Insparation and Expresion
I think it is a common thing that everyone does, listening to music that suits their mood. I would even go as far as saying every human does it at some point.
Music in itself can express many different emotions, and is designed that way. And good music’s meaning is open to interpretation for you to find your own meaning in it, sometimes separate to what the artist/artists were attempting to express. This is a good thing, both from a sales, and an artist getting the most people to experience their art.
For me, the song which has just the most profound energy, and is just always enjoyable to listen to is Rumble by Link Wray. Just the way it sounds and is preformed always brings a smile to my face. And yes, I’ll admit, its close to this.
Strangely for me, I don’t actually listen to sad songs when I’m feeling down. I havn’t found any songs that will be “me”. I guess this is where I’m lucky in that I have the ability to make/play music myself to represent how I’m feeling at the time.
Anger is always distortion for me. Always. Lots of noise and distortion. I don’t care what the lyrics are, but LOUD guitars with quick drums always does the trick for me. Oh, and the volume has to be on 11. Generally that takes me towards the likes of these guys.
Then I have the songs that just make me laugh all the time, regardless of what mood I’m in, if these come on, then I cna’t help but laugh. The Majesty of Rock by Spinal Tap are just a few that can do this to me.
This brings me to the music I have been playing lately my self.
It is all well and fun learning how to play some of my favorite songs on guitar, but in all honesty, its nothing compaired to being able to pick up that piece of wood, and use it to express how I’m feeling at the time.
And I have found that I am often at odds with myself when playing expressively like this. Its both more natural to play, and (generally) requires more concentration from me. I’m happy to use a guitar that’s not exactly in perfect tune, maybe the neck has a bit of a bow after a new string change, or I haven’t set the action yet, but that doesn’t bother me either. When I’m playing expressively I know it shouldn’t be easy, and I’m going to have to battle this thing in my hands. I’ll use techniques I’m not very good at. I’ll strip as many effects away from my playing as possible. And I don’t care if the “noise” I’m making annoys anyone.
Music is for you. Weather you make it your self or listen to it.
Yeah, I like each and every song I made this year, even though I know they’re not actually very good.
Who cares! Aslong as the personal enjoyment is there!