Changing Musical Taste

I have spent such a long time thinking about what kind of music I like. It almost feels like it has been a part of my journey, a constant symptom of growing up. The need for my own personal musical taste came about the age of 10 or 11, when I realized it wasn't the coolest thing to be listening to your parents' favorite music. There was actually a specific moment that, as cringeworthy as it may seem, changed my outlook on music.

My homeroom was having a Christmas party and each student was allowed to bring in a CD (wow, I sound old). At this age, I hadn't really explored outside of what my parents listened to. This means that little Ryan was a huge fan of Johnny Cash, ABBA, and Greatest Hits compilations. This did not bode well for little Ryan. After searching through CDs at home, I found the one. One Hit Wonders of the 70s. Sadly, none of my classmates enjoyed Paper Lace's classic, 'The Night Chicago Died'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-L0NpaErkk

After this embarrassing episode, I knew that I needed to develop my musical palate. I began listening to AC/DC and Aerosmith. Their music excited me because it was different from what I was used to. I was starting to catch the bug. My awkward middle school years soon became my slightly less awkward high school years. My taste continued to change, as I was introduced to some of what I consider my most formative musical experiences.

My newly made friends in high school introduced me to bands such as Foxy Shazam and The Darkness. These groups blew my mind. It was so new, but felt so natural to my ear. Foxy Shazam showed me, for the first time, that the trumpet could be used in exciting new ways. Here's a quick example.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEEB-51RpnY

The more I listened, the more I began to love music in all aspects. I firmly contribute my decision on music as a career with my love of finding new music. After high school, my music library grew exponentially as I was introduced to metal, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and of course jazz! I don't feel that I will ever lose interest in expanding my musical horizons and that is partly why I felt that I could put my heart and soul into this blog. I want to share my musical experiences. If I had any advice for those looking to grow as listeners, I would say to be open to absolutely anything. You will find amazing things about yourself and your interests. I would have never guessed in a million years that my favorite genre at the age of 21 would be hip-hop. But because I allowed myself to approach new music with an open and accepting mind, I have made huge strides in my musical taste.

If you are reading this and have any specific questions about my personal experience, please comment or send us an email! Tell me about your "Night Chicago Died" and then tell me how much you have grown since that point. Thanks for taking time from your busy day to read this and hopefully it helped you to reminisce about how your own musical preferences have grown as you have grown. I eventually want to get this blog to a point where responding to reader feedback is a regular occurrence. Until then, keep killin it. Catch ya later!