What's in a genre?

I'm watching The Great debaters as I write this - and it has led me to a new thought.

In the film, there is a social where swing music is blasting from a live band. The contrast in the scene comes when some of the party head down to a small shanty town, where hard-time blues music is playing.

Suddenly, a thought enters my head. I should get some of this music - I enjoy jazz, and I'd quite enjoy having some to listen to when I'm in the mood.

Then a contrasting thought struck me. How can I, sitting here in my comfortable house, think flippantly to myself: "it would please me to have that music to listen to"? The people of that time struggled, and they took refuge in their music. I haven't been through any of those struggles, and I will never be able to understand the difficulties that they experienced. The difference between me and a casual jazz-listener is that I respect their struggle. I may not know everything about it, but I respect it.

Have listeners, over the years, lost respect for music and its surroundings? The melodies and styles over the ages have been pertinent to the people and their experiences of any given age, and this circumstantial music requires respect in order to be enjoyed to its full potential.

Jazz, the anthem of American slave struggle, is a particular example of how this is true. How can we enjoy jazz properly when we don't understand where it comes from and why it exists?

I occasionally feel that modern music is difficult to appreciate because of its lack of roots. Then I think to myself - the roots of these modern genres lie in other genres!

Dubstep's roots, for example, lie in the complex history of the Rastafarians, playing dub music at social gatherings where they would dance, worship Jah and be with their fellow people. These days, however, 19 year old girls in short skirts and young men in collared shirts dance awkwardly in clubs to an adaptation of this once-great social music. Even here, I am not saying that I don't enjoy dubstep. Often, in a club, bass rippling through your veins to remind you of those wonderful, rich Rastafarian roots is refreshing and interesting.

So remember - respect the music!

Afternoon all!

I haven't blogged in a while, I'll be honest. I've been quite busy holidaying etc etc etc. I spent a while in Durban and Pietermaritzburg (two places, the climate of which, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy). But I am back in the mother city and I couldn't be happier.

I spent a rather wonderful time last evening with two friends of mine, Britt and Laura. We decided to be spontaneous and drive somewhere - so Laura and I kidnapped Britt and we went to the Engen. After this, we played a game whereby we would follow a car, and when it turned, we would turn in the opposite direction, and see where we would end up.We ended up at Kirstenbosch gardens in the middle of the night. yeeeahhh. We then got sopping wet in the sprinklers, acting like a SWOT team running around the fields. We then drove to the airport, and drank coffee while watching planes arrive. A most enjoyable evening.

MIND BLOWN

a special blogpost for a special lady

this is an apology to my friend L.

I'm sorry.

Mind. Blown.

I actually put my hand over my mouth in amazement at this picture. all pictures courtesy of iwastesomuchtime.com.

Epic photobomb!

These are just amazing pictures and funny things from iwastesomuchtime.com

Take Control of The Atmosphere

What a beautiful surrender! I'm listening to Mute Math - Control in studio. What a great song, band, album, everything!

Tonight is the closing night for my latest production, I Know How You Screamed Last Scary Movie. I'm also excited to see a good friend of mine, Megan. Haven't seen her in ages! Here's a publicity shot for the show.

This, below, is what I'm most keen for at the moment. That, and for the year to be over. and the wrap party tonight. Gonna be wicked sick.

Anyhow. I'm off to make people happy through their radios. Have an amazing week, friends!

Tomnus

Why does coco even have to come? Oh...

Hello everyone :)

It's me again! My first post from the new blogger, and I'm amped. I'm in studio - gonna be taking my show a lot more seriously from now on, and I'm full of ideas for where the show can go :)

AND! images no longer pop up to the top of the post like they used to! I can't tell you how excited I am!

 What a cool place - It's a youth hangout spot in the US - awesome!

Awesome spots to hang out for kids - I wish I was a kid again :/

I just left my mic on in studio for one of my favourite songs by accident - awkward. Now Cape Town has heard me sing. Woot :)

I hope that you have an absolutely blessed weekend and week ahead!

Tomnus