Logic Behind the Music

Who are your favorite bands? Whenever I get asked that question I have to take a long pause because it is hard to find a correct response. What I want to say is that it depends on the day, the weather, my classes, who I'm with, where I'm at, etc.. I listen to so many different styles of music that it is hard for me to pinpoint what I listen to the most. So why do I listen to the music that I do? What space or void does it fill? Emily posed this topic to me awhile ago so I thought I would finally delve into it.

It's hard to try and figure out why I pick certain musical genres over others, or even certain bands within the same genre. It really is a gut feeling when I find a band that I like. Sometimes I'm looking for lyrics that move me. Sometimes I am just looking for that good hook or beat that will just get stuck in my head. Some days I don't need a song that pulls on my heartstrings or makes me ponder what life really means. I just need a dance beat or punk guitar riff.

I have come to realize though that I require a lot out of my music. It must, in most cases, have a certain level of artistry that Ke$ha doesn't have. I tend to love music that is written by genuine people, people with real talent. Lady Gaga doesn't write songs like Mumford and Sons but they both have an amazing ability to craft good songs. I will listen to Gaga over Rhianna, who pays people up to $20,000 to write a song for her.

I also love music that has good harmonies. I am a big fan of singing them and songs with great harmonies always make me smile. Lastly, if a band has a great bass player, such as Kings of Leon and John Mark McMillan, I will instantly be a fan. Those two bands are my favorites and most listened to bands because of those bass players. They just go nuts with their bass lines.

So I guess I need music that can fit my mood and can deliver a good message. I want inspiration. I'm looking for music that can express my feelings with words and phrases that I cannot come up with on my own. Otherwise I would just write my own music.

Currently Listening To: Ghosts That We Knew by Mumford and Sons