Explorations in Music

The Music Industry From Live Concerts to Virual Concerts    We have all been deeply affected by the pandemic in one way or another - or multiple! Besides working from home for almost a year, the pandemic has allowed me to discover new music and new artists. Most days, I turn on Spotify and let my playlists run wild. Thanks to Covid-19, I have come across a new genre (new to me anyway), called 'Lo-Fi,' and I listen to that when I'm doing homework; I don't know what it is, but it keeps me focused - Check it out! *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * "Coming into music, even when I was a kid, one thing I learned is timing is everything. You being prepared is everything."                                                        -Kelly Rowland _____________________________________ Up until February of 2020, Concerts, festivals, live performance, etc., were part of everyday life - They

                                                                                                             "When A Heart Breaks"  - - - - - -  Ben Rector  - - - - - -  ____________________________________________________________________ I would like to take this opportunity to create a mini tribute to my cat, Champ, who I lost on January 27th. Champ and I spent a fulfilling 15 years together. I was seventeen, and he was six weeks when our journey started; we experienced significant milestones together, and I am struggling to comprehend how life will be without him. Our days consisted of binge-watching crime shows, staring at the birds through the window, and sunbathing on the balcony - and he always consoled me when I would 'sloppy-cry' over life's unfair moments. I'll never stop missing him.                                    When I feel the weight of the world's emotions on my shoulders, and all I want to do is hideaway, I listen to this song. There is

                             " Shallow" Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper ---------------------------------------------------- I have always been a huge fan of Bradley Cooper as an actor, for his abilities and looks (insert heart-eyed emoji here), so naturally, I was drawn to this song. It is nice to see someone push the limits outside of their comfort zone and do it so well. Lady Gaga, on the other hand, was never a favorite of mine; I didn't mind her music, but her antics were a little much. Nonetheless, I appreciate her self-expression. It wasn't until I watched, "A Star As Born," the movie for which this song was written, that my appreciation for Lady Gaga started to develop. Like Bradley Cooper, she branched out and played a starring role in her first movie, and that is certainly something to be admired. Also, I love that this song is only recorded live;  it gives the song such a raw and authentic feel that you don't get from songs recorded in studios