The Songs We Carry

Music is a big part of my life. When I was young I would sit next to my boombox and diligently try to figure out the lyrics of songs, writing them in a notebook. I can recall the slow process of listening, hitting pause, writing the words down, rewinding a few seconds, then starting the process all over again. This is what you had to do if a cd or cassette tape didn't come with lyrics.  This is what you had to do if you really wanted to master a song. 

Last month Mike and I were asked to participate in a collaborative project that revolves around "The Songs We Carry." The project is by The Music Center, Super Astig, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA). The final product is Pop-Ups! A pop up museum located at The Music Center. 

The process started as a writing group. We gathered at SIPA with old and new friends. Listened to songs we have chosen and began writing responses to prompts. These notes became the base for the stories and poems we would later record. It reminded me of an old tumblr I did, My Life In Five Songs. I asked folks to give me five songs and what they meant to them. 

When I was working on 'The Songs We Carry' I went back to my own 'My Life In Five Songs' and picked one that resonated with me the most, Sonic Youth's Superstar.  

On Saturday, October 11th at The Music Center, come check out Pop-Ups!  The Pop Up Museum will have stories and poems by several folks about songs that they have chosen. The songs that they carry with them in their own lives.  What did I write about Superstar? You'll have to come down and check it out!  

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Do you have a song that you carry with you? What does it mean to you? Share your own story by submitting your song on The Songs We Carry tumblr! 

Hope to see you at Pop-Ups this weekend friends!