COLUMN: Resolve to expand your musical horizons
As the new semester starts, stress levels are low enough that students tend to get involved with a lot of different things that don’t seem too bad at first but eventually end up being completely overwhelming. We join clubs, get jobs and try to work out everyday. But by the end of the semester, I know I start to question why I got so involved. “Who needs to work out anyway?” I ask myself.
What is one thing you can enjoy while doing something else that doesn’t take a whole lot of time? TV? Girls? No, Music.
This week, I bring to you my personal Indie Rock Guide for Dummies. I have spent years — or days — writing a magnificent manuscript, and I think its time to unveil it.
Section One: Author’s Note
When I was a kid, my mom loved country music. Every time we drove in Mom’s car, she blared KBull 93.3. I didn’t mind it — the 90’s were pretty good to country — but I never felt passionate about it. My dad on the other hand loved British rock music.
In the off chance we were riding in Dad’s car without Mom, The Rolling Stones was put in and we rocked out. My dad was never really into the whole music scene and didn’t love to listen to music or the radio, but I remember The Stones. This is when I started loving music.
I remember meeting a kid who hated music because his mom and others tried shoving it down his throat. I don’t want to turn more souls against music, so I hope you see this column as a guideline, not a lecture.
Section Two: Baby Steps
At first indie music might look weird. It might not feel right. You might be wondering why it repeats so much or why the guitar is either really good or really simple. These are all valid concerns, so the first task is to take baby steps. Listen to just a little bit at a time. Realize some popular songs and bands are indie, like Foster the People’s “Pumped up Kicks,” Death Cab for Cutie’s “I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” and Arcade Fire’s Grammy Award-winning album “The Suburbs.”
You don’t need to throw away your Bieber CDs and your Lady Gaga. That would actually be counterproductive to actually exploring and experiencing music. I’m talking about trying different things out, not replacing old ones.
It’s like going into the Tandoori Oven for the first time and trying out Indian food but still visiting Angie’s or McDonald’s. It’s like trying the elliptical machine at the gym, but still doing free weights. Take baby steps. Try a song out, ask your friends, read reviews and listen to their favorites.
Section Three: Be Patient
Sometimes you might not like alternative music at first but eventually it grows on you. It’s like lap swimming. At first it’s terrible because you aren’t good at it and it takes a lot of energy. After a couple of weeks of swimming, you end up being better and can do more reps or drills.
Similarly, if you don’t have any friends that are swimming with you, you lose motivation and stop. Find some friends that you can experience different music with. Here at Utah State, the Independent Music Club hosts events around campus where you can experience great music for free. Be patient with new music and it will grow on you.
Section Four: Don’t Change Yourself
On Pandora listen to a new channel. Listen to a new album on Grooveshark. Go to a show at WhySound or on campus. However, don’t change yourself to be cool or more indie. Being indie is all about doing it yourself and being your own person. It’s not about appealing to your friends. It’s about being happy. So, if you don’t like it, don’t suffer. Going to a university is about defining yourself and becoming the person you want to be. Try new things, but don’t change yourself if you don’t want to.
Good luck adventurers, try out new experiences and find something good this year. If you want some helpful starting points, I recommend Noah and the Whale’s album “First Days of Spring,” Belle and Sebastian’s song “Sleep the Clock Around,” Architecture in Helsinki’s album “Fingers Crossed,” and The Decemberist’s “Hazards of Love.” Plug those into Pandora and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
And read reviews. This is really important important. Read Pitchfork, Spin Mag, and, if you need to slack off a little in class, pick up The Statesman and read my column. Just kidding… kind of. I wish you a wonderful, and musical, year.
– alexander.h.van_oene@aggiemail.usu.edu