Prelude: Solace

Credit: textravler.com

 

By M. A. Alvarez II

Thus begins a new chapter.  A new age; a dream to come. A distant reality. There is much to do and much to see with this light shining so brightly as one looks into the past.

It’s impossible to forget the journey up to this. If I even started to recall the first memory within this place; this valley beneath a river called San Marcos. It was here that I became the person who I am today. It drove me away from a darker state and bestowed onto me a sort of confidence I had never known. Over time it took hold and made me stronger and firmer. I had felt my heart harden. Even as the strife of life and quarrels of my past broke my spirit. I found my way; somehow.

It’s hard to say when my transition started. I was so different before, but I can admit something was concrete. I had found solace in music. I remember the piano on the first floor of my dormitory at Gaillardia. Upon many nights, I remember sitting there playing with the keys, thinking of melodies past. It’s true. I was no one before I came to Texas State. No one important as it seemed. I barely knew what I was doing myself. Simply one could say I was a blank slate, predisposed by a past I wanted to forget.

But music changed my life. Before it was merely a means to focus and to bring words to paper as I am sure it is doing now as I write this. But it wasn’t until I found myself here, that I truly began to appreciate it. I was no longer bounded by the inhibitions of where I came from. My newfound freedom drew on a different part of myself, one that had gone unnoticed.

Eventually I developed a new relationship with music. It became a friend; comfort when in need. I even came to even realize that my writing alone could not be without it. Music was the driving force that brought life to my words. It was music that enticed them to flow from my mind.

My independence and perseverance in San Marcos has molded me and made me resilient because of that. Music drew me to people, places, and the times of my life. With each new memory, time had granted me wisdom. All within the light of night, within the solace of music’s serene sound. I have felt myself grow, from Sagewood to Copper. West to East and even in the heart of the city itself at Sanctuary. I have become one with this town and it has birthed a purpose in me. I have learned what I must do. I won’t fight my fate or test my faith. I’ll aspire to be all that I desire to be. All that is meant to be; to never settle. This is what I will seek; the American Dream.

 

 

 

 

2015 Grammy Nominations Special Feature: Audien

Follow Audien on Twitter Photo Credit: twitter.com/audien

 

By M. A. Alvarez II

With the announcement of the 2015 Grammy Nominations, many have come to ponder the question of who is the greatest artists. The Grammy’s have contributed to music for ages, defining decades as it awarded the largest names across all music platforms, inducting many into a lifetime of fame.

This year, Iggy Azalea, Taylor Swift, Megan Trainor, and Sam Smith are going head to head for “Record of the Year”. Iggy Azalea and Sam Smith are also up for Best New Artist, making their ascension towards “Record of the Year” phenomenal and at most impressive. So much more could be said if they actually won the Grammy.

However, the electronic music scene has been graced with numerous nominations, one of which I would like to personally acknowledge, especially during a time where EDM is becoming more prominent among music culture. Up to recieve the Grammy for “Best Remixed Recording” is none other than the majestic and alluring Audien. Among the many artist I love, Audien has a special place for being one of the most unique DJs/Producers to ever grace my ears, but also by being a person I find easy to relate to.

At 22, Audien has come from humble beginnings as he started producing music from an apartment in Mystic, Connecticut. In an interview where he showcased his distinct style, he described being heavily inspired to create music, being an active listener of Armin Van Buuren’s A State of Trance radio show. After listening to ASOT with his friends for sometime, he took the time to teach himself production and drew the ears of Flashover Recordings which would release his first single “Rise and Shine” in 2009.

Ever since he has been working hard touring and producing music, notably “Wayfarer”, “Iris”, “These are the Days” and “Leaving You”. His tracks have been featured across numerous radio shows, including Tiesto’s Club Life, Above and Beyond’s Trance Around the World, and even the show that inspired him, A State of Trance. His story is of a young man with a dream, one hell of an ear, and a lot of passion. He worked hard to produce popular hits such as “Cirlces” which featured Ruby Prophet and show favorite “Hindsight”. Each of these tracks offer up a sound that is uniquely Audien. Audien creates a cord driven melody which through the use of light instruments and gentle vocals, evokes a sense of optimism and grace within the mind; no matter whether your listening to big room, trance, or progressive house. He is able to transform tracks with his special touch, this style of uplifting rhythm, implementing his unique use of cords and alternating tempos into his sets.

