Episode III

17.5.09 Journal Entry 3

Music.

Music used to have no significance in my life. But now, as the years passed, I experienced more with music and now I found the music that defines me as a human being.

When I was young, music was just a form of leisure to me. People just listen to it because it was catchy and popular. I just went with the crowd, while finding the right music that fits me. It was difficult, because the music I tend to like soon would soon evolve and then I forgot about that particular artiste or band I like.

At the age of 16 nearing to 17, I finally found it in the form of Jason Mraz. His happy tunes never fails to realize the grass is always greener on the other side. I was going through some turbulent changes after O Levels because of an identity crisis. It changed my whole perspective of life. Reading his journals have inspired to make my life an enjoyable one too, by spreading love to people. He taught me to be grateful for all the things given to me in this world. To be mischievous at times but never go overboard. I remembered that he once said that he didn’t want to write any songs based on anger and sadness because he didn’t want his listeners to feel that way either. So mostly all his songs are songs of celebration about Life and telling me to live it to the max.

Then recently, I discovered Radiohead. The band has been around for over 15 years and still going strong as ever. Actually, I first discovered Radiohead when I was only a kid. I only liked one song of theirs, which is “Creep”. But after being exposed to the latest Radiohead album, I learnt to appreciate their songs and grew emotional attachment to it.

Listening to Radiohead really digs deep into one’s soul and evokes the very raw emotions of human beings. Closing my eyes really elevates the listening experience. Anger, sadness, disappointment, confusion, chaos and insaneness just come out. And I’m left breathless after each song. The lyrics are confusing at times but the instruments arrangement is so beautiful placed over the song. I felt that all the instruments played a pivotal role into making a song into what it is. Radiohead understood the full potential of the song they composed and then making it come to live with their variety of instruments. They are an unbelievable bunch of talented artists and musicians.

Radiohead and Jason Mraz are like my yin and yang to my personality and character. Radiohead is my “emo” side when I’m feeling down while Jason Mraz toys around playfully when I’m cheerful.

But, of course, music taste can never be stagnant. Music will always evolve and so will my taste. But till then, I’ll just stick to what I’m listening to now.