One of the cool things about getting older is that you have a lifetime of experiences to reflect back on. I’m not talking about getting stuck in the past or blaming my problems on my childhood (although I’ve been guilty of both), but rather about looking back and recognizing patterns – and how certain choices and events helped shape who I am today.
My Connection to Music
I’ve always been passionate about music, but I’m not a musician. I was born without a shred of musical ability, but somehow I’ve always felt deeply connected to it on an emotional level. Music has carried me through every hardship, celebrated every triumph, and given me one badass soundtrack for life.
For many of us non-musicians, music is simply background noise – something to fill the silence during the evening commute or make household chores a little less tedious. But for me, it’s an experience. I love to put on headphones, close my eyes and get lost in the lyrics. I often try to contemplate their meaning, or adapt them to fit my own story. How often do you hear a song and think, oh my gosh, that’s ME! It’s like the songwriter climbed inside your brain and pulled out that *one* song and recorded it just for you. That’s when it hits.
Raw Energy
My favorite artists are the ones who can transform their performance into an emotional experience, not just for themselves but for the audience as well. When you can *feel* the intensity in their delivery, you don’t just hear it in their voice. You can see it in their eyes, posture, and expression. That kind of raw energy? You can’t fake that, and that’s what I’m drawn to. If an artist can give me goosebumps or bring tears to my eyes with one of their songs – even if I’ve heard it a thousand times – I’m hooked.
And that’s why I don’t care if my favorite artists sing clearly or perfectly, or hit a bad chord now and again. It’s not about technical precision—it’s about emotional connection. A song that makes me feel like it was written for me is one of the things that can help me through a difficult time. It’s as if someone reached out through their music to say “it’s ok, you’re not alone – we’ll get through it.” And if that song happens to be one that I know like the back of my hand, all the better. Because it feels like an old friend who’s always been there.
Pop music? No thank you.
I suppose this is why I’ve never liked most pop music, even as a kid. It’s just fluff to me. Background noise. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate a good party anthem or killer dance track, but it’s not what I choose to fill my ears with every day. I like music that hits a little deeper, something that can transport me to another world when I close my eyes and just let it fill my imagination.
The Power of Authenticity
I’ve come to realize that I approach photography the same way. I care far less about achieving technical perfection than I do about capturing a feeling. Show me a blurry image bursting with emotion next to a crisp, flawless one that feels lifeless—and I’ll choose the blurry one every time. Because life isn’t perfect, and chasing perfection often means missing what’s real.
Just appreciate the world around you for what it is, and focus on the parts that make you smile. And in those times that you can’t, put on some headphones and ride that wave… wherever it takes you.
I’ve linked preview clips from a few of my favorite tracks below, but you can get the full playlist HERE on Spotify
If any of these songs resonate with you, I’d love to hear which ones, and why. And if you’ve got any favorites you think I need to hear, send them my way. I’m always up for discovering something new! (Anything but country, that is 🫣)
Get the full playlist here: PIECES OF LIFE: SONGS THAT RESONATE
Good Morning Aunt Tracy, First I wanna say, great job on both the blogs. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them…
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