In this edition:
Edition #two of my “email exclusive” sonic dispatches (press play and then scroll to follow the written version.)
A treat for your face and what’s behind it
[me, sometime in the 80’s]
Peace of mind
I don't always remember the incredible peace of mind that comes from playing. Life makes me lose the plot and forget what's missing until I find the sound again.
But man, when it comes back it's like the smell of toast. There's nothing like it.
It's the most basic thing: you touch something with your hands and sound comes out.
Then the sound touches you and makes your movements change from what you hear.
Your hands change, the sound changes, you change. And on around.
A beautiful little feedback loop.
There's energy in it, and joy too.
So simple.
I wonder what it would be like if we were taught music with this simple feedback loop as a basis, instead of the usual mimicry and patriotism.
At the core, playing should feel like playing.
Unless you find a real mission with music, the joy of playing should remain the only purpose.
And if the joy is hot enough you might find yourself wanting to write songs, produce soundtracks, go out for the big Concerto...
But keep an eye on the joy.
It can turn into ambition so easily.
And the drag there is that you won't notice if it happens.
Just the listeners will.
Your collaborators will also notice before you do.
If it stops being fun momentarily, that's ok. Life isn't always fun.
But if music is your job because you embarked on that mission, remember that most of the listeners want it to be fun. They might think you chose the job of providing them with fun in the form of music.
But music isn't a job, it's a calling.
It's better when you learn to dance with it.
True sounds, joyful sounds, feedback loops...
Energy.
Peace.
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something curated:
Here’s another two minute eye/brain massage. I can’t get enough of these:
Thank you for reading and subscribing.
I appreciate you more than you know, and thanks for all your lovely replies to the first audio dispatch last week. It’s great to know how it’s landing. Go ahead, hit “reply” and let’s keep this going.
Better yet, maybe share it with someone you think might like it?
Love your ears,
Trevor
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Peace of Mind