UlasanAnime.com – In an effort to organize thoughts without simply listing unrelated activities, much like a glorified “what I did this past weekend,” inspiration struck from TJ’s approach. While his list was rather straightforward, the irony here is that this piece will delve much deeper into TJ_han’s experiences than his own compilation ever could.
My upbringing was largely shaped by traditional, classical music, a common influence for many East Asians. The core of my musical philosophy still resonates with the teachings of my long-time piano instructor. She was a wonderfully eccentric woman who approached her art with an almost wild passion. Looking back, watching Explosions in the Sky perform last night, though they were indeed brilliant, was not as intense as witnessing this petite, shaggy Asian woman unleash her full artistic spirit upon the baby grand in her home during a typical practice session. Embodying a stereotypical maternal figure within her faith, she adorned her practice space with the usual inspirational decorations. For those unfamiliar, that’s perfectly fine. What has remained etched in my memory through the years is a plaque that stated, precisely as I recall it today, “Music is the language of the soul.”
This adage, originating from ancient thinkers, naturally invites scrutiny regarding its biblical accuracy. Nevertheless, as someone who would choose blindness over deafness if faced with such a dire choice, I find myself appreciating its sentiment. For me, music transcends mere artistic expression; it is a profoundly special and unique channel for communication.
Like many sheltered Asian children, my youth offered limited opportunities for musical exploration, particularly since composition wasn’t my strength. The early 1990s demoscene provided what was accessible—it was free, easily obtainable given my computer inclinations, and it resonated with me far more than mainstream pop music. The legality of it never posed a concern. Furthermore, mp3 piracy was still in its nascent stages. In a way, this “starvation” for an expressive outlet intensified over a few years, exploding into full bloom when I enrolled at my alma mater. It’s no coincidence that my appreciation for anime also began to wane around the same time mp3 piracy surged, marking a pivotal moment where the convergence of these two elements ignited my affection for anime pop and soundtrack music. The catalyst was the sheer accessibility of music during that transformative period in internet history, especially at a prestigious geek institution.
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The synergy between visual and auditory culture partly explains the comparable rise in popularity of visual kei and hard rock bands. Witnessing Dir En Grey perform last Friday served as another testament to how far things have come full circle. It was unfortunate that the bands performing before and after Dir En Grey’s set were arguably superior. Alas, my appreciation for classicism doesn’t always align with prevailing popular trends, much to the chagrin of the devoted fans who endured the harsh tropical storm on the lawn alongside me.
Perhaps my taste in visual art does align more with popular sensibilities. As a recent owner of Ugetsu Hakua’s Flamboyant, I find myself in good company.
My blog’s progression might suggest a gradual descent into the more profound aspects of music and imagery, but sometimes, articulating these feelings is the only viable response. The challenge of dissecting fan-subbers, for instance, was an arduous undertaking because it inevitably pricked egos and challenged preconceived notions, even if it offered a cathartic release. As enjoyable as such endeavors can be, I find myself preferring to move to something more anointed (and dare I say, progressive?).
