Six years ago, I tripped over a path that has changed the way I listen to music. Sometimes we float through life enjoying the tunes we listen to on the radio, cds, ipods, etc.... without ever really HEARING the music. If you've never taken the time to stop and listen with undivided attention, you should do so... immediately. Block yourself into a quite room and hear the music... feel it... absorb the lyrics and the melody. Soak in the work that has been presented to you....... and then track the path it has taken.
Some of your favorite artists are both singers and songwriters. Some of your favorites may leave the writing to others, while lending their vocal talent to give a song wings. When a song grabs you, look it up. Find out who sings it. Find out who wrote it. If you're anything like me, it will open an entire new level of appreciation for you. Incredible vocal talent can breath life into a song, but hearing the raw emotion and intent put into it by a writer, will open your guts up.
The internet contains a vast world of music that will go generally unheard. Spend five minutes on MySpace and you'll see what I mean! When you discover a great song, get the songwriter's information. Dig. Dig. And dig some more if necessary. That writer probably has other songs out there for you to sample. Some that will go without ever making it onto an album. Some that will go without ever being granted one spin on the radio. Why wait for what someone else deems worthy to listen to? A lot of great music is out there waiting to be heard. Find what moves you. Find WHO moves you.
