Discovering the Space in Sound: My Musical Journey and What First Made Me Love It
Music has always been a significant part of my life, guiding my emotions, thoughts, and youthful explorations. The first band or artist that truly made me love music was Dean Martin, and later, the poignant ballad 'American Pie' by Don McLean. However, my musical journey has seen several significant stages, each marked by the discovery of a new artist or album.
Dean Martin: The Voice that Speaks to the Soul
As a young girl, around the age of 7 or 8, the music of Dean Martin was the first to capture my heart. I was particularly enchanted by his smooth, soulful voice, which resonated with both old and new listeners. I remember being fascinated with his singing, especially during old movie nights where I would try to mimic his deep, distinctive style.
Unlike Elvis, who was a popular figure among my peers, his music didn't appeal to me as much as Dean Martin's did. I would often sing 'Silent Night' in that deep, low voice for my family and friends, and I imagined it was from Bing Crosby, but it was actually Dean Martin. This song became a personal favorite and symbol of my early love for music.
The earliest song I remember being obsessed with was 'American Pie' by Don McLean. My father had to explain the meaning of every line, asking what a levee, a Chevy, and rye were, but I was captivated by the song. I would listen to it on my car radio, with my record player handy, and record it whenever it played on the radio. Even if I missed parts of the song or the DJ interrupted, I continued to pursue it, waiting impatiently for it to come back on because I loved it so much.
The Impact of Music on My Youth: Pink Floyd and Peter Gabriel
Three significant stages in my musical journey were marked by the influence of specific artists or albums. The first of these was the legendary band Pink Floyd and their iconic album, 'The Wall,' in 1980. For a 12-year-old dealing with depression, this album spoke volumes that I couldn't express myself. The mesmerizing artwork, the compelling story, and the remarkable sounds opened my eyes to a world beyond the conventional music of the time, represented by the insular world of Casey Kasem.
Close behind, Peter Gabriel's fourth eponymous album was a close second in shaping my musical tastes. This album introduced me to the world of raves and electronic music, fundamentally altering my listening experience and starting me on a new path in music.
Reviving the Flame: Discovery and Rediscovery
Fast forward to 2007, when my interest in music began to wane. Global Underground mixes, once progressive and exciting, had become mere background noise to the daily grind, leaving a sense of loss and disconnection. It was then that new artists like Moby with the 'Move EP' and Deepchord's 'Echospace The Coldest Season' reignited my passion for music. Influences from the Echospace label, such as Intrusions 'The Seduction of Silence' and bvdubs 'White Clouds Drift On And On,' further fueled my enthusiasm, sending me on a journey from which I have not returned.
Throughout my life, music has been a constant source of comfort, inspiration, and exploration. From Dean Martin's timeless voice to the profound message of 'American Pie,' and from the profound storytelling of Pink Floyd to the groundbreaking sounds of electronic music, music has shaped who I am today.
The journey of music is one of continuous discovery, where each artist or album leaves an indelible mark on our lives. For me, it started with Dean Martin and has taken me on a journey full of passion, discovery, and endless possibilities.