MTME: Music To My Ears
Music is a very important part of my life. I’m not a massive supporter of one artist. I spread myself thin. Focus. Joy. Here’s what music means to me.
As I climb the ladder of life, things get harder. But I always have music.
Music is often the constant. It’s something I take for granted. It’s importance is paramount.
I think a lot of my writing success comes down to music.
Times like now — I’m irritable, agitated with university work and its intensity. I want March to be over. I want to focus on personal projects. I feel restricted. I have no escape except to do the work.
I don’t have the support that I’d like either. Lecturers have taken their right to strike against pension cuts. Whilst that is completely understandable, I feel like I’ve been left in the dust. As a student, support during what I call ‘March madness’ is integral to constant, manageable levels of stress. I’ve said to friends that Advice and Counselling at QMUL, come the end of March will have a lot more cases. Student stress is a killer, especially when you feel the answers are so hard to find.
University is about being independent. The support is always there. Well now it’s not. Strikes plan to cancel all my lectures this week. I can’t email a lecturer. I can’t get help for anything. I just hope that I do well.
Despite all this turbulence and my desire to pursue my own exploits — music has kept me sane and gives me strength.
‘These Days’ by Rudimental, Jess Glynne, Macklemore and Dan Caplen — it’s on repeat.
It might be because the culmination of Rudimental, Jess Glynne and Macklemore is a match made in heaven. But truly, the words in the song helps me reference my position now and in the past.
I spoke about gratitude yesterday. This is one of those songs that helps me embrace gratitude.
It might also be that Macklemore mentions Austin in his part of the song. A little reminiscing never hurt anyone.
Compared to my usual electronic and American rap amalgamation of songs in my playlist, this is a softer and more relatable song.
It relates to a love story. I don’t apply it as such. I reference it to talking to my past self. Remembering how times might have seemed good but in reality moving on is the best solution.
A lot of these blogs come from listening to songs on repeat. When I write, I listen to one song on repeat. Eventually after five iterations or so, I drown out the lyrics and focus on the highs and lows of the beat. I often write to the tempo of the beat. Writing faster during rap sequences and slower during lullaby-like parts.
I’ve definitely written better as a result of listening to music. It helps me focus. I normally have a million and one thoughts otherwise.
Music, of any form, is something that we shouldn’t take for granted.
There are people around the world not blessed with the opportunity to hear. As technology improves, more and more people are being given the opportunity to listen to sounds and engage with music.
I think music is a great way to remind yourself that you’re not alone. If memories isn’t enough, music can often fill the void. It’s like someone is giving you advice. It’s in your ears and it’s direct.
I definitely think music has helped me cope with things I otherwise would have found much more difficult.
‘All our troubles, we lay to rest then come back to these days these days’
Message to past self:
I’m letting go but not forgetting about you. I’ll be back to reminisce. I need to focus on the future now. But I’ll be back to catch up and laugh together soon.
A day without music is a bad day.
That’s for sure.