I have had the honor to witness this genius in action twice this year, first seeing him at San Antonio’s Club Rio this past April, and again in at Houston’s Stereo Live in August. It seemed as if he couldn’t get any better the first time I saw him, but it was upon seeing him again that I realized that this guy was talented. He had that natural charisma in make something his own and overtime he has built on that. After seeing him in August, I could definitely see a change in his production since his last show in April. He put so much more into it. With the amount of new material he had created in the short time between shows, he was able to bring forth the best of the old with the best of what he new, delivering a set that genuinely wowed me. The light show had also grown and the show was more his own. Audien’s on a road to making the most out of himself, especially among an age where technology has made music so much better than it has ever been.

I’m very much excited to be seeing Audien once again this December for my third time at the Lights All Night Music Festival in Dallas, Texas. Among a festival setting, I can only imagine the type of force Audien will unleash, especially after witnessing his sets twice already this year. Hopefully his style continues to grow. It is truly unique. I’ve heard nothing like it. It is no surprise that he is up for the  “Best Remixed Recording” of the year. His unique style makes his remix of Bastille’s Pompeii unlike things most people would hear from other artists. It’s popularity among DJs was also evident at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival as it was named the most played track entirely.

Audien has come from humble beginnings, a common man among dreamers, who somehow brought his music to life. Audien’s style is undoubtedly different from what you can hear mainstream and surely if he wins this Grammy, he will go on in music history. Even if he doesn’t he will always be known to me and hopefully the entire electronic music community for years to come.

 

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Survival and Revival: ACL 2014 Continued

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By M. A. Alvarez II

The Austin City Limits 2nd Weekend, despite the rain, had brought some of the most talented names in music together at Austin’s Zilker Park for an unforgettable celebration. The first two days, though rainy didn’t let festival goers down. Still full of an electrifying energy, the park was thriving by the time I arrived ready for the final day. I could even say it was possibly more jam packed than the day before.

My hopes were high, just where they should be. I wouldn’t be foolish enough to believe that ACL would disappoint me. Not after experiencing the last two years of the festival prior to this one. Also the days before were met with tremendous bliss I could never forget. After entering the gates, I met with my friend Tanner at the base of the Miller Lite stage where he and his brother Taylor were waiting for the glittering and funkadelic Gramatik to take the stage

The electric sound would dominate today as Gramatik would only be a prelude to EDM headliners Zedd and Calvin Harris. Gramatik’s soulful electric funk brought about a chill atmosphere as festival goers took to dancing in the mud created by rains earlier that morning. There was this carelessness about the air, as if worries were eliminated once you past the gates of Zilker Park. Especially among the jazz like beats of Gramatik’s set. There wasn’t a single worry. Not in that crowd at least.

I wouldn’t leave the Miller Lite stage anytime soon. After claiming dominion even closer to the stage, we would be in full view for electric rock duo Phantogram. The beautiful Sarah Barthel greeted Austin with her mesmerizing and sensual voice. Soon her voice would echo over the crowd, like a siren, hypnotizing and alluring, as she lead the crowd truly into a world of her own. With the help of guitarist Josh Carter and the use of her own keyboard, Barthel drew us in entrancing me as the lyrics of “Fall in Love” dripped into my ears. Phantogram would stay true to their name, altering reality with their music, and creating what seemed to be an illusion.

The final day was already off to an amazing start. The sky was now clear and a beautiful blue. The park was colorful and full of life and as I laid upon the park grounds listening to Spoon in the distance I could only feel the rise of playful laughter rise from within me as I looked around into a sea of smiles. ACL had succeeded in unifying generations and diverse groups of people and artists, and now here in the midst of their success we were drawing closer towards the end of yet another year of ACL.

