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My intention of creating "The Sound Lot" is to review, learn and discuss my perspective of today's music, popular (and unpopular) works, artists, composers, and even some of my own personal writings and interpretations. As a piano, vocal and writing hobbyist, I am inviting other music enthusiasts to discuss what motivates the artists of our time and what kind of person they are through their musical expressions. I also want to highlight, compare and discuss artists that are not as well known in mainstream popularity.
What makes a good song?
Music is quite the conundrum in that it can be expressed in so many ways. According to a YouTube video posted on gizmodo.com in 2012, a particular song has an almost finite amount of possibilities in which it can be composed, From Johann Bach to Tupac Shakur, it is quite obvious how different music can be interpreted, while still relying on the same principles created many centuries ago. As a classically trained pianist, I have had the pleasure of knowing how it feels to express a composers interpretation by instrument, But what further ignites my passion in music as a writer, is the way lyrics can apply to harmony and create a story that can take you from tears to joy, or vice versa, in five minutes or less. Unlike many written stories, music fashions a necessity in our mind to listen to our favorite songs again and again, embedding them into the forefront of our unbound subconsciousness.
Understanding and appreciating what we know, together
In the following posts to come, I will be covering the latest artists that I have come across and write my opinion as to the the cleverness, beauty and creativity of the composition. The genres I cover will sometimes be broad, again depending what sounds inspire me to discuss. What I would like is to share suggestions from your individual tastes so that we can compare and contrast for an even deeper learning experience. Next week, my first artist spotlight will cover the virtuoso and contemporary violinist Lindsey Stirling, with insight from her latest album and concert experience.
As an artist myself, I will be looking forward to seeing your posts. Are you familiar with the Salsa/Hip Hop fusion movement? I recently heard about it on NPR.
ReplyDeleteThank you sir. The only salsa/hip hop fusion that I am familiar with currently is the reggaeton and merengae styles. I am curious as to how it sounds so I will do some research and get back to you on that. As far as the two styles I mentioned, I think reggaeton is a good fit for dancing, but I don't personally think it has the ingredients to influence or create emotion as effectively as other styles. That is only my opinion though,
DeleteIt's great how musical interpretations can easily convey an emotion so easily like you mentioned. I'm excited to find out more about artists that aren't mainstream.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diana. It is always great to talk about new music with people that are interested. By all means, I would like to learn from you as well!
DeleteI think it is great that you are planning on highlighting artists that aren't as well known. Do you every go out to local shows in the DFW area? The Live Oak Music Hall has some great shows, you should check it out sometime.
ReplyDeleteYeah absolutely Kim! I try to see as many shows as I can. I was living in Dallas until recently and kept it within the general area, but now I'm just outside Fort Worth and plan on seeing anything I can. Let me know if you have any particular suggestions. I'm open for a good time.
DeleteVery interesting post. Have you looked at how music affects the brain and thought processes? I heard that listening to Mozart improves cognitive skills, but I never really bothered to look into it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, for everyone, I suggest looking up Loreena McKennitt sometime. Her music is considered new age, but it eclectic. She has traveled a good portion of the world and her music is reflective of that.
George I have heard the same. I can't say that I've looked through the studies to know about the effects of music, but I do believe that good music causes the brain to process thoughts in a creative and cognitive way for sure, especially if you try to create the music yourself. I am currently listening to Loreena McKennitt and enjoying! Thanks for the suggestion!
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