The expansion of horizons

I don't know about you guys out there, but I've gone through so many musical changes, expansions, and realizations that it could be deemed ridiculous. I never realized how closed-minded that one can be when it comes to music. "Hate" is such a strong word while describing anything, and there are a couple of bands that I always found myself saying "I just don't like their music" and in some scenarios saying "I can't stand (insert band name here)'s music" One of these bands was The Smiths. I just couldn't stand Morrisey's voice. 

Nevermind the fact that The Smith's music has been described as influential for many of my favorite bands; I just didn't get it. 

However, there comes a point in every music lover's (or anybody for that matter) life that you just have to let go and decide to listen to some music objectively. And... Damn. I let go tonight and listened to The Smiths for the first time with an open ear. 

It's good, really good. Like anything and anybody, we are afraid and threatened by something we are unsure of. I've done the same thing with pretty much every band that is considered as one of "my favorites" to date, and I am grateful that I've had so many people around me that gently push me out of my comfort zone and into musical greatness.

So cheers to expanding our musical tastes!

Fighting Complacency

This morning as I woke up to go to work, I read possibly the most disturbing and depressing thing that I've ever heard. A few simple words stated as follows: "The key to success is complacency". Uhhh, what the fuck? Who says this? More importantly, who believes this?

This gave me quite the run for my money and got me thinking that I am, indeed, following this utterly disgusting guideline. The idea of doing what I'm not passionate about. Going to work everyday without a fire,  a drive, or any sort of idea about where this is going to take me next. I decided not to go to work today to think and reset.

A few factors are revolving around a rash, and most likely idiotic decision to leave a well paying job, where I like who I work with, have a great support system, and a friendly environment in which I don't mind going to 5 days a week. In all honesty, I have a great job. But to what standards?

Through life's experiences I would consider myself an artist. I know, a lofty statement to say the least. I appreciate making progressive and new music, and I enjoy making art in any medium. Sure I have a nice job with some killer benefits, but the hollow space where you're unable to stay creative has taken a huge toll on happiness, love, and finding more in life.

I had a long, and incredibly real conversation with one of my greatest friends last night about staying happy, and guess where we ended up? Do what you love, and love what you do.

The strive to stay passionate, the want and need to be creative. This is all I want from life. I don't want or need a ton of money. In every sense of the phrase "money does not buy happiness" I have realized this to a greater extent than I knew possible. When you have a truly fulfilling "job" is when you have achieved true happiness. Everyone's cup of tea is different, and finding just the right cup for me is where I'm at. I need a change, I need to thrive.

So complacency doesn't breed success. It breeds, well, complacency.

Phases

The trials and tribulations of life. There are ups, there are downs; and there is inevitably a soundtrack to every single moment. The association of music to feelings plays a much bigger part to our lives than we know. It takes some objective thinking and digging into our day to day lives to realize this and find this pattern; and to see how our musical tastes partner with our feelings.

Our music tastes change throughout our lives, and most of the time this caters to how a song or album attaches itself lyrically and emotionally to meaningful events. I was just happening to be pondering this idea in my head for a number of reasons today.

Today; being my birthday, has been barraged (in a very good way) with many people wishing you the best. A happy, healthy, and joyful year ahead that will be better than the last by at least tenfold. While in many circumstances this may be true, today has seen a little heartache from none other than the opposite sex. It's never fun when communication breaks down, and it's really not fun to get blown off on your birthday; whether it is intentional or not.

Why am I upset? There's really no factual or quantifiable reason; just making plans and having them broken sucks. Especially when you're interested.

Where am I going with this? Well I woke up this morning finding lyrics in songs much more identifiable. Much more close to where "My Heart" is at in the current moment. It's amazing how I thrived on being alone for so long, and now I cringe at the thought of another second of it! Listening to Brand New, Afghan Whigs today it's amazing how identifiable all these subjects are when you're looking for it. Feeling of loss, loneliness, and also being close to someone are all heavy themes in Brand New's music. However I have failed to take these to heart until this very moment when I'm feeling it. While Afghan Whigs lyrical themes are a bit more brash and blunt, the idea is there. I have loved Brand New's music for a long time, but a lot of it was more of the emotion in the actual instrumentation. The lyrics are just great.

I find myself listening to "Jesus" on repeat today for these very reasons. The heartache and emotion that went into that song is incredible; and it's simplicity continues to intrigue me every time.

Enough heartache though, we are almost forgetting the other parts of our lives, the amazing ones! While Brand New plays heavily into that as well, I definitely find my self either attaching to different aspects of the music or reading into lyrics differently. There is definitely much more Blink 182 involved in the mix, and quite a bit more NOFX as well.

I just find it pretty interesting and in fact amazing that our minds will automatically change gears and find different themes in the same songs. Our minds are a crazy thing, and the thought of cracking open and deciphering our own thoughts is one that is a career in itself.