After watching the end of Spoon’s performance at the Honda stage, my friends and I rushed back just in time to score a full view at Miller Lite. Zedd would be taking the stage in a matter of moments. I can remember the rhythm of my heart as I heard the rise of Zedd’s mix of MAGIC!’s “Rude” play. The lights and the fire erupted as a colorful projection drew my eyes towards the DJ. It looked as if the screen behind him was about to swallow him and take the crowd with him as it projected a vortex behind the barrage of lights that shot from the stage. The crowd was jumping. My emotions were flaring. As the crowd opened up I found myself pressing forward as Zedd proceeded to play his mix of Empires of the Sun’s “Alive” and Skrillex’s “Breaking a Sweat”. Zedd would also play fan favorites “Spectrum”, “Find You”, and “Fall into the Sky”.

Zedd would leave me energized. I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my body. I was almost startled by the affect the music had taken over me. It had filled me with a spark of intensifying emotion, I couldn’t help but shout among the crowd. But just as Zedd was ending his set, in the distance I heard an echo of something familiar. From the Honda stage, I could hear it, a song I sang to myself from time to time; “Under Control”. I screamed as I watched the crowd immediately break apart and dart for the Honda stage.

“Come on! Let’s go!” I shouted as we sprinted into the blue lights. Calvin Harris had opened with my favorite song. “Under Control” had a very special place in my heart and as soon as I found myself among the crowd I raised my voice, singing with spirit and passion, as the sound roared through the air. Calvin Harris considerably is one of my favorite artists and DJs and possibly my most anticipated act of the festival all together. To have the chance to experience his set live, among a festival setting was a remarkable and unforgettable moment in my life.

After listening to Calvin Harris play his hits “Summer” and “Thinking About You”, still filled with the incredible strength the music had fueled us with. We made our way across the park and to the Samsung Galaxy stage to catch the legendary Pearl Jam. Pearl Jam would tie up the loose ends of the festival, bringing the youth of music into the ways of the old, touching on generations past. I could feel the emotion still within me, hot and unyielding, but as I looked into the golden mirage of lights as the band played, I felt my body come to ease. I looked up and the sky had cleared and the spotlights had taken to the night sky, crossing and merging with one another as Pearl Jam played their cover of the Who’s “Baba O’Riley”.

It was then that it hit me. The purpose in all this. This festival was truly, as simple as it was, a celebration of music; new and old. It brought generations together. At one end of the park we had the youth basking in the energetic and uplifting electronic dance music of their generation only to meet with the generations before them at the very end. This was a unison of music and I would always remember that. Pearl Jam would close out the festival with none other than the United States National Anthem and after an epic guitar solo, we would begin our trek back to the gates, back to our homes, away from this wondrous place.

This would conclude my third year at ACL. Each time is always different, but somethings never change. Each artist always brings their heart to the playing field that is Zilker Park. Each sound perfect. Every cord is struck. There are no mistakes. No worries. ACL is a celebration of music, new and old; a unison of generations and genres, that bring people together. It is the very reason I was exposed to music and love it as I do, being the first live music event I had ever been to. ACL will always have a special place in my heart and though I said goodbye that day, I knew it wouldn’t be the last time I set foot on those grounds. Until next time ACL. Until next time.

 

ACL 2014: The Calling of Generations

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the Honda Stage

By M. A. Alvarez II

Taking place annually in October, The Austin City Limits music festival can be considered one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the South, and by far to this day, it is my favorite music festival of all time. I have always loved music, but never fully appreciated it until I experienced it live for the first time at ACL in 2012. Now it is an on-going tradition of mine, to return here in October, to Zilker Park, to bask in and enjoy the sound of live music played by some of the largest names in music, from now and then, the young and the old. ACL unifies generations of people, music, and art; all to celebrate the joy it brings into our lives.

