Only music that does not fit the moment
At twenty, I divided people into those who listened to a specific style of music and those who did not care what they listened to. The latter seemed to me to listen to everything at once, and their taste appeared to change several times a day.
Eight years later I noticed that no single genre can describe all our emotions, and no single kind of music can create every atmosphere.
For me, music became a tool that helps me tune myself to the right state, create the right atmosphere, or mentally move to another edge of the world. Music is something you can actively use to solve meaningful personal tasks.
Here are a few ideas that can help you look at music more broadly:
Listen to genres you do not understand
That way you can discover new material instead of wearing holes through your favorite playlist. Listening to electronic music? Try experimental Japanese jazz from the seventies.
Listen to new albums
It helps you understand where the music industry is moving and sharpens your taste.
Listen to albums in full, without shuffle
Songs are not assembled into albums by accident. Listening to whole albums lets you feel the author’s intention more fully.
Find out what stands behind a song or album
Every work of art has a foundation: other musicians influenced the performer, the song was written in honor of someone, and so on. Learn where the music comes from and it becomes much easier to understand.
Imagine a musical setting
Pause for a moment and think about what song would fit the current moment if you were driving along an empty snow-covered highway. Frank Sinatra or Radiohead?
Use resources that can point you toward new directions:
- vk.com/soundland_pub — yes, it is a VK community. Unique material and excellent selections of diverse music from around the world.
- radiooooo.com — a musical time machine. Choose a country, choose an era, and off you go.