One of the most versatile ways of expressing yourself is through music and lyrics. It can make you who you are.
Personally, my love of music is in all aspects of it: listening, performing and composing- has taken over my life; I’m completely absorbed in it. I’m sure that there are many others out there who feel the same way, but often fail to embrace or admit their passion.Another thing I’ve noticed recently, being a fan of music can influence your life just as much as it does someone who makes it. Most people have a favourite genre of music or a favourite artist. Fans are constantly on the lookout for new music by the people they like. Often, fans of the same sort of music, conglomerate, share musical preferences, go to concerts and build strong friendships. I have made new friends because of our similar tastes in music and it’s a great feeling. To know that others like the same music as you is awesome. It makes you feel part of something bigger and worthwhile.
Plus, an effect of being a passionate music fan is the emotional support it can give you in times of trouble. I went through a dark time a few months ago and I’m almost certain the only thing that stopped me from crossing to the other side was the music I listened to. It cushioned the blow when I was about to reach the bottom of what seemed like a never ending pit of dark and unhappy emotions.
Music is -and has been since at least the 1950’s- a thing that is registered on a social level as well as for the music. The music you listen to can influence the way you choose to dress and the way you live your life. In the 1960s/70s, the hippie movement emerged. They dressed distinctively, did specific things and listened to certain music, like Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Dylan.
However, there is also a dark-side in this music- loving world; the superficial side. Certain genres of music breed stereotypes regarding dress sense, as well as, the judgemental prejudices about the sorts of people that immerse themselves in certain genres. I think that prejudice, in any circumstance is wrong, but to have prejudices involving something as relative as music, is a bit ridiculous. I have gotten into many heated debates over the music I like, defending the larger-than-life musicians I admire. Then I realised, what is the point in arguing something like that. As long as you’re not being stopped from listening to the music you like, there is no need to argue (viciously) about it.In my research to find what music means to people, I got some pretty cool quotes. Some of my favourites include:
§ “I need it to live” Esen
§ “Gave me hope” Donnel
§ “Saved my life” Cherelle
§ “Makes me want to head bang and jump in a mosh pit” Logan
§ “When something’s got you down, turn the volume up, the bass low, bang out some dubtep with filthy drops and then you feel better” Eleni
§ “You’ve always been there for me, you’ve always cheered me up” Selen
Stay musical,
The Purple Rose
Listen to me, then I’ll listen to you.
