Where Do You Tune In?

Sparing you one of my usual spiels, I'd love for you to participate in this one. You know you've got time. ;)

I've said it before---maybe not in this space, but certainly elsewhere---and I'll say it again: music can tell you a lot about its listener. Its power to influence how we feel and even who we are is so often underestimated. While I've only skimmed the first few pages, I snagged this fascinating title from the library pre-quarantine: This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession. I mean, once you slap "science" on there, automatic validation, right? Maybe not, but at minimum, I like to think it's something others have considered.

...

So here's my challenge:

Whether you're a musician or simply a lover of sound, see if you can come up with a song for each of the ten prompts below. Then create a shareable playlist (whether that's on Spotify or another streaming site) or simply type up/number your answers. Share it to your page or comment from wherever you followed this link so that others can get a taste of something meaningful to you.

I, for one, will listen.

1. One to which you know all or most of the words

2. One you can listen to over and over without its feeling worn out

3. One that you came across only recently but that's become a fast favorite

4. One that you'd listen to on full blast, windows down; your pump up song

5. One that always makes you want to dance; or head-bob, or foot-tap

6. One that makes you think of the person who shared it with you

7. One that you think others would be surprised to know you love

8. One that speaks to your soul; whatever that means to you

9. One that's been there through deep things; your sad song

10. One you think everyone should listen to at least once

Someone recently said to me that it's "just music." In context, I understood the intent and agreed entirely with the premise. Music should never be a hill to die on. It should bring people together, not drive a stake between them. But reflecting upon the phraseology, when it comes down to it, is there any such thing as just music? How can something that so profoundly affects us be just anything?

My sampling, if you care to listen:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21VeWokIzEiKdxtYpH8BI7?si=FdknEYEmRbGZOLNxKiIQew

What are some of your thoughts and experiences with music and its influence? In this time of uncertainty, where do you tune in? There's so much more than the pre-newscast jingle on your local TV station.