This week I took note that Simon has been developing a “STAYING IN” playlist and sharing it via Duran Duran’s social media. First of all, I appreciate that he (or any of the band members share what music they are listening to or would recommend). I think it is pretty cool that he keeps adding to it so it is not just a go check it out once and done sort of thing but works to keep people’s interest longer. I am also glad that there is something that the band is doing on social media just to keep them active and help give some distraction to their fans sheltering in place. Of course, it is not quite the same as some activity in which there is at least a sense of interaction but it is something.
Interestingly enough, though, I’m struggling to actually go over to Spotify and listen to the playlist. Why the heck is that? Do I not like Simon’s taste? Obviously, that is a silly question. How do I know if I don’t listen to all of the songs? Besides, I doubt that there is any person that I’m completely in alignment with when it comes to music. My goodness, Rhonda and I agree on a lot when it comes to Duran Duran’s music but we do verge at times. For example, outside of Duran, I’m way more into Depeche Mode or more electronic bands than she is. People and their tastes are just different. So, no, I’m not judging Simon’s list before I listen to it. Besides, I rather like hearing new music even if I don’t ever become a fan of the artist or song. My nieces, for example, routinely share music they are listening to so that is definitely not it.
Then, I got thinking. Why the heck would I have little interest in checking out new music, especially music recommended by Simon? That’s weird. That’s big time weird. This led me to think back to the music I have been listening to in the past month since I have been home. Then, it hits me. I have not been listening to a lot of music. What? That cannot be right, can it? No, I think that is true. My music has not been getting much action. Of course, I have to ponder why the heck that would be. It isn’t like I don’t have access or time. Goodness, I have lots more time. I can listen to music while I’m working much easier than I ever could when I’m in school. So what’s the deal? Has it been silent in my house? Generally, no, I don’t spend a lot of time with quiet as I always have the TV on in the background, even if I am not watching it.
So what is TV doing for me that music cannot? When it comes down to it, I’m used to having a lot of voices around me during the day. Schools are never quiet. Even when my students are taking a test, there are still students in the hall, phone calls that happen, students who need assistance. On days when the kids are not there, on teacher workdays, I struggle to get anything done. I need the noise to work, at this point. So is that what is going on with me choosing TV over music? Does it better replicate my usual work environment? I think that is part of it, for sure. I also think TV provides voices, people talking. As someone who has been alone for more than a month with at least another month and a half to go, voices help me feel less lonely. My cat is great, too, but his cat language is not sufficient to fill in some people gaps.
I wonder how long my need to hear other voices will last. Will it be something I seek out during this entire episode of isolation or will I be able to move past it so I can listen to more music? Obviously time will tell. I have to admit that I hope this “need” ends not just so that I can check out Simon’s playlist but I can enjoy music more myself, in general.
-A
