Music's Perspective

I don’t believe anyone who says they don’t like to listen to music. It’s a little bit like reading, maybe you haven’t found the book or genre for you yet. 

Personally, I like almost everything! Watch some of my videos here  

I used to be an ‘anything but country’ but Zach Bryan will surely feature on my Spotify Wrapped. 

Songs hold such special memories for me: 

Driving duets with my sister Aoife
Belting every word at the Eras Tour 
Old work 80s playlists 
Just dancing on my Wii like nobody’s (hopefully) watching 
Late summer nights listening to my mum and dad’s suggestions
Christmas music channels on the tv while decorating  

me and Aoife 21/2/24

me and Keelie 28/6/24 

Paris 14/7/24

I consider listening to music as a great method of self-care – so good most of us mightn’t realise the power it has on our mood. 

Emotions

Music can capture an extensive range of emotions. 

Joy and hope creating your first love playlist - shoutouts to ‘Kiss Me’ Ed Sheeran and ‘Out of My League’ Fitz and the Tantrums.

Sadness, heartbreak, and grief – I see you Phoebe Bridgers and Bon Iver etc...

Togetherness and belonging like singing ABBA on the dance floor or chanting at a football match.

Classical music brings me calm and concentration for studying or reading.

 

And the list could go on... 

Nostalgia

Nostalgia

Specific songs can transport me back in time, to when I listened to them on repeat or to a time long before I was born.

 

23/10/15

I wouldn’t be doing myself justice if I didn’t mention the recent sad news of Liam Payne’s death. One Direction were a huge part of my childhood, my most memorable early concert, and teen years following their solo careers. May he truly rest in peace. 

I now believe we should try to focus on musicians’ work rather than idolising and ridiculing real people.

Lockdown gave me the opportunity to develop my own music taste and wholly shape the person I am still becoming today! The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a 10/10, Bowie along with T.Rex flooded my top songs for 2021. 

Concerts

Click here to watch my videos 

Sam Fender and Taylor Swift were previously mentioned as my all-time favourite concerts in my first post.

Concerts are what I have a job for. I live for presale codes and choosing tickets – notable mention to my best friend Keelie for getting our Eras tour ones! 

Hearing my favourite artists live feels like an out of body experience. I love going to concerts where the artist sounds even better live and interacts with the fans!

I have been so lucky to have front-row experiences like Paolo Nutini and Hozier.

Hozier 20/12/23

Paolo Nutini 17/6/23

Opening acts also give you the opportunity to discover new artists – The Last Dinner Party had amazing energy and stage presence opening for Hozier, I’ve listened to Nell Mescal ever since her performance at Florence + The Machine. 

28/6/23

Music, especially gigs, plays a huge part in my overall aim to reduce my screen time. Even though there are some songs I can’t resist recording, I try put special importance on enjoying the music through the lens of my own eyes rather than my iPhone. 

My digital camera has been a great investment for this and is also great at parties or for travelling!

Importance of Music

Soundtracks make movies what they are! What would Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Spielberg films be without John Williams? 

What's next for me?

I'm very excited to share I got Stereophonics tickets for Ormeau Park this June!  

Sam Fender has released new tour dates along with an album announcement, so fingers crossed I can get tickets for Dublin - it's one you won't want to miss. 

Inhaler are teasing new music while touring the states, most likely a third album en route. 

23/6/23

Concert ticket prices are at an all-time high. I like to spend my money on experiences like live music and travel but it's important to budget as a student! 

I'd like to explore more local and smaller bands/artists if anyone has any suggestions.

- Orla

LinkedIn @orlasnewperspectives