5 Traits of a Music Lover
I love music. It's safe to say that it loves me. There may be an overabundance of mediocrity out there, but the pulse of true artistry still thumps. In a world of manufactured melodies, diluted for radio consumption, my universe is filled with incredible gospel, soul, fonk, hip hop, electronica, breakbeat, dubsets and riddims. The life force of creative musicianship shines bright - often blinding my iTunes library.
I love music lovers = my inner circle of online and IRL friends who keep my inner ears vibrating with new sounds from London to Los Angeles (and all points in between). These individuals range from "like family" status to "obscure online acquaintance" but share a common bond in their commitment to good music. I also recognize five (5) traits that make them who they are.
Crate Diggers
Whether they're galavanting through their favorite "rekka stow" or scouring the internet for the next hit, music lovers undoubtedly enjoy the hunt for new tunes and old favorites they may not have in their collection.
Champion > Elitist
True music lovers find pleasure in celebrating the artist and spreading the word of their talent rather than projecting that "oh, you ain't up on this!" energy on their peers. They recognize that good tunes don't lose their luster with each person they share it with - it's not about having the latest, but having greatest and being an ambassador for the artist(s).
Supportive
Music lovers support the music. In the age of digital downloads, they get a lot of tracks for free.99 but will STILL go out and get the CD (i.e., for the liner notes). Despite filesharing, music lovers find alternate means of showing love: attending shows, buying merchandise, going to festivals, etc. This showing of appreciation benefits the artist more than copping their joint on iTunes or Amazon while stimulating the economy overall.
Courageous
Forget thinking "outside the box." When it comes to music lovers, there is no box... and they're okay with that. This is one of the most interesting traits because it take a courageous person to embrace music that refuses to fit into pre-determined genres or radio formats.
Positive Spirit
Music is therapeutic - it's no wonder music lovers have positive spirits. With all that courage, support and celebratory energy in their souls; they cannot help but have a positive vibe about them. Even on their "bad days" they seek positive vibes from their peers and their playlist. It's a great byproduct of placing goodness into the universe - it has to come back to them.
All of my music loving friends share these traits. I can feel it in their e-mails, IMs, phone conversations and face-to-face interactions. Although it is only one dimension of their total persona, being a music lover encompasses a lot of who they are in other areas of their lives. In short, music lovers = phenomenal people and I am blessed to be considered one and to have so many in my life.
Until next time...
KB says:
If I can stop nodding my head in agreement long enough I can come up with a complete thought. Dude, this is so true. You nailed it. You totally defined US. Excellent post.
Phonte says:
Real talk, my dude. Real talk.
anewlis says:
What a nice and thoughtful post. Aside from providing wonderful music (oftentimes that I've never even heard of), and a professionally polished as it is entertaining podcast (weekly no less), you are just an all around very cool guy! I'm honored and blessed that you (and Eve) share yourselves and each other!
macedonia says:
back in college days, i was an elitist, even though i didn't know nearly as much as i know now and had a lot to learn. i had to unlearn elitism in order to be a champion. being a champion is better. can't keep the good stuff to yourself: how else will the good guys (and gals) win?
music lover i be. music lover i will remain forever. keep diggin', fave...
ill Mami says:
Thank you
DJ Diva says:
I don't know where I would fit in but I'm glad I'm part of the crew! (hugz)
Vivrant Thang says:
This right here describes who I am underneath it all and why my soulmate has to be a fellow music lover. I will be sharing this one liberally. Thank you.
Sean Mac says:
Well said. DEFinitely ME!
Tha Connoisseur says:
Alright, I'm really late on this one sir. But I wholeheartedly, 100%, most definitely agree. Love it - well said.