music culture.

Although music exists as a single part that makes up my personal culture, it may be one of the most important to me. Music has become my way of expressing, feeling, connecting, coping, remembering and understanding. I have made friends, maybe even enemies, based on similar or differing, music tastes. In fact, music taste is normally one of the first conversations I have with someone. Music has occasionally influenced my style. Yes, I briefly and unfortunately fell prey to the evil punk-rock goddess, Avril Lavigne. Through music, I have learned things about myself, about others and about the world around me. Certain songs bring memories of places, people and events in my life. Even more than memories, music brings strong emotions, sometimes regardless of whether I know the song. Certain notes, chords or lyrics can be an emotional electrocution, if you will. You know that feeling, like sticking your fingers in an outlet. Sometimes a bad idea but still kind of cool. I guess to put it simply, in many ways the music I listen to and my music culture are a direct extension of myself.

The music I listen to comes from numerous locations. My dad raised me on Counting Crows. I also "inherited" music from his large selection of CD's that collect dust in the basement. Hello, Billie Holiday. I can't say I have ever taken much music from my mom. The Wicked soundtrack and Mannheim Steamroller make me gag. Up until recently, my younger sister has completely relied on my music taste to build her own. But this past year she discovered artists like Tokyo Police Club, Notwist and Albert Hammond Jr., to my benefit as well. A large amount comes from my friends. The music suggestions tends to travel in circles between us, and mixed CDs are in abundance. Some comes from the local music scene. Birmingham has some incredible young and talented musicians. A small portion of my music comes from the radio, television, and movie soundtracks. As for the rest, I spend a good deal of time, probably too much, seeking out new music and artists that are my cup of tea.