MUSIC WITH A PURPOSE

When asked by a potential client for developmental consultation, one of the very first things I ask is “what do you want from this”? Some people want fame. Some people want to turn their hobby/passion into a career (which is not a bad thing at all). Some just want “the deal”. But what really impress me are those rare individuals who yearn to fulfill a particular purpose. These people, like me, believe that music is not simply a means of entertainment, but a catalyst for information, demonstration, encouragement, and in many instances, therapy. This is the magic and the power of music.

This is not to say that there is no place for simply having a good time. That is therapeutic in itself. Music provides us with an avenue for self-expression and release through our bodies where we tend to hold our tensions. It facilitates this release through movement and activities such as dance, exercise and even making love. All of these are actions of liberation that are often allured by the inspiration and charm of music. This too is purposeful. And yes, this too is therapy. How many times have you had to turn on a particular song to clear your head or motivate yourself to get busy or to motivate someone else to WANT to get busy (two totally different things here ...grown folks get it). How many times have you had the urge to just turn on your “jam” and just let loose and dance, even if it’s just in the mirror with yourself, dancehall not required. What about those times you just needed to feel better? ME, I have three particular go-to records. When I’m feeling sad and I need unwind, I go to Anita Baker’s Rhythm of Love cd. When I am facing a challenge and need to be reminded of my own strength and motivate myself to fight, I go to Eminem’s I’m Not Afraid. And when I am boiling over with anger and need to reverse my mood, I go to Dean Martin’s Ain’t Love a Kick in the Head. (Don’t judge me. You can’t frown while singing that song. Try it). This is all just to say that music, even in its less complex intentions, still serve a purpose.

But also, let us not forget that the role that music played during slavery and its usefulness to the Underground Railroad. Music was used as a vessel of communication, delivering messages and instructions on how to escape and where to find refuge. Even then during our worst hardships, we knew that we could count on this one thing, Music. We knew that we could count on it to lead us. This hasn’t changed. Music STILL leads us. The question is, to where? This is where you as an artist have a very important decision to make.

One of my favorite artists is the late great Tupac Amaru Shakur. Tupac once said “I am NOT a role model”. I beg to differ. This is where I have to disagree with him. And I believe that had his time not been cut prematurely, maturity would have led him to oppose that belief himself. See, the moment you have a platform, of any kind, you are a role model. You don’t have to choose it. You don’t GET to choose it. However, what you do have to choose is exactly what type of role model you are going to be. This is something that needs to be carefully considered, especially if you specifically identify your goal as ‘fame’. Once you’re on stage, once you’re in front of that mic in the studio, once you pick up that pen, once you sit down for that interview cautiously think about what comes next. Because whatever proceeds, you are responsible for. Use your platform wisely.

Remember the weight of the spirituals used to lead runaways from enslavement. Remember the chants and songs of the civil rights movement and their calls for action. Remember the peace, love and comradery apperceived by the music of Woodstock. Movement doesn’t happen by chance or evolution. It is not just a seed that is planted. It is a choice that is made. It doesn’t have to be radical. But it should be PURPOSEFUL. You now have the power to cause movement in whatever direction you choose. Choose wisely.