This being my third year, I already knew what to expect from the days I would spend in Austin over the course of ACL’s second weekend. Immediately upon entering the main threshold Saturday, I made my way to the bar for a refreshment and found the Honda Stage to catch part of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue’s spiffy jazz performance.

ACL had drawn quite the crowd. Selling out completely for its second weekend, the park was filled with people. Rim to rim. Into Shorty’s performance, I was able to find my friend Tanner among the masses beneath the Honda Stage. Quickly, he directed me across the park to the Samsung Galaxy stage where the famed Rebelution was playing. Yes! As a fan of Reggae rock and Rebelution being one of my favorite bands of the genre along side Iration and the Expendables, I fed off the intense excitement Tanner put off as he and his brother ran towards the stage.

Rebelution delivers a solid performance, contributing to ACL with their mellow Reggae sound.

Despite the multitudes of people that surrounded us, we were able to ease our way into the crowd that Rebelution brought in with their mellow, laid-back, carefree sound. ACL was in full motion. I stared into the sky which was clouded due to the heavy rains earlier that morning. It didn’t matter though. Rain or shine, I was there; there like always. For the music, just as everyone was. It was hard not to feel the music as it filled the air.

Shortly after, I went with Tanner to meet his father who made set homage a distance away from the Galaxy Stage, some what midway between there and the RetailMeNot Stage. Tanner’s father, Mr. Howell, as I called him, was an ACL veteran, this year being his ninth. As a passionate and avid appreciator of music, Mr. Howell had created a tradition with his sons, instilling his love for music into them. This made me think of, being a lover of music myself, the dominion music held within our society. Music through the ages has been used as a powerful tool of self-expression. It has defined and influenced culture through the decades, attributing to history itself. I thought there among the excitement of it all that, ACL each year, in itself, was history. It told the story of the greatest names in music that year, but not without remembering the music before it, as it catered not only to the youth of the current generations, but the generations before it as well.

Texas State Flag among the crowd during Iggy Azalea’s performance at RetailMeNot Stage.

After a bit of socializing, the next stop on my list of must sees was the current hip hop sensation, Iggy Azalea. I’ve known about Iggy for a long time. I remember being first introduced to her music in high school, while I was still living in Houston years ago. Immediately upon listening to her songs “Pussy” and “Bounce”, as well as hearing word of her signing with rapper T.I.’s label, I knew she would soon rise to the top. It was no surprise to me to see her, join the ensemble of the already epic line-up. Her crowd was tight, and many could say with her popularity, she should of played on a larger stage, but her performance was phenomenal. Using a flight of metal stairs, lights, and a chorus of talented back-up singers and dancers, Iggy showcased her talent as she played familiar favorites along with her newest hits “Fancy” and “Black Widow”.

It seemed ACL had a little bit of something for everyone. From jazz, to reggae and even hip hop. The second day, delivered a broad spectrum of genres. Electronic DJs Major Lazer and Skrillex contributed to the dance music scenes with their light shows, using state of the art special effects to burn into memory the rhythmic beats of their sets. It came as a huge surprise when electronic dance star Diplo, made a special appearance along side Major Lazer providing extra hype to the crowd as the duo lead us into the night. Diplo’s unforgettable stunt within the gigantic hamster ball was a definitely a sight to see; one that I undoubtedly will remember for the rest of my life. Skrillex’s set was like a quake of thunder. The bass shook the terrain as “Cinema” played. Festival-goers danced outside a monumental crowd of jumpers who eagerly tried to get closer to the stage. His set would end with a tribute to Star Wars and leave everyone excited for more.

The festival became a glimmering gem as lights began to fill the sky. My favorite part of ACL had always been the nights there. As I looked up into the clouded sky, I watched dozens of spotlights hover over me, as if the park itself was trying to proclaim to the heavens the glory of what music attributed to life. I was at most awed, even as we walked towards the closing act that day at the Samsung Galaxy Stage. Eminem, a hip hop legend, a person I have known for the majority of my life through his music stood right before me; a mere distance from where I stood.

