they understand how much it means to me. I could honestly go on forever. Music is just something that I cannot live without. Music lives within my heart, within my soul...and always will.
So, what does music mean to YOU? I'd love to hear how music or a certain artist moved you in some way.
