Navigating the Unfamiliar World

Here, in Australia, we are lucky enough to mostly be going about our daily lives without COVID seriously getting in the way. But in reality so much has changed .The virus has affected every facet of our life and world, and it feels strangely unfamiliar.

So in an attempt to find some familiarity and grounding, I’ve been revisiting the music of my past on the internet. Spotify, YouTube and other internet sites that host online concerts have been a saviour. Music transports me back to the era not only when I was younger, but also when the world seemed more known and predictable.

And I’ve reaffirmed for myself that I have held true, that popular music was much better in the olden days. The days when music was composed by actual musicians and played on actual instruments. Think Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes. The list goes on.

Whether I want to groove along, or just feel like chilling, there is music for every mood.

And there is singing along. There is plenty of scientific evidence supporting the metal health benefits of singing at a personal level. But whether its people singing together over an online platform, such as the brilliant Couch Choir productions, or singing together from tiny balconies around the town square, singing helps bring us together in this era of isolation in a way that is truly uplifting. And for those of you who have not yet been introduced to the dustyesky choir, look them up for a great boost of feel-good hormones.

So for now I’ll continue digging out all those great songs I have yet to play, and allow the songs of my youth to comfort me through the unknowable future ahead.

Further reading on the benefits of singing here or watch the Dusty Esky Choir in action.