Music, put simply, is an expression of emotion. Growing up I never really had the chance to experiment with my taste in music, and often I felt my creative ability was stifled. Although I did play a few musical instruments, at times the pressure of playing and performing perfectly limited my ability to enjoy the music. However, as I grew up and started to become a more open minded individual with a broader worldview, I noticed my musical horizons widened alongside my personal development. This was no coincidence; a growing freedom from pressure and an acceptance of my individual quirks and unique characteristics nurtured and facilitated my creativity, curiosity and musical experimentation.

Like most people I myself suffer from a lack of self confidence as well as other insecurities. It becomes prevalent in daily activities and especially when I play music. It’s that little voice in your head that makes you assume the thoughts of those around you. Growing up and having to be perfect in whatever I did, from views, being studious to playing concertos, which made me not want to show/express any talent I may have had. Over the last few years I’ve noticed a change in me being more confident in myself and my taste allowing me to broadcast that how I please.

Admittedly, my mental health has room for improvement, but in comparison to my 16 year old self it’s in a much, much better place. Music has made an incredibly positive impact on my life and is personally a key reason for me wanting to establish Chewin’ as a space for everyone to feel accepted.

The people I’ve met over the last few years and the genuine conversations I’ve had, whether necessary or not, have provided me with an outlet to express my problems, discover and understand real world issues, learn new ideologies, and appreciate life. Events such as these have been a forum through which I am able to appreciate not only music but myself, my mates, and the world around me.

These songs show my flavour of music and are a product of my journey of self exploration and development over the last few years. Enjoy!

Track ID:

The Bamboos - Broken
Atlantic Avenue - Average White band
PREP - Cheapest flight
A Lil Bit Of (feat. Chiara Noriko) - Flo Fiz
Die With a Smile - FKJ
Lovely day - Bill Withers
Liquid Spirit - Gregory Porter
Parev Ajere - Nu guinea
Right on - Marvin Gaye
New Paradise - Harvey Sutherland
Nikita - Zeitgeist freedom energy exchange
Broken Theme - Kamaal williams
Dreaming of better days - Larry Heard
Love come down - Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King
9dw - Ray Mang RMX (S.E.V)
Take it to the top - Kool and the Gang
You Will Return - Quantic feat. Alice Russell
Like it is - Razor n tapes
Rainbow - Romare
International Flight - David Snell
Rock the casper - The Clash
Daft Punk is playing at my House - LCD Soundsystem
Fly me to the moon - Astrud Gilberto
Here comes the Sun - The Beatles
Sippin On Spritzer All Day - Anton Klint
Magnificent Moon - Mildlife
Orbital - Halcyon On and On
Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
I Love Music - Ahmad Jamal Trio

In The Mix with CTF - Acid Chess Club

Chewin The Fat