Very interesting article. Although my mom tried her best to make me a musician when I was young (first violin lessons, then recorder, then clarinet, then piano), that never made me a musician (though I did discover the guitar on my own and enjoy my mediocre skill at it). No, I’m a writer, and so I was very interested in this comparaison and I’d love to hear some musicians’ thoughts on what Idris wrote here.
I’ve always loved music deeply, but I don’t think I realized how often I let it pass through me without truly listening to how it’s working. Slowing down, replaying a song with intention and noticing where something shifts or holds back feels less like work and more like respect. Like giving the music the same care it gave me. This reframed how I want to listen going forward. Thank you for this Idris and Happy Friday to you!
I realized how often I listen around music instead of into it…letting songs wash over me while I’m hoping improvement magically happens in the background. Slowing down and asking why a moment works feels uncomfortable at first but also kind of empowering. It’s like I’m finally learning the language instead of just reacting to the sound. Appreciate you pushing this distinction Idris Elijah. It’s already changed how I’m going to listen this weekend!
There's also tension and release in music (and in writing). Leonard Cohen's song hallelujah explains it all. Brilliant song writing. A fun thing I've been doing lately is taking a song I dislike, but is very successful, and using the structure only to make my own version that I like. Good structure lends itself to any genre. Most musicians don't realize this. I have a song called "incomplete" that is very experimental and electronic almost industrial, and another version using identical structure as a contemporary classical piano piece called "almost complete". I have yet to receive a comment from anyone about their similarity. The tension and release comes at the same moments.
This made me rethink how I consume work I admire. I definitely read for feeling first but I can see how much I’ve been skipping the step where curiosity kicks in. Why this turn landed, why this restraint mattered. The idea that enjoyment and improvement are different modes feels obvious once you say it but I needed to hear it. Thank you for this really grounding perspective Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
Even though this is about music, it mapped perfectly onto how I look at art. I’m great at feeling something in a piece, but I don’t always stop to ask how it’s doing that. Like where the tension lives, what’s being held back, what’s doing the heavy lifting. Thinking this way feels less like overthinking and more like sharpening my eye. Thank you Idris Elijah for the reminder that attention itself is a form of practice!
Very interesting article. Although my mom tried her best to make me a musician when I was young (first violin lessons, then recorder, then clarinet, then piano), that never made me a musician (though I did discover the guitar on my own and enjoy my mediocre skill at it). No, I’m a writer, and so I was very interested in this comparaison and I’d love to hear some musicians’ thoughts on what Idris wrote here.
Love that you play guitar, I would love to learn. Thanks for checking out the article! 🤩
I’ve always loved music deeply, but I don’t think I realized how often I let it pass through me without truly listening to how it’s working. Slowing down, replaying a song with intention and noticing where something shifts or holds back feels less like work and more like respect. Like giving the music the same care it gave me. This reframed how I want to listen going forward. Thank you for this Idris and Happy Friday to you!
A reframe in how you listen to music is an excellent idea! You are most welcome Brian!! 🤩🤩🤩
I realized how often I listen around music instead of into it…letting songs wash over me while I’m hoping improvement magically happens in the background. Slowing down and asking why a moment works feels uncomfortable at first but also kind of empowering. It’s like I’m finally learning the language instead of just reacting to the sound. Appreciate you pushing this distinction Idris Elijah. It’s already changed how I’m going to listen this weekend!
Yes, it can absolutely be uncomfortable at first. What you gain tho, priceless. Thank you Brooke!! 🤩🤩🤩
There's also tension and release in music (and in writing). Leonard Cohen's song hallelujah explains it all. Brilliant song writing. A fun thing I've been doing lately is taking a song I dislike, but is very successful, and using the structure only to make my own version that I like. Good structure lends itself to any genre. Most musicians don't realize this. I have a song called "incomplete" that is very experimental and electronic almost industrial, and another version using identical structure as a contemporary classical piano piece called "almost complete". I have yet to receive a comment from anyone about their similarity. The tension and release comes at the same moments.
Incomplete: https://open.spotify.com/track/7vWzcOakH1KzOO5IINNij4?si=zDC-sOxRQfWxqzFPLdvPhg
Almost complete: https://open.spotify.com/track/3GC2eGzkmZzqXUa50BKUmk?si=Z8YqjtpcQmS_qxoIjsUBCQ
The basic melodic idea carries through both versions very well. I can feel the tension and release. Well done! 🤩
This made me rethink how I consume work I admire. I definitely read for feeling first but I can see how much I’ve been skipping the step where curiosity kicks in. Why this turn landed, why this restraint mattered. The idea that enjoyment and improvement are different modes feels obvious once you say it but I needed to hear it. Thank you for this really grounding perspective Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
Beautifully said, Chloe! Couldn’t agree more. You are most welcome!! Have a great weekend as well! 🤩🎊
Even though this is about music, it mapped perfectly onto how I look at art. I’m great at feeling something in a piece, but I don’t always stop to ask how it’s doing that. Like where the tension lives, what’s being held back, what’s doing the heavy lifting. Thinking this way feels less like overthinking and more like sharpening my eye. Thank you Idris Elijah for the reminder that attention itself is a form of practice!
Attention itself is a form of practice! Love this! Thank you for sharing your insight. Always enjoy hearing from you Jody! 🤩🙌🏾