My Musical Culture

Hi! I'm Amber Danielle. I am currently a student at Converse College and I couldn't be more excited for this journey. Music has been a huge part of my life. I grew up with parents who played various instruments when they younger. When it was time for me to decide if music was something I would want to partake in, or if I should stay with playing soccer, I was initially persuaded by the 6th grade music teacher. My first couple of weeks of band class, I was so far behind my classmates, I remember asking the teacher if I could try something else because I didn't think I was ever going to be able to make a sound on the flute. Needless to say, she didn't let me and neither did my parents. She worked with me every morning before classes and once I made that first sound on the flute, that instilled this fire inside of me, and ever since I continue to explore my capabilities. 

Interestingly enough, that brings me to share a song with you that has more meaning to me and that I find myself listening to when I need hope, confidence, some encouragement and occasionally a good cry. For many years my grandfather, aka "Silly Papa," took care of me a lot while my parents worked. About 5 years ago he was diagnosed with kidney disease. This was about the same time the song "Rise Up" by Andra Day was released. At the time of his dialysis this song provided a sense of hope. About 2 years ago, he went to the ICU and never returned home. When visiting him, I would play this song when he was asleep and was just singing and humming to myself. About a week before he passed, I played this song and he squeezed my hand and said "When you hear this song, feel me squeeze your hand and know that I'm holding it and leading you through this crazy world. I am proud of you. Be HAPPY."  Now that he is gone, this song encourages me to face challenges in my life with his advice. 

  

During this pandemic, all I have wanted to do was get out of the house, go somewhere with my best friend and dance. And although, neither of us can dance, I found myself face timing her and putting on songs that are up beat and just jump up and down. A lot of the times we somehow manage to end up on Taylor Swift. Like it or not, Tay Tay has a new found sound that makes you want to get up and just swing your hair back and forth. Recently, I keep wandering onto her song "Shake it off." Although its not on one of her newer albums, it brings back memories of joy and me learning how to drive with that song playing in the background, almost always followed by mom shouting at me to stop dancing and keep my hands on the steering wheel!

 

As my best friend knows, since we share a Spotify account, I absolutely love music. I know I have a designated playlist on that account that has at least 5 days worth of music ranging from country, to pop, to jazz, christian music, even some musical theater and Disney songs! However, I have not really been able to get this particular song "Broccoli,"by Lil Yachty and D.R.A.M. I honestly would have probably gone my whole life without knowing this song if it wasn't for some of my percussion friends back in freshmen year of college. I really have tried to be open minded about his songs, however, I just truly think that I don't get the style of rapping and/or hip hop? It could also be that the name of this song is after one of my most hated vegetables. All jokes aside, here's the clean version of this song, let me know what you think!