This morning was like any other Friday summer morning; I woke up, turned off my alarm, and generously granted myself another half an hour of sleep. When I awoke again, I casually got up and prepared a quick breakfast, consisting of toasted slices of banana (try this), my mom’s homemade raspberry jam, and some almond butter. I then, nestled it all together inside a piece of toast to make the perfect breakfast taco.
As I enjoyed this delicious treat, my thoughts returned to an idea that had been resurfacing in my mind lately. This summer, more so then ever, I have been continuously on the prowl for new music with no particular flavor in mind, just new, enjoyable, original music. As a result, I have found myself venturing into uncharted territory in a multitude of avenues in life. Additionally, I have felt the constant tingle of creativity on my tongue for poetry, in my eyes to draw, and in my fingers to play. The inspiration that I have embodied as of late has stemmed from a single source: new music. Now, I’m not trying to say I have discovered a hidden truth, but more so come to a realization of the profound affect of this fresh fruit of music on my life.
In order for progress to occur in any walk of life, the world requires you to step outside of your box, be creative, and engage yourself. In every ancient tribe of humans, every successful civilization, and most every culture, music is present. Music is biologically programmed into our bodies. Some may feel it more than others or apply it in different ways, but for the vast majority of the world, even if we don’t actually hear it with our ears, music is in our thoughts on a daily basis. I believe that it is that specific music, the music we replay, reinvent, or create in our minds that is the most essential in life.
Wherever the source of this music derives from is up to you. However, if you are the type of person who relies on top 40 radio or MTV to find your music (not that there is anything wrong with that) you are in a sense limiting your own possibilities for inspiration and self-development. What is popular in the height of the mainstream media may appeal to you, but it could also hamper your own taste for music and thus the chance for creative stimulation. This is no doubt the case for everyone, but if music is the cornerstone for original and motivating thought within yourself, why not harness it to your full ability?
You have nothing to lose.
Now, take it or leave it as a suggestion or advice, but here are some methods I have found to be successful in my quest for new and inspiring music:
1. Go to a local coffee shop, bar, or community gathering with live music.
2. Go to a music festival with friends with bands you both have and have never heard before.
3. Look up music on the Internet (the fastest way) – websites I recommend:
-
Blip.fm
-
Grooveshark.com
-
Soundcloud.com
-
Remixartistcollective.com
-
Pandora.com
-
Spotify.com
-
Daytrotter.com
-
Prettylightsmusic.com
-
Reddit.com/r/music
-
Beatport.com
-
Thefreakbeat.com
-
hypem.com
4. Share it all. Once your friends learn to dig for music then they can share whatever they find with you and provide you with even more music than you have the time to look for yourself. I owe the knowledge of such paths to music to all of my friends, the venues I have visited that hold music, and the actions of web users on social networking and blogs for music. I appreciate your time reading my first rant for Collective Ink. Hopefully it has enlightened you in some way. Feel free to email me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with any comments, suggestions, or questions.
Happy hunting!
-Jake
