The Familiarity of Music--Tommy

Music is a central part of life today that everyone can enjoy. From the first listen of a new song
to the classics that we all love, there's something to be desired. Something you can learn from. It can inspire you, it can make you question yourself. Music can tell a story, sometimes telling a story you can relate to.

At a very young age, I knew that I would hold a great appreciation for music throughout my life. I couldn't describe the feeling it evoked in my mind and body. In my early childhood, many of my friends didn't understand my feelings or myself, and neither did I, so when I found out that other people in the world did, and when they communicated that through music, my world was rocked. Music seemed like it was my only true friend. The relatable friend that knew exactly how I felt at the right time. I would sit in my room for hours listening to artists and it seemed as if someone could put into better words the feelings I felt. The sense of comfort at times overwhelmed me. 

It wasn't until I matured and grew a little older that I understood exactly what all that meant. My likening of music was developed from a sense of being misunderstood and alone growing up. My enjoyment of music has always ranged throughout all kinds, but I was always particularly drawn to sad, sometimes even depressing music. I now understand that I related to a lot of it because I was experiencing the emotion evoked through the lyrics and composition of the song. I felt sad and I enjoyed knowing I wasn't alone. There was almost a sense of pleasure knowing that the song was crafted towards someone like me. The tempo, instruments, and the register of the voice cohesively bonded to correctly evoke the emotion. It all made sense to me. This is when the relationship truly peaked and I knew that one day I would want to fill people with the

same feeling of comfort and inspiration. Maybe not necessarily through music, but somehow I would touch people and tell them that what they are feeling is okay and that it's common to feel misunderstood.
Music, to me, embodies much more than just a fun song or something to pass time with. Each song represents a connection. A connection between the artist and listener. The connection is crucial because it could possibly heal someone. Music can heal someone, anyone, if you allow yourself to feel it and let it heal you. 

To this day, you can know how I'm feeling inside by what music I am listening to on that given day. When I'm happy, you can find me listening to anyone from Prince, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, or the rap collective Brockhampton. If I'm angry or sad, I play The Cure, Lana Del Rey, or The Smiths. No matter what the artist or genre, music is universal. It all has one intent – to reach the intended audience and touch them. Touch them and inform them that they aren't alone whether the feel joyful, saddened, or confused. “When you sit down to write something, there should be no guidelines. The main idea is not supposed to be, 'How many different ways can we sell it?' That's so far away from the true spirit of what music is.” (Prince)