The Musical Education of Ms Hubschi
Activities of the day:
Word: Finalize graphic updating of Floors 1-5 (first pass).
While I work:
a. Listen to Ms. Lauryn Hill’s album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (twice).
b. Listen to the “Dissected” podcast by Spotify on the album.
Piece for thought...
Why am I interested in “lyrical” music, it came across as judgmental from my brother Andres who finds it below him to sing along to any song. We all have our opinions and he holds his own very highly. I was a bit offended and found myself being deemed “uncool” or “too main stream” by my little brother. Regardless I keep strong with my music. It is only a week or so later, while I am listening to Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Dissection of her album and personal history that I realize how strong my inclination for lyrical music is, how history is passed along through songs that we memorize without thinking about it twice. How easy is it to dismiss my lyrical taste without understanding why I sing along to it. I do realize I am flawed in this argument, as I also judge those who only listen to top 10 songs, memorize them and live by what I guiltily call “shallow lyrics”. The reality here is that I have yet to sit an listen to them, to dive into the artist and their musical education and understanding - to treat them and hear them out as teachers*. Yes, someday I MIGHT do this, but for quite a while my interest has been rooted in the past - in the ways that a lot of predominantly North American artists from diverse backgrounds have found ways to break barriers and disseminate history through song. The history itself projecting from the composition, melody, instruments, lyrics: historical references, personal anecdotes and cultural struggles. It's in rock, jazz, motown, reggueton, and many more. Personally my taste appeals to lyricists, soulful music, ultimately oldies - but... not limited to! Because there are some very talented and deeply interesting contemporary musicians rooted in their music and heritage. The more I listen to my ever changing selection of current greats’ lyrics and dive into their inspirations - the more I dive into the old scenes of motown , jazz, and soul. I blast old songs in my bedroom or through the kitchen speakers and my mom comes dancing in reminiscing to the songs of her youth, or sharing how she used to do as I did to current track : dance to the music of her father’s youth. This show’s me that in the end there is nothing niche about my growing interest in the oral history of music, rather it can be so common we all find ways to relate to it. Some people involved in the world of music or with a deeper musical understanding and education probably already know so much about these little treasures; I would invite them for a 6+ hour dinner, that would turn into a 7 mile walk, and then a 45 minute tea before heading off to their own reality. This is what makes being an amateur such a pleasure, I’m not pretending to be all-knowing but rather curious and interested in listening. Always hoping to have something to feed my soul while learning about life history and bringing others into my fold - to judge or dance with me. Others are always invited.
x, me