humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of music professionals, amateurs, inspiring students, celebrities, lifestyle influencers, and general feel good human stories in the music sphere.
The Space Between Your Ears and Your Hands
I was playing the softest open roll I possibly could. Against the metronome of my mind I am playing quintuplets; lost inside the rattling of the springs beneath a snare drum, counting the shakes that subdivide each pulse in my hands. The notes move rapidly, but I can feel the silence between all of them.
By TJ Ghinder5 years ago in Beat
"The Importance of Music in Our Society"
Art and music are basic human functions. Humankind and art cannot function without one another. We have the burning desire to create, whatever it may be and however tiny or grand. The interaction with sound is unavoidable, either to make it or take pleasure in it. People have always found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, the emotional response, performing, or creating. This is no different for classical music or contemporary concert music. Both musics have immense worth for our society; however, the problem we all know in this field is that this music is little known and hence underappreciated. As a musician and artist it is my responsibility that others can learn to enjoy the art for which I have utter passion.
By Iftikhar Ahmed5 years ago in Beat
Modo Soda’s “Forgotten Pages”
The on stage swagger studded persona of Stu Strokes, Moda Soda’s founder and lead singer, was marvelous and impervious to distraction. Stu’s moxie, his presence and panache transcended the ordinary rockstar legend. His performance matched the incendiary feel of that music which took the world by storm in the summer of ‘97.
By zachary scott5 years ago in Beat
Black Women In Music
Some of the most fond and early memories of my childhood are of me reenacting childish musicals from beginning to end, fully donned in makeshift costumes and equipped with surprisingly accurate household props. On the off days when I couldn’t convince one of my older sisters to accompany me, it never stopped me from having my very own one woman act. Most of these musicals I can’t even recall anymore, but there is one in particular that I will never forget. In 1997, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella starring Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston was released. I realize now that I was only five at the time, but up until recently, if asked I would have told you that I was probably eight or nine. There is no way that I was singing like that at five years old, and yet I was. I do not say this to boast about my vocal skill but instead to speak volumes to the influence that this film had on my life. I did not know it then, but Cinderella spoke purpose and calling into my life, and for that I am so thankful to all of those whom were involved.
By Taylor Ballard5 years ago in Beat
"Just take some piano classes..."
“Just take some piano classes, please? You’ll be the next Alicia Keys.” My mom tried to enroll me in every class possible when I was a little girl but nothing made me more nauseous than the idea of piano classes. Now, over ten years later, my fingers awkwardly fumble upon the black and white plastic of my 61-key midi keyboard. I sit for hours trying to think of inversions, chord progressions and the right key signature for my own songs wishing I would’ve taken my mother’s advice. Now a budding singer-songwriter, I know I could never be like Alicia Keys. I was supposed to be exactly who I am, just like how Keys is one of my role models.
By Kayla Hunt5 years ago in Beat
So Into You: Black Women in Rhythm & Blues
You've spoken love into existence. Written your pain in stone halls that reverberate in the hearts of lesser men. Woven phrases into cloaks that cover the body and reveals the soul. Transforming us, your voices cause the listener to long for your loving touch.
By Rhinehart Ellison5 years ago in Beat
The Surfacing of a Hidden Gem
I know that most writers writing about this topic may want to start from the beginning of a musical era. Shining light on the black women musicians from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and even the 90’s- but I would like to take the time to shine light on the new age artists. Just one in particular, Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Contrary to popular belief, Jhene just might be one of the most overlooked and underrated artists of today. Not only is she a singer/songwriter with a majestical and somewhat angelic sound, she is a musical healer. She incorporates sound healing bowls throughout her music to allow the frequencies from the bowls to resonate with your chakras; truly channeling your inner emotions and really connecting with the listener on a deeper level. Before you form your opinion, let me further explain. Black women from those early eras previously mentioned have paved the way for many. I grew up listening to some of the greats. My introduction to these women through my elders have shaped my life, and transformed me in indescribable ways. Some of the greats that I am referring to would be Carmen Jones, Roberta Flack, Etta James, Ann Peebles, Nina Simone, Deniece Williams, The Clark Sisters, Whitney Houston, and the list goes on. These women possessed a quality that was undeniable, and they outshined their competition. I loved music because of them; but I never aspired to be like them. In fact, hearing their tones and vocal capabilities discouraged me. In some way, all of their voices were strong and dominant. Their voices were unique like mine, but still met the industry’s standards of being considered a “real” singer unlike mine. It wasn't until I discovered Jhene, that I realized that I too, may have an actual chance at becoming a singer myself.
By Ariyon Wells5 years ago in Beat
A Tribute
When we think about strong black women trailblazing the music industry, what names come to mind? Patti, Aretha, Whitney, Mariah, Lauryn, Alicia, Beyoncé, Sade (in no particular order). But there’s a group of female artists who receive far less attention; song writers, backup vocalists, even less—, producers. What about the group of women who will never get recognized and written into album thank you’s, or end-scene movie credits?
By Sarah K. Davis5 years ago in Beat
The Blank Book
It didn’t take Maya long to figure out that if she wanted a music notebook, she wasn’t going to find it on the rack with the other little black notebooks. She sighed and looked out into the falling snow thinking about where the closest music store might be. She didn’t remember seeing one except all the way downtown in Boston two subway rides away. Being that she couldn’t even be sure the music store had survived the pandemic she decided against trying to get there that night. Maya turned back to the rack of notebooks to see if any of the little black notebooks on the rack could be used in a pinch to write music. She grabbed a lined one and headed to the cashier. Halfway there she decided that perhaps a completely blank one would work better as she could draw in what she needed so she turned back to the rack where she saw a young man, maybe half her age, looking as if he was deciding what he wanted. Maya stopped for a moment to give him a chance to decide, watching as he indecisively looked over the books. In a quick movement he suddenly took a small black book, identical to those on the shelf, out of his pocket and returned it to the shelf then turned and quickly left. She was intrigued at his actions and went over to look at what he had placed on the shelf. Had he considered stealing it but thought better of that and brought it back? Was he returning it for money? Seemed unlikely as he had not gone to cashier. His actions seemed strange. Maya wanted to see what he had put back on the rack, so she found the book he placed on the shelf and opened it. It was music ruled, just what she needed which somehow that made his actions seem even stranger. Other than the blank music staves, there was nothing in the book that she could see. Although she found it odd that a music book had suddenly appeared, Maya was delighted! She grabbed it and headed to the cashier, then out into the snowy night and home.
By Heather S Duffy5 years ago in Beat
