INTRO:

Jay-Z and Beyoncé (THE CARTERS) handled their number two slot on the Billboard 200 chart last year with their release, EverythingisLove (2018) with grace. Nicki Minaj launched into a temper tantrum when her fourth studio album Queen (2018) failed to make the number one spot, and so did DJ Khaled. Arguably the most annoying voice in hip hop, the DJ and producer recorded a video expressing his distaste for “mysterious sh–t.” By coming in the top ten, one would think that a recording artist would be satisfied with their own efforts. Regardless of whether the listening individuals actually stream or buy the physical copies of Khaled’s work, he should be proud that he organized so many voices to make a solid album.

Since today most of the work is done using a computer, music is a good way to diversify routine work. But the question remains the same: can music affect our productivity?

If the law of attraction is real, and we attract the thing with the same frequency we’re vibrating on, could it be that by listening to certain songs—vibrating on that frequency as you put your heart and soul in singing along with it—we’re telling the universe that is what we want? Everything in your life right now could then be a manifestation of your favorite song. Perhaps a childhood favorite, one that you sang over and over and over; one that you would still know by heart. What if the law of attraction is real and you’ve been vibrating to that song for years. The universe and its laws never fail, so you would have experienced it. Maybe you’re still experiencing it.

Music: it's an indispensable and ubiquitous aspect of the human condition. It is, in these days of instantaneous electronic communication, virtually everywhere, all the time, even when we don't want it. It programs us in shopping malls (Note: The author is a middle-aged man who still, fondly, remembers these institutions as centers of cultural commerce and exchange, dating from the fast-disappearing rearview mirror of his youth in the 1980s. You'll forgive him his anachronistic and somewhat out-of-touch references.) and grocery stores; it assaults us on the streets, in the cinema—everywhere. And, of course, because music (sound, vibration) is the magical stuff from whence the universe is formed, there are songs, and then, there are CREEP TUNES.

K-pop. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. If you’ve ever wondered how music from such a small country can become so popular worldwide, and even take the #1 spots on America’s and even other countries’ music charts, here’s why.

A tune is rarely 100 percent original, for better or worse. For example, Mogwai's tune "Sine Wave" is very similar to "A Warm Place" by Nine Inch Nails (NIN), which is itself similar to "Crystal Japan" by David Bowie. The question is, is this kosher? I don't mean to be the "music police" and tell artists what they can and cannot do. For the most part, I am not offended by something being a bit derivative. What matters most, in my books, is simply that the "homage" is successfully done.

What is being a musician all about? Is it about a decent rift and killer solo? Is it about lively lyrics with penetrating meaning? Could it be as simple as being an entertainer? And where do you draw the line between someone who has music as a profession versus someone who lives music as a lifestyle? Is there a difference?

Rock musicians are often known for their tough exterior and their reckless behavior. However, as with most celebrities, fans forget that at the end of the day, rock stars are also just people. They have their weak moments and they have their quirks. They have accomplishments other than fame. These weird facts about your favorite rock musicians will surprise you, and even make you laugh.

It feels like being a fan just isn't a thing anymore. I feel like devoted fans are a thing of the past. I was lucky enough to grow up in a generation where dedication to an artist still meant something, and here is why that, to me, was a blessing.

Nowadays, music is seeping through our pores in our skin. Music is something you can use to escape the problems in your life, even if it means you’ll be stress-free for three whole minutes. I feel like anything that isn’t English and Spanish don’t get the recognition it deserves here in the States. I feel like people don’t want to expand their music genre from rap, hip hop, r&b and country to Korean pop music and Korean hip hop. I really want to address some questions regarding this music genre that DOES exist, but rather is being ignored or put down by the language barrier.