Namaste.

The power of the positive....I love Zen koans.  Does anyone know any that relate directly to music? I'd love the hear them.

The "industry" has spent bazillions of dollars studying the phenomena of why we humans like the genres we like. They've concluded that our musical tastes are formed by the time we're 18 and nothing changes that; further to that as we age we're not really open to new artists playing the music we like. Expensive mistake eh?

My journey with rap: I have a friend who is a hugely successful Nashville songwriter. (But I tell him that I don't hold that against him ;>)) When rap first came out he said, "Won't last 6 months." Well he laughs at himself for sure now. :>) As a singer when rap was born I missed the melody & harmony and the skill required for those two disciplines. As a lyricist and female I abhorred the violence and misogyny often found in the genre. But as a musician I LOVED the rhythm and tempos. So with that I went further to get to this point: As a singer I love the phrasing and attitude! As a lyricist I love the wit and passion! As an artist I see the pain and some righteous talent and the ability to deeply touch ALOT of people.

I've done this with other musical expressions since I have so many diverse musicians in my family and circle and I'm a diehard rocker. Studying and playing different genres really brings the respect for what the music is about.

Like I always say, it's all music...
Salem