"Music... will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

While I can appreciate all music, you will usually find me listening to artists like Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Josh Turner. Music awakes emotions imprinted in your soul and, depending on my mood, my speakers may be blasting some Journey, Bryan Adams, or (yes, I'll admit it) Meatloaf that I can sing along to, or maybe I am putting the words to emotions I struggle to express with the help of lyrics by Josh Turner, Garth Brooks, George Strait, or the likes. 

Classical music, operas, and cheesy love songs all have a special place in my heart. And, when I want to let loose and dance or rock out, electronica, pop, or rock&roll is where I'll go. 

Bands like Pearl Jam, Metallica, Pantera, and Nine Inch Nails bring me back to teenage years where I ferociously sought to understand who I was and where I belonged in this world. I recall times when I felt so lost and broken that I relyed metal, punk, or even rap music playing so loudly that I could just lose myself entirely.

Concerts, shows, festivals, clubs, and raves would unearth rhythms I couldn't resist dancing to or awaken a fierce and carnal hunger in my being that could only be satisfied by the violence of a mosh pit.

Frank Ocean once said "when you're happy, you enjoy the music. But when you're sad, you understand the lyrics." And music has been a trusted friend that shared in the greatest moments of my life, a loyal confidant in which I trusted with my deepest, darkest fears, and when I found myself overwhelmed and unable to express how I felt, music would reach into my heart and pull out the perfect words. 

Needless to say, I love music, and I need it in my life as much as the air I breathe.

melissaminu