Dear Young People,
'Young People'? Bloody hell, that's a bit patronising, mate. Yes, yes it is. And worse, this entire letter is going to come off the same way. But I'm going to write it anyway.
'Young People'? Bloody hell, that's a bit patronising, mate. Yes, yes it is. And worse, this entire letter is going to come off the same way. But I'm going to write it anyway.
You see, I know you're spending a lot of your free time 'hanging around'. I know because I've watched endless news reports on the subject and I've seen it for myself. But this isn't a sanctimonious lecture and I'm not a miserable old duffer who thinks you're up to no good. In fact, I'm glad you get together to 'hang about'. It's a time honoured youthful tradition. I did it and know its importance is only lost on those unwilling or unable to recall their younger, better days. I'm not here to incinerate your dreams on the altar of unpaid work schemes or to insist you jump through flaming hoops in pursuit of non-existent jobs, either. Heaven knows, there 's an overflow of 'adults' clamouring to do that. Perish the thought I would join them.
I've heard you say there's 'nothing to do' - and I've heard that turned against you. It's a shame governments local and national don't take you seriously. They should. Because I'm guessing you'd rather not stand in the freezing drizzle, sharing ciggies and drinks.
I've heard you say there's 'nothing to do' - and I've heard that turned against you. It's a shame governments local and national don't take you seriously. They should. Because I'm guessing you'd rather not stand in the freezing drizzle, sharing ciggies and drinks.
I can't fix that, but I can make a suggestion. Have you thought about getting into music?
Once you've stopped laughing, let me explain. I'm not an idiot. I know you already listen to music - but that's not quite the same thing. Really immersing yourself in a band, an artist or a genre is a completely different and extraordinary experience. It's a personal expedition with songs as signposts and albums as continents. You may think I'm exaggerating, but I promise you, I'm not. Once it gets under your skin, it is exhilarating, transformative and a lifelong buzz.
Once you've stopped laughing, let me explain. I'm not an idiot. I know you already listen to music - but that's not quite the same thing. Really immersing yourself in a band, an artist or a genre is a completely different and extraordinary experience. It's a personal expedition with songs as signposts and albums as continents. You may think I'm exaggerating, but I promise you, I'm not. Once it gets under your skin, it is exhilarating, transformative and a lifelong buzz.
It works something like this:
Say, for instance, you're nuts about 50 Cent. Listening to his stuff on an iPod, smart phone or laptop is great - you can easily set almost any device to play every one of his hits and albums. Getting into his work requires a little more effort, but the rewards are so much greater. 50 Cent is a rapper (see told you I wasn't an old duffer), so use his music as springboard. Try Public Enemy, explore the ways in which their stance contrast with his. Listen to their early tracks and hear them develop across the years. Chuck D was heavily influenced by The Last Poets and Gil Scott Heron, so maybe that's where you'll go next - acquiring unexpected knowledge and insight as you travel. By the time you return to 50 Cent, his music will strike you in a whole new way, because you'll understand where it came from. Suddenly you'll feel incredibly empowered.
Of course, hip-hop is just a solitary example. If you happen to be a massive fan of UK Garage, there's a similar acreage of back story waiting for you. Search out Farley Jackmaster Funk, Mantronix, A Guy Called Gerald - see and hear how the tracks in your iTunes didn't just appear, but are part of a continuum, an evolution.
When I was a third of the age I am now, an unexpected musical phenomenon flashed into life - punk rock. Some of it sounded pretty ropey, some unbelievably brilliant. The point is, by plunging into those records, I was set on a path through a cultural universe of psychedelia, glam, hard rock - even soul. Punk was a catalyst, switching me from someone who listened to music to someone utterly into music. The impact on my life has been immeasurable. Music has taken me from unforgettable gigs in the oddest of places, to a decade playing records for a living. It put me on the radio, into advertising agencies and inspired my career as a writer.
Of course, hip-hop is just a solitary example. If you happen to be a massive fan of UK Garage, there's a similar acreage of back story waiting for you. Search out Farley Jackmaster Funk, Mantronix, A Guy Called Gerald - see and hear how the tracks in your iTunes didn't just appear, but are part of a continuum, an evolution.
When I was a third of the age I am now, an unexpected musical phenomenon flashed into life - punk rock. Some of it sounded pretty ropey, some unbelievably brilliant. The point is, by plunging into those records, I was set on a path through a cultural universe of psychedelia, glam, hard rock - even soul. Punk was a catalyst, switching me from someone who listened to music to someone utterly into music. The impact on my life has been immeasurable. Music has taken me from unforgettable gigs in the oddest of places, to a decade playing records for a living. It put me on the radio, into advertising agencies and inspired my career as a writer.
Getting into music won't do exactly the same for you, but it will deliver similar emotions, ideas and escapes. Better still, unlike the teenage me, you have vast libraries of music at your fingertips. You can race into this process at a speed I would never have thought possible. All through Spotify, internet radio, MP3s and any number of online streaming services. Astonishingly, the process will cost you very, very little - possibly nothing.
Unfortunately, this can never be a solution to all the crap, craziness and catastrophe the 21st century has dumped at your doorstep. It is just a magnificent voyage, ready to depart when you are.
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
