Tom and Allison had some great things to say about the way music can evoke certain memories and emotions. I love that music has the power to cheer me up or remind me of a specific time that is completely unrelated to the lyrics themselves. Sometimes, music is really the only thing that makes sense to me. This is probably why I became a musician.
I put off writing this post for a long time because I really don't want to come off as being obnoxious or pretentious. I've played piano since I was 8 and had my first paying gig when I was about 16 (Smokey Bear's birthday party!), but that really doesn't give me any authority on music.
When I was in high school, I told my piano teacher that I wanted to be a professional musician. I thought he would be excited. Instead, he just frowned and told me that if there's anything else I could be happy doing I should do that instead. He told me that if I chose to be a musician, I would be choosing a hard life. "Only pursue music if it's really the only thing that can make you happy," he said.
I remember being discouraged by that conversation. But here I am, seven years later, living in a commune and crying whenever I hear "I Was Meant For The Stage." Few songs capture the way I feel the way that song does.
Call me cliche, but that song is my national anthem.
I think I've fantasized about being a rock star for as long as I can remember. It's not that I really want to be famous or share some profound message with the world or make everyone love me or live a life of intense irresponsibilty. It's just that music is something I want to create and share. I need to make music to keep myself somewhat sane.
And when I'm playing music - whether it's alone in my room or onstage in front of a crowd - there's nothing that feels more natural.
To reward you for making it through this post (and to make up for the fact that I posted it on Saturday instead of Friday), I will leave you with my drunken cover of a song by The Proclaimers.
That is all.
Better late than never. I'm just glad you weren't abducted by hippies! I was worried!
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome that music means that much to you and you don't just want to be famous for the sake of being famous (You aren't Jersey Shore material.)
Fear not Lauren, I won't be angry at you for posting late - mainly because I'm sure I'll do it in the future!
ReplyDeleteWell done for persevering with music and not taking the easy option, despite what your teacher said. Although, I suppose he had a point really - it's his job to make sure you were prepared for how difficult it would be/is.
I am desperate to watch the Proclaimers cover but, as mentioned in my email, it's just gone 4 in the morning and if I play it as this hour I'll probably be evicted, cast out of the family home. And my headphones are very far away. I'll listen to it this evening, when all manner of noise is acceptable.
Remember me when you're famous, New Wave Teddy Bear.
I'm not sure what word to use to describe your cover of The Proclaimers. However, amazing comes to mind right now!!!! Sooo good! Clearly you are a very talented musician! And your friend as well :)
ReplyDeleteHAHA! The Proclaimers cover is amazing. I love it, so much. Did your fingers not hurt by the end?
ReplyDeleteI am not worthy.