This is only the story of one day. The second day of ACL 2014. It would only be a precursor to what was to come the following day when my favorites Zedd and Calvin Harris would take their stages and give it their all to entertain those who appreciated their music so much. I was so blessed to return to Zilker Park this year. All I could think about at the end of my first day back, was of what I would get myself into the next day. The festival had been going on since Friday and it still wasn’t over. I would be there til the very end. Among the lights, the masses of people, and the waves of the best music the generations had to offer.

The ACL Music Festival beneath a clouded skyline.

“How You Love Me” and 3LAU’s San Marcos Takeover

3LAU lights up The Marc. San Marcos, Texas. Sept. 27th, 2014

By M. A. Alvarez II

The first time I heard “How You Love Me” was earlier this year while I was heading home out in the middle of south Texas from South Padre Island. Spring Break was nearing its end, but it felt as if the spirit of music been exercised from my body. Though UME, a festival branded “The Ultimate Music Experience” was over, my friends and I continued to jam out to the radio as we made our way back to school in San Marcos. “How You Love Me” was the first major single I heard by 3LAU (pronounced Blau), and it had captivated me the moment it popped up on the radio. I had no choice, but to look into this producer, this up and coming EDM artist with a ton of talent and a name to make for himself.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal called 3LAU “one of America’s fastest-rising DJs-Producers” and there is no question to why. After releasing many mash-ups and mixes, 3LAU gained recognition through Youtube and launched his own tour releasing one single before “How You Love Me”, but I don’t think the glory truly came until he released this epic track.

“How You Love Me” was destined to be a hit once it was released on March 18th, 2014. It garnished so much attention 3LAU became a household name. Even with only two singles under his belt at the time. The 23 year old was drawing ears. 3LAU was on his way to becoming a legend.

It came as a total shock hearing that 3LAU would becoming here to San Marcos, Texas; the home of my one-day alta mater. Immediately upon the show’s announcement, I snagged a ticket at an early bird price and began to prepare for the event that would take over the San Marcos Square in the coming weeks.

I was ready to capture the moment, this once and a lifetime opportunity to hear one of my favorite DJs among a familiar setting. This night would be one to share among my best friends. I had made my way to the Marc on September 27th, where immediately I was greeted by many of my close friends. All of which, were just as excited to catch a glimpse of what 3LAU had to offer during his live set. After passing through the front doors of the Marc, the bass quickly overtook me as Gamma, the Marc’s residential DJ, prepared everyone for what was to come with his opening set. Heavy with bass, it filled everyone with the much needed energy that would be required for what was to come.

I was able to make my way to the front of the stage. The light were bright as they spiraled downward towards the crowds that scurried to watch as 3LAU emerged onto the stage and so humbly picked up a mic and uttered the words “Welcome to 3LAU’s house.” The crowd went wild. I watched as the lights then began to flash. The screen behind him began to protect images of bright orange as camera light shuttered over 3LAU as he brought in the welcomed the crowd into the world of melodic progressive house. The bass hovered in the air. 3LAU’s set was hypnotic and energizing as he played his singles “Escape” and “How You Love Me”, he also mixed familiar songs such as Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” into his set which balanced out his big-room house with a harmonious trance-like rhythm that allowed the crowd to move and dance.

The emotion within the music was evident. The passion 3LAU implemented into every song echoed through the venue. 3LAU is undoubtedly talented. This was clear as he prepared the audience for his closer, a look into his work and a chance to hear something not many had heard before.

3LAU brought to San Marcos and the students of Texas State University that night an experience that truly defined passion and talent. Though 3LAU, might lack the years of experience many DJs before him have, he definitely displays talent, charisma, passion, and a genuine love for what he does. This sense of hope, I find differentiates him from any other up and coming DJ. Through diligence, an unbreakable faith and love for music, this artist has truly created art and has established himself as a house hold name. I’m sure if you are a lover of music as I am, 3LAU is a name not many will forget in the times ahead. He is definitely around to stay. The music speaks for itself.

