My Music Journey Part 4

My Music Journey Part IV: The 2000's onward & evolving

Part of what makes music so personal to me is how much of a constant companion it's been in my journey. Through my ebb and flow, music has been a constant evolution with my growth but also as a guide along my many tribulations. But, and I say this tepidly as there was a period where I was not so keen with popularity, and this thrusted me into going underground. To a large degree I'm locked into this thinking today, and haven't really budged on it since the 1990s.

By the mid to late 90's I really didn't connect with any of the pop construct, nor was I interested in whatever was coined 'next' scene. For me the 90's decade was my slide into extreme music. It was during this decade that was met with small successes, and a great many disappointments.

Since 2000 onward has seen major shifts in my collecting. I adopted very early the digital format, and once in a while I'll purchase an occasional LP. I delved further into extreme European music, and I would go back and find bands I missed out on.

My penchant for spending money for music collecting is often deluded down to freebees because of cost, and the near impossibility to afford everything out there. I do have a few staples that I am committed towards, plus funds definitely can be a bit 800lb gorilla to track down especially when an economy is not very supportive of that endeavor.

This decade has seen rise of online streaming services. Streaming is the next wave of music evolution that I do not believe I'll bite on. A lot of my reasoning is that I like the ability to own, and seek out music on my own. I don't believe in streaming because I feel it is legalized extortion, which was borne out of the ashes of the RIAA nonsense and pay per use format. (There is ample info out there, I won't get into the details here)

I am a product of the late 20th century whom still believes in collecting (to some respect) and listening to long play formats. I'm not a singular song type of person (even though there are a few here and there), my overall collection is comprised of albums from bands I follow. I think and adamantly believe in hearing the overall scope of the material.

I also feel as the connection i.e. tactile connection has become broken because music isn't listened as a solitary experience anymore.  A greater portion of enjoying music is geared towards social aspects. I suppose the sharing construction is in the public domain but I've not ever really connected in that format. I've contemplated where things shifted so quickly, because I've seen many aspects pushed out at long distances.

Where I grew into music, it was controlled, there were people whom 'found' the next band, or seeking out indie types who would play stuff that was off the path. A lot of what I've seen is tons of music and wading through the material is rife with patience. One has to dig, dig, and dig some more to find that gem in a flooded field of similar kinds of sounds.

In my youth radio often would be the go to for finding out new talent, now its reality shows, Youtube, and social media as means to get music out there. I truly feel out of the loop when it comes to new material, as I don't connect with it in any shape. But because I'm an outsider its interesting to watch the divisions and debates taking place with styles no matter the genre or era.

Though I've adapted to each successive format cassette tape, compact disc, mp3, and LP, I still feel as though I'm taking my experiences along in my journey to share with others whom are interested. Finally, I feel everything is connected, and I've learned more about who I am as a listener. Whether or not I am a fan or not, because music is something that gleams happiness in a lot of peoples lives. That in itself creates good vibes with large and small groups of people. Music will always thrive because humans are drawn to sound. Thanks for reading.

B.