Breathe in, breathe out. Put your headphones in and suddenly you are unleashed into a land of memories and serenity.
Music has played a huge role in all aspects to my life. Music is so unique in the sense that each person has the capacity to form a special relationship with any song. Whether it be that "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock brings back memories of sitting around a bonfire on a crisp Michigan summer night, or that every time you hear Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" you just can't help but think of those memories of dancing in the locker room before your volleyball game, each song has a story. Each song is associate with a different part in the journey of life. Each song has the power to bring you back to some of the happiest times in your life.
Each song I listen to can draw be back to a specific time in my life. The string of the first guitar cord in The Rolling Stone's "Gimme Shelter" instantly takes me back to cruising in my mom's grey Ford escape with my best friends on a warm summer night. Volume turned all the way up, windows rolled down, hair flying in all directions as we speed down the empty highway. Not a worry in the world was running through our teenage minds.
Another example is when I was introduced to the genre of Indie/Alternative by my best friend on one of our many midnight food runs. I would've never been exposed to such amazing bands such as Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Glass Animals, and Hippo Campus. Specifically listening to "First Class" by Rainbow Kitten Surprise, will forever bring me back to exploring cities Charlotte and Asheville alike. Or seeing Hippo Campus live with my best friend by my side. Being introduced to this genera of music has shaped me into being the free-spirt I am today.
Memories like dancing to BØRNS' "Electric Love" in the rain on the top of a random parking deck in the middle of uptown Charlotte on one of my last nights in left in the Queen City with my one and only. While our dance party was cut short by security, we continued to have the time of our lives, splashing in puddles at another parking lot.
Not only does music bring back incredible memories, but it also serves as an escape from the real world. Whenever I put my headphones in, it makes me feel as if I'm sneaking out into a different realm of the world. There is nothing more refreshing than taking a step back and getting lost in the music. There is nothing like being able to really appreciate the work of an artist and truly enjoy listening to the art they have created.
Memories like this will last a life time. Listening to these songs is like looking through a scrapbook. Being able to hold such a unique relationship with each genera of music is something I hold near to my heart. I will never take for granted the joy music brings me (along with some beloved memories). In this sense, music is my therapy. Music is want keeps me chugging along the long stressful road of being a college student. Music is my escape from reality. Being halfway across the country from home and thousands of miles away from my closest friends, most of the time, memories are all I have. Whenever I feel homesick, I just play "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash, and I feel at home. While I am more than excited for new music to be released so I can make new memories here in Tempe, I will forever cherish the memories I've made with just a few of my favorite songs.
