Music, my love always and forever...

Before I became interested in boys, there was music, my first true love. It all started when my parents got tired of hearing me hammering on the ivory keys of the family's Steinway upright piano (in picture below). So they decided to enroll me in piano lessons. Of all the classical pieces I learned Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 14 in C minor, aka Moonlight Sonata is my all time favorite, especially the third movement. Nearly 20 years later I have yet been able to play the third movement with perfect timing. The first two movements are easier to play, unlike the third which is considered to be one of the most difficult and technical classical compositions. It is an adajio sostenuto movement; meaning its tempo is played both slow and fast, soft and loud. In other words, Piano Sonata #14 MUST be played with fluidity and precise passion in order to achieve what Beethoven was most famous for; hypnotizing and seducing the listener (or the contessa he was trying to swoon at the time of composition).

Fast forward 11 years later and my love for music had become an obsession. I expanded my repertoire to contemporary jazz, hawaiian reggae (or jawaiian), freestyle drum and bass which eventually led to house and electronic music, including techno (although it was called rave in the beginning). I was a well-versed kid; played sports/martial arts, danced hula, jazz and hip hop, was a cheerleader, a candy striper volunteer at an old folks home, honors student and played keyboards in the high school band. I collected vinyl and even experimented with Technics turntables, Korg and Roland synths, drum machine and Numark mixer.  I was a wannabe DJ who wanted to be a songwriter/producer when she grew up. What stopped her? Her parents wanted her to pursue a career with more 'security,' like business and psychology. Double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Communication was a happy medium. Little did they know that times would change and nothing is ever secure...

While I was in college I had the opportunity to attend the CMJ Music Marathon in 1992 and 1993 in NYC. For those not in the know, thousands of industry peeps, musicians and college radio students gather to attend new artist showcases, panel discussions and film screenings at various venues, nightclubs and exclusive events in Manhattan. Many mainstream artists get noticed here by scouts and record labels. Being that I was only 19 years old I was excited about gaining entrance to renown nightclubs such as the Limelight, Palladium and CBGB's. Unfortunately those nightclubs are long gone, and only its' legacies and memories remain.  

My favorite song at the time was "Go" by electronic artist, Moby. It's still an all time fave. It was already a huge hit in big city nightclubs and overseas in Europe. And it had just become the theme song for the television series, "Twin Peaks". The "yeeeeah" sample on "Go" is from Jocelyn Brown's 1985 single "Love's Gonna Get You." There's an on-going controversy over sampling (a common practice among music producers today) which I won't bother bringing up because it's like opening up a can of worms. However, the sample remains uncredited to date.  

I had the opportunity to meet Moby, aka Mr. Richard Melville Hall. Yes, he's related to Herman Melville, the author of the classic tale of "Moby Dick." Here he is as one of the panelists at CMJ in '92. Wow, he had hair back then! 

Moby was the headliner for "Mask-a-Rave" at the infamous Sound Factory (also now defunct). The established New York DJ soon became known as a remixer shortly after this particular event. I was one of 3200 people who witnessed the one-man band perform followed by the electronic duo, Altern8 at a warehouse in the Meatpacking District. Up until this point I've never seen anyone perform solo with a stack of drum machines/synthesizers and bang out every component a live band could do. I was beyond impressed and mesmerized. Shortly after, in the crowd of sweaty ravers I saw Moby standing and observing Altern8's performance. His gaze was transfixed on the stage. My then boyfriend went up and told him that he'll be watching him as he continues onward to superstardom. Caught off guard, he paused, chuckled and said, "it's all for the love (of music)." He smiled and continued to watch Altern8 on stage. Moby went on to become an international remixer/songwriter extraordinaire and won a bunch of Grammys and awards. Many of his songs have been used in movies, commercials, product jingles, tv shows, etc, etc, etc. 


After graduating from college I landed an on-air job at a radio station at Clear Channel Communications. I wasn't making music but was satisfied I was still around it. A few years later I went on to work in television production and news industry. By this time, music had become a lucid dream. Although I have forgotten music theory I learned in my younger days I continue to have a great appreciation of music. It is kind of like a part time lover. I can still recognize most hit tunes (from the 70's, 80's & 90's) within one or two beats of the first bar or riff. It's been years since I've touched a keyboard, but every so often I get musically inspired. Most recently, a friend had turned me on to an electronic/downtempo mix he made a few months ago. Within the first two minutes into the mix, an enormous rush of phrases, lyrics and samples from other songs, melodies and bass lines streamed through my mind all at once! I frantically wrote and recorded as much of it down. It has been years since I've done that. I love it when serendipity intervenes. It was beyond exhilarating, and I was immediately reminded of what it was like to have a great desideratum once again.


And while I currently have a full plate of work, personal commitments and an ever-growing list of creative projects I am seriously contemplating revisiting music- my first love. I've recently turned down (and postpone) offers to work on projects. If they read this I hope they understand. I have so many fond memories of getting lost in the music. I may have abandoned music to pursue other artistic endeavors but strangely in an unwavering way, it hasn't left my side.  Music has been a faithful companion that is always awaits your return. And if you love something you will make the time to be with it!  After all, it was music that provided me with the foundation of an intense, unfiltered passion for all things creative and artistic.