Tag: music

How To Get Back Into Music

I took a few years off from listening to music. Not in a dramatic way, but more just a lack of pursuing new music actively. I dove into podcasts as I did chores, and opted to be silent to think as I drove around doing errands. However, a few upgrades and a 3 month free trail from Apple helped move the needle towards opening myself to music again. As teens most can not fathom a world without music constantly. I knew I was getting older when I could drive in silence and “didn’t need to be distracted”. What are some steps to get more into the know of the music world?….

What is your technology?….

I still use CDs for my car. ( I am a weirdo, but that is ok). However, it’s totally fine to update old equipment to make your life easier. It can start with the right bluetooth wire to connect to your phone.

What music streaming service to use?….

I am an Apple music person mainly because you can share playlists with people. I am sure Spotify offers something similar. It makes music fun when it is shared. Although I was a loyal Pandora user and that was a way to discover new music. It really is up to you as long as you are getting an ad free version.

Go to indie record stores…

No record player required. You can still look and feel judged by the cashier (kidding… kinda). It can help you notice what you are drawn to. Soundtracks from movies are great for people who only love the hits.

Read a few music blogs….

No harm in seeing what the hot album is. You should take the opinions with a grain of salt, but it could expose you to bands you might have never come across on your own.

Buy the right headphones…

I recently was gifted apple air pods. I do like them a lot and it is great to have a hands free experience while I am walking, on a plane, or doing the dishes. Some people love a large headphone that rests on the ear and that is totally fine too.

Don’t let a music snob bully you….

This is important. There will be music people who will try their best to make you feel inferior. You are allowed to be completely basic with your music choices. I love hit songs and only really respond to music that simply just speak to me. You don’t have to defend your music taste to anyone.

Dance the night away….

See live music and DJ sets. Take note of the music that made you want to move your body.

Don’t get overwhelmed….

Try to not seek out too many music recommendations. Go with your gut and what you are drawn to in the moment. Don’t treat listening to music as a chore or a favor.

Bottom Line….

We now have more access to music than ever before. It is a great thing to expand your taste or get back into the old favorites. Upgrade your technology and how you listen to music. This can even mean going back in time and switching to vinyl. You want a great streaming service that suits your lifestyle. It’s ok to have your own options on what brings you joy. Do not let music snobs squash your desire to seek out music for yourself.

The Brat Girl And The Rodent Boyfriend

Last year was “feral girl summer” which is an unapologetic trend for women. This year the two trends are “brat girl” and “rodent boyfriend.” The brat girl is someone who is a party girl and enjoys being single. The rodent boyfriend’s physical features look like a rat’s. He is more of an artsy creative type. I would say both of these people would be at the same party. How can you embody this trend and meet a rodent boyfriend?

Go to events….

This goes without saying. You have to show up to the party to be a party girl. Check your local paper or social media to find out what is happening.

Dress to impress….

Not to say you need to wear club wear. It is more of a female gaze-type dressing. Meaning you are NOT wearing normal (almost boring) clothes to impress men. You can lean into neon green, dye your hair purple, and wear spikey jewelry.

How to find the rodent boyfriend….

He might be at the poetry slam night, or indie movie night. Be prepared for him to man-splane about the cinema or gate-keep certain albums.

These two archetypes have different goals….

The rodent boyfriend is more introverted and prides himself in being unique. The brat girl is extroverted and wants to express herself outwardly. It can be a case of opposite attracts, but sometimes a difference in lifestyle can make it a short term summer romance.

The brat girl likes being single….

She isn’t chasing down men. Her goal isn’t to try to land a boyfriend. The point is she is having fun solo or with friends at the bar or club. This is a great lesson for many women to allow yourself to breathe and enjoy being single.

Take the brat girl attitude into the fall…

The thing about these certain summer trends is it is a way to try things out for a trial period. Hair color fades and you can donate your bright color clothes. Or… maybe this fits what you have been wanting to express. We get so bogged down with what other people want women to wear. It is nice to feel confident in going against the grain.

Bottom Line….

Both of the archetypes of being a rodent boyfriend or a brat girl are two independent people. They could cross paths and share something short-lived and that’s the point. It is living in the moment and enjoying single life. You are expressing a young attitude and outward appearance. You might dye your hair hot pink and wear intense makeup. The main thing is having fun and being with friends, most importantly, and to allow organic things to happen.