A LETTER TO MUSIC

Hey you, How is everything and what are you listening to today :)?

This week I start my cello lessons. Life eventually gets in the way, and this marks the first time we’re able to reconnect with music again. I think learning to play the violin when we were 8 years old is what galvanized our love for music. It was an introduction to music culture removed from what was being presented on pop-culture tv networks. It allowed us to build friendships and engage in intellectual and stimulating conversations surrounding music and classical theory.

I feel pride in having this skill and talent. I acknowledge the world it has allowed me to have access to.  It radiates out of me whenever I hear Antonio Vivaldi –who ever since I was introduced to, has been my favorite composer–, or played with peers from the youth symphony. 

It was mesmerizing to experience the rise of the electric violin and see the multitude of its applications. 

Then came the incorporation of classical music and violin into the world of hip-hop. This was a turning point for me. This marked the collision of the two worlds that I had prior to this moment been oscillating between. 

You’re watching MTV and “Overnight celebrity” by Twista and Kanye West comes on, opening with violinist Miri Ben-Ari; this moment was catalytic in our musical journey. 

Our eyes now opened to the potentiality of the violin gave us a propensity to mimic our favorite songs with the instrument. The joy of practicing by ear informally at home, and then formally in school, was unmatched. We exhibited passion without knowing it. We were simply enjoying what we were doing, 

Our passion and inclination towards music has grown to encompass many different genres other than just hip-hop and classical music. A fond memory is listening to the Tom Joyner morning radio show on KISS 104 in the car with Mama on the way to school and summer camp. He would bounce between old-school disco, dance, club music and R&B jams. 

Treasured moments also include listening to big sis’ cassette tape of Boys II Men's End of the Road, that birthed our love for smooth R&B music. 

Delicate memories reside in recalling when Daddy played The O'Jays for our siblings. We took it upon ourselves to become the fourth unofficial member, and sing along to “Backstabbers”. We loved watching the taped over VHS tapes of The Pointer Sisters during the holidays, and the preserved Michael Jackson concerts. 

The church. I still hold true that no vocal group can compare to the choir of a black church. These vocals come from the bellies of our ancestors, and have traveled throughout the generations to gift you a peek into heaven.

Our evolution of music is quite interesting. The creation of platforms such as SoundCloud brought a unique, democratized modernity element to the way I listen to and experience R&B music with creators from all over making beautiful remixes to some classic R&B hits and really experimenting with different tunes.. 

Club culture in Berlin has also radicalized my musical discovery. I’ve most appreciated learning about the culture behind cult DJs, most especially those who occupy marginalized spaces, and the ways in which their entire essence shines through on the dancefloor and spaces.

I’m off to run some errands and listen to music. Hope to find something new. 

Giving you a warm and tight hug
-xoxo