 

Prelude to Fall: Myon and Shane54

Photo Credit: http://www.addictedtoradio.com

 

By M. A. Alvarez II

When I heard that Myon and Shane54 were coming to San Antonio on September 12th, I was thrilled. Not only because I was a fan of the music they created, but more so because I had missed out on the amazing experience they brought to Austin months before. I wasn’t going to miss this show. There was no way.

This trance music duo originated from Hungary, producing and mixing music since 2008. Shortly after starting their career, they were met with tremendous success. After two years of recognition, they were voted among the top 100 DJs in the world by DJ Magazine and have been regarded as such ever since.

I prepared myself mentally for their show since it was announced in May. I knew their music well, having listened to their newest hit Summer of Love, as well as the numerous mixes they’ve created along with their collaborations with Cole Plante; an emerging artist in the trance music scene. Trance has always been among my favorite genres of music, and finally being able to experience the great talent that was Myon and Shane54 was almost like a dream come true.

They would be playing at the prestigious Club Rio, an electronic dance music venue in north San Antonio. Upon entering Club Rio, I could tell what type of night it was going to be. It was colorful, bright, and ultimately cool as fans clustered in, ready to dance, and eager to hear what Myon and Shane54 were prepared to bring to San Antonio that night.

I can remember the anticipation and the chanting as Myon and Shane54 emerged on the stage. Myon was hype, jumping up and shouting back towards the crowd as Shane54 prepared his instruments atop the stage. Lights hovered over the crowd from various parts of the venue, while the screen behind the duo began to project images as they began their set. I can admit. I was among the crowd, shouting, screaming at the top of my lungs, as they put into motion the melody of their mix of Velvetine’s Great Divide. A personal favorite. I screamed. I danced. I shouted and danced some more.

My best friends were among the crowd, jumping to the melody, imbued with the evident excitement that the music injected into our ears.

The sound of their set wasn’t heavy with bass, as other shows are within electronic music. Myon and Shane54 were graceful, soft, and utterly emotional, evoking a sense of compassion and bliss from within the crowd. A single worry did not cloud my mind. I was lost within a moment of peace and harmony, by the grace of the music they played throughout that music hall.

The show was definitely one of the best. Compared to that I have seen in Austin recently, this show was among the top, but rivaling with the experiences I have had in Houston. But, there is no denying the pure talent that Myon and Shane54 have.

By the end of the show the entire crowd was nostalgic. They flocked towards the DJs as they descended from the stage. Luckily, being at the front of the crowd I was able to beat the others to it and got to speak to the world renowned Shane54. It was exhilarating. After a short chat, I was able to casually place my arm around him and get a photo!

I left the show a happy man, beyond satisfied by the experience delivered by the Trance duo. They played with heart and implemented amplitudes of emotion into their set, that did not only move the crowd, but opened their eyes to a new reality. One that knew no worry and only bliss, for that night was history. To think that this story is only one of the many among hundreds that day is unbelievable.

Myon and I after an epic set.

 

The Nocturne Manifesto Defined

Photo Credit: http://www.peaceloveedm.com

By M. A. Alvarez II

There are so many things humanity has yet to understand. So many mysteries lie out there. Many of which lie within the dead of night, from within the darkness of the outside world and that uncertainty that exists within ourselves. We are born into an unknown existence, only to grow and discover for ourselves what we may define our purpose to be. What I define my purpose as has brought me to write this; to bring to the surface not only a new understanding of what my life may bring, but also an essence of what it means to seek out the experiences that might show you what your life means to you.

My name is Mark Aaron Alvarez II. I’m a student journalist attending Texas State University and am hoping to someday establish myself as an active and passionate writer within the community. I have always had an appreciation of arts. Since an early age I took to it as a way to express myself; by means to understand who I truly was. By painting , writing, and even dabbling into acting throughout my early youth, I was always searching for a way to be exactly what I wanted to be, in order to understand who I truly was. I found comfort in the art forms, appreciating them early on, however it wasn’t until I reached the age of 19 and entered college that I began to understand the true purpose and power of a particular art form, one that defined and attributed the most to life; music.

