May 2015: It’s Okay

The recent buzz of the Chris Stapleton record has caused a great deal of talk to spread across online music fandom.  As with any quick rise in status, (see Sturgill Simpson), there is an expected backlash.  Even if it is a minor one.  Not everyone is going to “get” everything.  I don’t “get” Lucero.  I can appreciate it.  But, it’s not my thing.  I’ve tried to get into it because so many people I respect and trust claim them as their favorite band.  It just hasn’t clicked with me.  And, the important thing to know is that’s okay.

We at Galleywinter have always striven to be a filter among the noise that highlights music we dig.  It’s not always everyone’s cup of tea and from time to time we’ve been stuck with the “music snob” label.  But, when an outfit such as this loves “Donut Taco Palace”, that can’t really be a valid label.

Music is about what you feel.  It either hits you in the soul or it doesn’t.  It should make you truly feel something.  Whatever emotion impacts you via music, let it reverberate to your soul.  It’s food for your soul.

Like what you like and make no apologies for it.  If you don’t like the same thing that everyone else does, relish that.  It means you’re unique and special.  You are doing  you.

We’ve always gone to great lengths to tell you what we are digging, not what we aren’t digging.  Music discovery is a personal experience.  It, like so many things in life, can be guided by advice and anecdotes. But, it all boils down to what you find appealing.

Music can also be appealing in one moment but not the next depending on your mood.  It’s why creating playlists based on mood and adventure is such a cool activity.  Lately, due to certain things happening, I’ve been mired in the sad stuff.  Jamming songs like “Cigarettes, Anger and Wine” on repeat as I sing along off-key and loudly.  But, the moment that mood passes momentarily and I want to pick myself up I’ll crank something like the aforementioned “Donut Taco Palace”.

The prism through which our souls hear the music make its impact different.  When and where it catches you.  What it says to you.  Sometimes it’s a forever missed connection.  And that’s okay.  It’s all okay.

MINOR CHORDS

-Been working through some pretty serious stuff lately so my LJT recap has been postponed indefinitely and this column took about 12 days past deadline.  Life happens whether we want it to or not.  Picking up my pieces and working through things has been aided by writing.  It’s a great form of therapy.  I’ve been writing lots of little blogs and blurbs that I may never publish for anyone.  But to get them out of my heart and head and on the screen has been cathartic.

-Headed to Minneapolis-St. Paul in July.  What’s to do?

-Rangers teasing us lately, but I’m not falling for it.

-Got rid of my truck for a car.  Haven’t had a car in 15 years.  It’s been both liberating and challenging.  After sitting up high for so long, I’m countering my frustrations with savings at the gas pump.

-2 months to Greenfest15.

-Been leaning on Jesus a lot lately, glad he never gets tired.

-I’ve been writing this piece every single month for 12 years and this was by far the hardest one to ever get out.  Thanks for reading!

–This month’s recommended album: Dalton Domino – 1806.  Latest in the Lubbock lineage has dropped a collection that is indicative of a world of promise.  This record is good, but what’s really cool is the ceiling it shows for his future releases.

-“Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most.”- Mark Twain