After two weeks of intensive self-conversation and deliberation, I have uncovered the role that music has on myself. While I cannot expect anybody else to share my point of view, I thought I'd share my viewpoints with you.
Over these past two weeks, I have mostly been listening to dark-ambient artist Lustmord. His work is exceptionally thought-provoking and has aided me in my search for the meaning and purpose of musical endeavors. Those of you who know me well will already know that music plays an exceptionally important part in my life. I believe that it can cleanse the mind, provide solace and companionship, and even carry a profound message to those who listen to it.
I myself feel a profound physical effect whenever I listen to certain types of music. These would typically fall into the "art-rock" or "avant-garde" genres. A good example would be the work of rock-band Tool, especially their album Lateralus. The complex drumming bases itself on geometric precision and structure, invoking a sort of ritual which enables the listener to further open their consciousness and receive the message that is being transmitted through the combinations of overlapping time signatures and rhythm. The songs on this album hold a significant spiritual message, and promote a feeling of peace and complacency within the listener.
Lustmord, mentioned earlier, tends to slip into the darker domains of the human psyche. The song that I'm listening to at the moment, Black Star, consists of minimalist cries; which sound as if they're perpetuated by some sort of Tibetan horn. This constant drone is occasionally broken up by primitive, animalistic screams. The extensive use of ultra-sound also provokes a deep feeling of unease and worry in the listener. Lustmord is exceptionally adept at exploiting the different reactions and stimuli the brain has when faced with such an onslaught of sound, hence the reason his work has been the primary source of inspiration for my conceptions.
A special mention should also go to the Japanese group Acid Mothers Temple who have dedicated their work to taking the listener on a journey. It was founding member Kawabata Makoto's words that first inspired me to study the role and purpose of music:
"Music, for me, is neither something that I create, nor a form of self-expression. All kinds of sounds exist everywhere around us, and my performances solely consist of picking up these sounds, like a radio tuner, and playing them so that people can hear them."
He is of course right. Music is just sound. But how does it have such a profound effect on people? Music has influenced whole generations; people have fought to it, fucked to it, played to it... Music makes your heart race, music is there when God is not. Find not solace in an imaginary higher power. Embrace that which is there, that which you can see, hear and feel.
Oh, how I envy those people with synesthesia. To be able to see the music for what it is would be... tantric.
Music; my religion, my drug. You've saved my mind and body on oh, so many occasions. I surrender myself to you.