Music completely changed me. It had altered my perception and shook my morals to their core. Music held this power, to evoke a sense of wonder from within me. It caused me to imagine and question everything. Music, sound in sync and harmony, could paint pictures within my mind and bring forth words I could not find, and ultimately it taught me something new. I could control what I perceived. My experiences were my own, and not subjective or definite to what others said it had to be. I didn’t have to experience the world as others did. I could seek out my own experiences with each new song. Each new sound, opened the door to a world I could escape to. All I had to do was listen.

A nocturne simply stated is a piece of work, a composition of music, or art, that has been inspired, draws from, or attributes to the night. This blog serves a purpose to encourage the appreciation of the music and experience that come from within the night, the uncertainty, and darkness of our world. Here I hope to record and cover my own experiences from the worlds of music, from within the lights of the night, in order to inspire a sense of wonder from within you, so that you may seek out experiences like mine to broaden your appreciation for life. I hope that from here, you find yourself looking to make the most out of your reality with a new found appreciation of music; so that you are living your life exactly the way you’d like among others who perceive as you do.

A New Purpose: An Introduction to a Life of Music

A look back to Adventure Club in San Marcos, Texas. Nov. 2012.

An Introduction by M. A. Alvarez II

Perception…

That is a mystery many have pondered upon, trekking along trying to discover the meaning behind why we all see what we see, feel what we feel, and do what we do. Our actions and choices seem to be defined by our perception. It is through this line of sight in which we justify our means. We justify our will and the very reason for why we are the way we are.

Our mind and all its complexities define us more than we know. Our mind, through its consciousness, places us into a world where we face unique challenges and perplexing choices. If we choose valiantly, we are often presented with tremendous reward, while if our choices are thought to be foolish we are often forced upon the desperation of unnerving consequences.

It seems to me though we try to know ourselves and act accordingly upon our beliefs, we are forced onto standards, punished for our beliefs, and sometimes even alienated for who we are. We place our faith in our choices and we are sometimes condemned for them. Since when, in this day and age, especially within standards of society that should strongly uphold freedom overall, are we restricted to living within the expectations of those who do not perceive as we do?

This leaves behind the questions: What is the genuine perception of reality? How should things really be? What is true morality?

I feel my perception of morality has changed recently. Before I probably would have told you that we were meant to uphold certain standards, to live up to society’s expectations, and contribute to society in order to make a better and more perfect world.

…and then something changed.

I use to live my life on this line, stepping carefully, trying my hardest to do good things and to uphold a status that was almost impossible to achieve. I wanted nothing more than to be so good. I thought morality was concrete, unchanging, and definite. However something changed me. I can’t seem to pinpoint exactly what it was, considering many factors and experiences contributed to each revelation that fell upon me, but what changed me most of all I would say must have been the music.

I had grown increasingly passionate for music since leaving home and living on my own. Sometimes it was as if it was the only thing that kept me going. Music had become my muse for living. I had always loved all art forms, but music had crawled deep into my heart, burrowing and nesting within it. The more I listened the more I learned, the more I grew, and ultimately the more I changed for with each beautiful melody that opened my heart, opened my eyes. My standards of morality must have melted away with each beat. I saw the world not as something flawed, imperfect, or something in need of salvation and virtue, but instead I saw the world for what it truly was. It was a world full of life. Life itself was beautiful; blissful. If you looked in the right places you could surely find it.  Morality, I began to see, wasn’t about fulfilling a purpose for the world, but in following your heart and fulfilling a dream; your dream. To live your life in the way you desired and to share your bliss with those you loved was genuine morality. Happiness is among virtues as well, and to be happy is not to conform to standards and seek salvation. Happiness comes with seeking grand experiences with those you cared for. To protect, to love, and to cherish is pure morality. At least to me now it is…