Like many people, I tend to listen to a lot of music while I work. Music has this incredible ability to create a rhythm and energy that helps me focus, and often, it becomes the backdrop to whatever task I’m engaged in. But beyond just being background noise, I find that I start to mentally visualize the songs I’m playing.
Client: Personal Role: Graphic Designer Year: 2023-Present
My Approach: "In A Daydream" - Freddy Jones Band (1992)
"In a Daydream" by Freddy Jones Band is a soulful, introspective track that blends elements of rock and pop with a dreamy, laid-back vibe. The song explores themes of longing, nostalgia, and the yearning for escape. In the lyrics, the narrator reflects on their emotions and the complex nature of their relationships, often retreating into a daydream as a way to process feelings of uncertainty and desire. The smooth, mellow instrumentation complements the reflective mood, creating a sense of wistful contemplation as the narrator floats between reality and their idealized thoughts.
My Approach: "Kno The Meaning" - Future (2015)
"Kno the Meaning" by Future is a gritty, introspective track that blends elements of trap music with themes of self-reflection and personal struggle. In the song, Future reflects on his journey through fame, wealth, and the harsh realities of his life, exploring the complexities of his choices and the consequences that come with them. He grapples with questions of purpose, identity, and the true meaning behind his lifestyle. As he delves into his own psyche, Future reveals a sense of disillusionment with the superficiality of success and the pressure of living up to his persona.
My Approach: "Estimated Prophet" - Grateful Dead (1977)
"Estimated Prophet" by the Grateful Dead is a psychedelic rock track that blends mysticism, philosophy, and social commentary. Written by Bob Weir and John Barlow, the song features a distinct, hypnotic rhythm and intricate instrumentation, which are hallmarks of the band's signature sound. The lyrics tell the story of a visionary figure—a "prophet"—who possesses an almost otherworldly ability to predict the future and see beyond the present moment. However, despite his prophetic insights, the song explores the paradox of how such knowledge can often be misunderstood or ignored by society.
The narrator describes the prophet as a figure who is both revered and misunderstood, conveying a sense of alienation and the struggle between the individual and the collective. The prophet's "vision" is not just about predicting the future, but also about seeing deeper truths that others may not be ready to comprehend. There's a strong sense of tension between the prophet’s spiritual wisdom and the material, often chaotic world around him.
