Why Do You Listen??

Everyone has a reason why they listen to the music that they do.

Not everyone has the passion for music as others do obviously, so maybe music is just background music to their lives or filler whereas some peoples' lives revolve around music.

Lately my friends have been asking me questions like "Why would you continue to put together compilations (Converting Atheists Into Believers) trying to convince people to listen to your style of music?"

I think i can explain it

There is so much music out there. So many artists that people don't know or have never heard of. Sometimes i fear that i'm missing out on a band that i would love. I didn't discover underOATH until about 2 years ago and i totally missed their prime, and that sucks.

When you see someone who is totally passionate about a certain genre of music, they've got a reason, whether its the music itself, the lyrics, the artists, maybe history, maybe liking that band represents something like religion, politics or something else. Most genres i can figure out ya know, like why someone just loves country, or rap. You might not like it, but you can see where someone else might.

That genre for me is the punk/hardcore music that i've been listening to since high school. its comforting to know that no matter what, putting in Good Riddance's Operation Phoenix or underOATH's Chasing Safety that i will enjoy the listening.

This style of music is just energizing. the shows are motivating and intimate. How often do you get to see your favorite band face to face?

I think other people would like aspects of this music too if they gave it a chance.

But still, the one genre i struggle with is this experimental/metal/hardcore stuff like Dillinger Escape Plan or even Zao . I just don't get it. And thats fine as long someone explains it to me someday...alan.

But it all comes back to those individuals that chose to listen to the radio over everything else. do you think that John Mayer is only artist doing that? no, check out Edwin McCain, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Bebo Norman ya know. Is James Blunt talented at all? What about Linkin Park or Puddle of Mud? These artists have huge paychecks and their music seems to lose the passion that got them to the status that they currently have. Another reason why i enjoy underground music.

These artists are trying to do their best so that they can get known. They have something to prove.

James Blunt has nothing to prove, he could put out a crappy record and still sell thousands of records.

I'm not saying those artists are bad on the radio, i'm just saying that there is more out there, you're missing out on some of the greatest artists ever because you haven't either opened up your mind or you're just lazy.

Find the music that makes you happy, in fact, listen to multiple genres, don't close yourself off to anything if you like it just because it isn't cool. Not only do i really enjoy country music, i'm also a big fan of Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, Hollowtip, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, DC Talk and others (isaac can 2nd this).

Music makes me happy, spreading music makes me happy so check out the CAIB series and if there's any bands you like, hit me up, i'll give you all the info you can handle.