The Psychology Behind My Music Preferences

History and personal experience are the main drivers of my music taste. I have always been passionate about exploring different genres, styles, and moods, and this has significantly influenced the music I listen to and enjoy.

Personal Background and Influence

My exposure to music began early, in part due to the influence of my grandfather, a professional musician who played in the Boston Symphony and later conducted a radio symphony. My father also contributed to my musical upbringing, pushing me to explore and engage with classical piano lessons at a young age. Later, I embraced the trombone and ventured into both classical and jazz.

Other influences included the "KHJ" AM radio station and "pop" music, which initially seemed overly simplistic but eventually grew on me due to the occasional standout songs. Some of these included "Nights of White Satin" by the Moody Blues, "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter, and "Hold Your Head Up" by Argent. I also found a deep connection with brass music, much like Tijuana Brass and Spinning Wheel, appreciating their unique qualities similar to jazz.

Music Styles and Influences

In my teenage years, I developed a predisposition towards more complex and intense music. This led me to become a fan of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, as well as the acclaimed soundtrack of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. These influences were not just about the music's quality but its complexity and emotional depth.

A turning point came when a fellow sound engineer convinced me to see DEVO at a live concert. Their electronic and humorous style blew me away, leading to a deeper exploration of 80s electronic and synthesizer-based music, particularly Yello and Art of Noise. While not all 80s music appealed to me, I had a particular affinity for groups that utilized synthesizers and digital samplers.

Depeche Mode became the group that truly captivated my attention. Despite my criticism of some of their lyrics, I admired the melancholic mood and intricate compositions. The precise chord changes and sound structures in their music stood out, especially compared to many other pop songs. Even U2, though lyrically sometimes immature, caught my attention with their powerful and emotive music.

Eclecticism in Music Tastes

My music preferences are eclectic, with a strong inclination towards music that sounds larger than life, much like the symphony orchestra, which in my view, is still the finest human invention in the instrumental world. Despite the occasional quality debacles in modern 80s progressive rock, Depeche Mode continued to charm me with their complex and emotionally charged compositions.

I reject the notion that music is merely background or party music. Instead, I believe good music should demand attention and challenge us to strive for better. Political or commercial agendas do not interest me in music. I have never been a fan of songs tied to specific causes, as they often detract from the artistic and emotional depth of the music.

Creating Personal Music

Over the years, I have written and produced my own music. If you are interested, you can explore a selection of my works on my official web page. You can listen to and discover if there is anything that resonates with you in my creations.

Join me on a journey through the vast world of music, where psychology, personal experience, and creative expression intertwine to form unique musical experiences.