humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of music professionals, amateurs, inspiring students, celebrities, lifestyle influencers, and general feel good human stories in the music sphere.
Wanna see a party trick?. Top Story - March 2021.
From a very young age, my mother discovered that I had perfect pitch: the ability to recall the names of notes without being given a reference point. It is quite uncommon as only 1 in 10,000 people possess this trait. My family broke the scale with that one as both me and my mother had it. This ability may not seem like much, but it could be useful. Whenever the repairman came over to check out our furnace, my mother would always entertain him by playing different notes on the piano and having me name them for his amusement. Hell, whenever I hear a random noise emitted, whether it’s the hum of the refrigerator or the buzzer on a gameshow, I could definitely shoot up and tell you hey that sounded like a B-flat!
By Grace Linn5 years ago in Beat
The Space Between Your Ears and Your Hands
I was playing the softest open roll I possibly could. Against the metronome of my mind I am playing quintuplets; lost inside the rattling of the springs beneath a snare drum, counting the shakes that subdivide each pulse in my hands. The notes move rapidly, but I can feel the silence between all of them.
By TJ Ghinder5 years ago in Beat
"The Importance of Music in Our Society"
Art and music are basic human functions. Humankind and art cannot function without one another. We have the burning desire to create, whatever it may be and however tiny or grand. The interaction with sound is unavoidable, either to make it or take pleasure in it. People have always found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, the emotional response, performing, or creating. This is no different for classical music or contemporary concert music. Both musics have immense worth for our society; however, the problem we all know in this field is that this music is little known and hence underappreciated. As a musician and artist it is my responsibility that others can learn to enjoy the art for which I have utter passion.
By Iftikhar Ahmed5 years ago in Beat
Modo Soda’s “Forgotten Pages”
The on stage swagger studded persona of Stu Strokes, Moda Soda’s founder and lead singer, was marvelous and impervious to distraction. Stu’s moxie, his presence and panache transcended the ordinary rockstar legend. His performance matched the incendiary feel of that music which took the world by storm in the summer of ‘97.
By zachary scott5 years ago in Beat
Black Women In Music
Some of the most fond and early memories of my childhood are of me reenacting childish musicals from beginning to end, fully donned in makeshift costumes and equipped with surprisingly accurate household props. On the off days when I couldn’t convince one of my older sisters to accompany me, it never stopped me from having my very own one woman act. Most of these musicals I can’t even recall anymore, but there is one in particular that I will never forget. In 1997, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella starring Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston was released. I realize now that I was only five at the time, but up until recently, if asked I would have told you that I was probably eight or nine. There is no way that I was singing like that at five years old, and yet I was. I do not say this to boast about my vocal skill but instead to speak volumes to the influence that this film had on my life. I did not know it then, but Cinderella spoke purpose and calling into my life, and for that I am so thankful to all of those whom were involved.
By Taylor Ballard5 years ago in Beat
"Just take some piano classes..."
“Just take some piano classes, please? You’ll be the next Alicia Keys.” My mom tried to enroll me in every class possible when I was a little girl but nothing made me more nauseous than the idea of piano classes. Now, over ten years later, my fingers awkwardly fumble upon the black and white plastic of my 61-key midi keyboard. I sit for hours trying to think of inversions, chord progressions and the right key signature for my own songs wishing I would’ve taken my mother’s advice. Now a budding singer-songwriter, I know I could never be like Alicia Keys. I was supposed to be exactly who I am, just like how Keys is one of my role models.
By Kayla Hunt5 years ago in Beat
So Into You: Black Women in Rhythm & Blues
You've spoken love into existence. Written your pain in stone halls that reverberate in the hearts of lesser men. Woven phrases into cloaks that cover the body and reveals the soul. Transforming us, your voices cause the listener to long for your loving touch.
By Rhinehart Ellison5 years ago in Beat
