First things first

As you have probably assumed, I am particularly fond of Music. I love hearing it, listening in it (in, the intentionally used preposition), and participating in the formation of it. I have come to understand music as a means of articulating and/or hearing parts of the soul that aren't heard or expressed by any other means. Music seems to have the power to transcend our often fickle humanity and unite, inspire, and captivate our entire being. Whether we dance to it, sing/hum along, or simply tap our toes, the divine power that seems to channel through music is simply awe-inspiring.

Potentially one of the most important aspects of music/what it does for us is found in it's ability to 'affect'. In fact, I'd argue that collective rhythms, tones, and general sounds can only be truly labeled as Music if they 'affect' the listener. That being said, not everyone need always be affected in the same way or at the same time, but in general I would stand behind the idea that some of the 'sonic stuff' out there flying under the banner of Music is actually nothing more than noise.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to be one of those guys that has a bone to pick with a certain genre or grouping of genres; I find excellent musical examples and sonic rubbish in the midst of every genre and style you can probably think of.

Something of note* Being an American, and further more having a university degree in Music influences my appreciation of the multitude of musical forms. Needless to say, my ear is definitely one that caters more to the 'Western' tradition--comprehending it and enjoying it. I have heard and do appreciate many Eastern Musical forms, but the bulk of what I write about in the future will undoubtedly be articulated/appreciated through a 'Western' lens.

I don't expect that everyone will agree with what I write about and what I'm hearing; honestly, I prefer it that way. It shows me that people are in fact Listening. I'm not entirely sure what I might write about in the future, but I tentatively plan on using this blog as a sort of musical review and perhaps as a means to discuss Music appreciation.

Why should my opinion matter? Through diligent observations over the past few years, I've been led to believe that the bulk of the populous just hears whatever is thrown at them and has not particularly cared to stop and listen to much of the beautiful music available to their ears. I fear that many people have become deaf to some of the greatest musical happenings of our past and present, and I'm concerned that our collective Musical future could be in jeopardy; that there might be an increase in affectless noise and a lost appreciation for affection filled/generating music. As a musician and an avid Music-listener, I would hope to have some insight into some of the good 'musicings' happening all around us.

I hope to post as regularly as I can/as often as I'm compelled by something I've heard and/or am listening to. I hope that my insight is helpful, thought provoking, and most of all an illumination of the potential that Music has to affect our soul.

Please check out my profile on Itune's 'Ping' (look up and Follow 'Will Shine')

p.s. Listen to the Music! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVgMzKMgNxw&feature=related