It’s been a while since I have done an update here. Is anyone else struggling to keep up with all the daily things and still find time for themselves? I aim to get at least one post together weekly here and update my Instagram more. While I enjoy posting about music, I have had to prioritize. I have not gone to as many shows or done as many social things because I have been focused on my family, work, and music. I haven’t even had as much time to read as I would like to!

Still Listening to Music…

I spin vinyl or throw on a CD or tape most nights. I have always been drawn to the sensory experience of collecting and listening to music. There is something about the ritual of opening a piece of music and admiring the artwork and liner notes as I listen. I do not see digital music replicating this ritual. While I enjoy the conveniences of digital music, I find it problematic. I’ll save that for another post.

Vinyl is my favorite. I love the sound of the needle dropping and the faint crackle between songs. My vinyl collection reflects my eclectic taste in music. I love the intensity of extreme metal and the raw energy of punk. I have a soft spot for classic rock and the catchy hooks of (some) pop. Orchestrations and the timeless art of classical music enamor me. I can’t forget to list outlaw country. I’m not a big country fan, but the stuff I dig, I really dig. I also enjoy hip hop and r&b, even some blues and jazz. I can find something to pick up in most record stores. However, I have not purchased as many records this past year because, like many people, the cost of living is ridiculous.

I find myself debating if I want something that lasts, like physical media, or if I want to go have an experience, like going to a show or going out to eat. I’m also currently saving to go on tour. As much as I hope the tour pays for itself, I think for many small bands that are hitting the road in the United States, you’re probably not going to make as much as you would at work. And I will have to try and work some from the road. You can keep track of where I’m playing by visiting events page. There is a part of me screaming over the dangers of letting people know where I’ll be, but how else do you get people to come out and check your music?

The Outside World…

Anyway, the long and short of this is that life is hard. While so many awesome things are going on in my life, I’m still adjusting to all the changes. I’m focused on my artistic pursuits and enjoying quality time with my family. I’m making sure I’m getting to the gym and taking walks at the very least, but I do try to get out hiking at least once a week. I try to share funny things in my Instagram story, but I am also known to share the occasional “political” thing. I know Palestine is controversial due to how deeply colonialism is ingrained in society. Still, morally, I cannot grasp how people defend Israel in this situation after all that has been seen. I do not care if I lose followers, friends, or otherwise over that. Genocide is wrong, and I don’t think there is anything moral about massacring a helpless population. It is a privilege to look away and one I will at times, exercise for my mental health, but I cannot help but use my platform to occasionally share the struggle of Palestinian people. That is a privileged position to be in.

I don’t wish violence toward anyone, even if their viewpoints do not align with mine. I only hope that they could take a few minutes and imagine what it would be like to be a Palestinian at this time and what type of action they would like the world to take.

It is hard to log on social media and focus on music and aesthetic thing when there is so much to grieve in the world. I strive to be a place where people can discuss music, an escape from the day-to-day, but sometimes I feel there is a moral obligation to take a stance. Afterall, neutrality is where the weak and spineless dwell, aiding in suffering while lying to themselves, in privilege they trust, in order they fell… And all of you silent now, remember that silence serves the oppressor.

The fact that the country in which I was born and where I currently reside has the money for this but not to help the average American struggling right now disgusts me. Shout out to everyone else who can see that and having a hard time going about their day as usual in the wake of the despair. It can feel disingenuous to me to go about my online life as if nothing else is happening. I’m going to make more of an effort to try.

My next post will be music focused. I just wanted to touch on some subjects to explain my lack of consistency and feelings of despair. There is so much more to life than working and pretending we’re happier than we are online. Get out an spend some time in nature.

Take care,
Elyse