The RPM Challenge - Into the universe...

Into the universe...

Sunday, 04 May 2008

I was just read a posting that ended with talking about putting energy out into the universe. Its not a new thought but it occured to me to question what am I saying to universe, about myself, about life, and about what I have to offer. Have I been blowing kisses or flipping the whole universe off? I realize music is about personal expression, but does that expression alienate me from others or unite us?

I seen some irresponcible things done in the name of Rock and Roll, creativity and the like. While everyone may not "get me", at least I can steer clear of the catergory where people think I should be locked up for my own safety. I don't think Rock and Roll and change the world, but I do think those who are inclined to use thier voice should call attention to the beautiful things...at least occationally. Have I? I wonder if this will still be important once this sugar rush is gone...

Example: Louis Armstrong's "What a wonderful world"

Comments (9)

1 Written by Tangmo, on 05-04-2008 03:04
I'm not sure I buy into the newageyness of that, but still can't help but agree. It's not always a self-concious decision, but I do tend to write 'positively', even when the subject is not happy. I think some people may consider that without edge, but I think being fashionably dark is pretty empty.

On the other hand, I usually laugh at horror movies...so maybe its just the way I'm wired.

2 fashionably dark
Written by Sister Savage, on 05-04-2008 03:22
I think the important thing is honesty - otherwise it's just bad acting.

3 Written by Alternate Modes of Underwater, on 05-04-2008 11:41
I don't write about how I think things should be. I write about how I feel they are.

I'm not going to write a lot of happy songs, because more often than not, the universe isn't a happy place.

Don't get me wrong - there is a place for cheerful, happy songs - I'm just not going to be the person that writes them. There's nothing wrong with shining a light on the darkness. We can't simply ignore it and hope it will go away.

4 Not happy all the time...
Written by Babys First Ride, on 05-05-2008 03:23
But I don't need to go out of my way to be reminded of that fact. Most of us already know where we live and how unfriendly it can be. But to keep from going crazy, we need to unplug from that kind of existence. Grab a beer with some friends, share a laugh or two, meet some people. That's life as well. And that is as honest as everything else. No, we don't want ignore what else is happening, but just not focus on it...for a time. I can drive by an auto accident and realize its a terrible thing, but still be glad it wasn't me this time.

5 ..
Written by Alternate Modes of Underwater, on 05-06-2008 06:58
I think Sister Savage said it best - it's really a matter of honesty.

I find my attempts to write happy songs are usually pretty superficial. I have more of a knack for writing about depressing things.

Even when I try and write a happy song, usually by the end, my wonderful cynicism will have kicked in, and I'll have turned the entire thing on its side.

6 Written by Jonathan Hall, on 05-06-2008 11:24
Art isn't about worrying about what you "should" or shouldn't be doing, creating, writing about, etc. Express who you are, how you feel, and how you see the world. Whether or not it is accepted, purchased, ignored, or whatever it is still valid.

7 To thy own self be true
Written by Babys First Ride, on 05-06-2008 12:21
It may be about where I am in the stream of time. In my 20's, it was all about gathering. In my 30's, it was sorting what I thought I'd gathered, realizing I was missing some things. In my 40's its been about how I use the gathered things, and occationally helping others start thier own gathering. Who you are and what you feel changes based on experiences. My thought process in more introspective these days.

8 Written by Tangmo, on 05-06-2008 13:08
To me the only concious decision is not to preach. It's one thing to express what you feel and think and 'write what you know', but carried to the extreme, you get Dana Carvey singing Chopping Brocolli--way too precious and self concious.

I think 'being true to one's self' is admirable and necessary, but also acknowledge there is often more truth in fiction than in history. It's not happy songs vs. sad songs, its about POV. Where is the 'singer' and where is the 'listener'.

Light or dark doesn't matter to me as much as whether the first law of creative writing has been violated--thou shalt not bore thy listener.

Truth is, as a craft I'm more unforgiving about 'where' the words are sung than how or what. And I usually don't care 'why'.

9 Example
Written by Babys First Ride, on 05-08-2008 07:38
Watch a bio on Marvin Gaye which highlighted the making of the album 'What' going on'. This was a protest record, that against the wishes of his producer, he made anyway. In an interview, he stated that it was the first time that he thought more about others than himself. Those in Motown records that it would be career suicide considering in previous image. It became Motown biggest selling album ever. The songs are not happy songs necessarily, but they have a positive theme in the midst of a time of war, racial tension, riots, etc. My original thought was not about making sugery sweet music, but using my voice to provoke a new thought or make someone smile even when things are dark - especially because things are dark.

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