humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of music professionals, amateurs, inspiring students, celebrities, lifestyle influencers, and general feel good human stories in the music sphere.
- Top Story - November 2023
Spotify Wrapped 2023
Y'all it's that time of year, anticipated by many a Spotify user. Wrapped first started in 2016, although a less developed version "Year in Music" had been premiered the year before. Wrapped gives users a look at the music they listen to from January 1st to October 31st, which, at least for me, is usually a moment to be surprised (or not).
Alexandria StanwyckPublished 4 months ago in Beat That was embarrassing
The party was in full swing, the music pulsating through the air, and laughter echoing off the walls. It was one of those lively gatherings where people from all walks of life converged for a night of celebration. Little did I know, this night would etch a memory in my mind under the category of "That was embarrassing."
Nexus NarratorPublished 4 months ago in BeatCalling out Michael Clifford.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVEN THOUGH IT IS TOMORROW. ILYSM OK?? MIKEY HAVE THE BESTEST DAY AND BIRTHDAY EVER BECAUSE UR "YOUTH" IS ALMOST OVER AND WHO REALLY WANTS TO TURN 30 ANYWAY???
Keanna BarryPublished 4 months ago in BeatDistinctive Assets Partners with DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING! 2023 DIVAS Gift Lounge
Distinctive Assets, the LA-based entertainment marketing company credited with setting in motion the promotional frenzy of celebrity swag into a pop culture phenomenon, will bring its signature Gift Lounge to this year’s DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING! charity concert filmed on November 19, 2023, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Created, hosted, and executive-produced by Emmy winner and Tony nominee Sheryl Lee Ralph, DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING! will celebrate its 33rd year with an incredible roster of talent including Jordin Sparks, Cynthia Erivo, Sharon Stone, Dianne Reeves, Saycon Sengbloh, Lisa Ann Walter, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Laverne Cox, and Wayne Brady.
Reese AlexanderPublished 5 months ago in BeatYoung Girls Shouldn't Sing That
Note: This is my contribution to a challenge posed by Phil Flannery on the VSS page. His prompt: "I have written this as a challenge for the Vocal Social Society. Feel free to share the songs that you loved as a child but were unaware of their meaning until much later."
Lynn JordanPublished 5 months ago in BeatA comedy of lyrrors
A response to Phil's Vocal Social Society Challenge: Being an English teacher with a bit of a word obsession, you would think that I would be au fait with the whole, ‘Comprehension’ thing. Apparently, not so. Over the years I have had many encounters with lyrical misinterpretation.
Celia in UnderlandPublished 5 months ago in BeatJLS Birmingham: 2023
Introduction I have been to many concerts since I started my journey battling my fear of crowds, in order to do the one thing I loved doing for many years before I started battling PTSD
Carol TownendPublished 5 months ago in Beat- Top Story - October 2023
Separating the Art From the Artist
Recently, Jann Wenner, the co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation member, released a book entitled “The Masters”. This book featured his interviews with rock legends who have become his friends. There is no arguing the influence the subjects of this book have had on Rock music. However, when questioned why there were no Blacks or women, his flippant, obnoxious, and frankly stupid response negated two demographics of rock 'n' roll's history as if they did not matter. He took his experience, privilege, and influence to brush off legends - whether he chose to acknowledge them or not - that built his career. It was an unfortunate reminder of how someone we hold in high regard can disappoint us in such a poignant and profound way.
Lynn JordanPublished 5 months ago in Beat - Top Story - October 2023
'Searows' Sends us Soul-Searching
Listen, I'm always a sucker for sad music, but Searows' discography offers so much more than that. In fact, it feels like a disservice to pigeonhole the Oregon-based folk singer's storytelling as simply 'sad music.'
Sleep Warm
Today’s entry takes us back in time. There are still those living who were there when it released, but most of who lives today will have likely had little experience with someone like Dean Martin. The year was 1959 when Sleep Warm was hitting the radio waves, and it features Martin in somewhat of a subdued and reflective mood. The track list is fashioned something like a set of soft lullabies, a great choice for anyone who is feeling drowsy (or wants, to feel drowsy).
- Top Story - October 2023
Dio, Holy Diver, and Hexagram 10 of the I Ching
Was Ronnie James Dio a student of ancient Chinese wisdom? There’s no question that many of the archetypes which are pervasive in Western esoterica surface in Dio’s work. We recognize the Lady of the Lake and the chivalrous knight from Arthurian legend. We come face to face with wizards, witches, dragons, and the wandering fool who might just be a god in disguise. And, of course, we can’t forget, nor should we begrudge, the rainbow!
C. Rommial ButlerPublished 6 months ago in Beat The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
For me personally, music is the single greatest art form in the history of human existence. It’s constantly evolving and ever changing. With the constant addition of new genres it can even be hard to keep up with everything that’s releasing in the present day. That said, I’m hoping I can put some of that music on any and all who is willing to read this. My first entry will feature a breakout artist in that of Chappell Roan. She’s just released her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. It tells a tale of her individual self exploration, her upbringing, and the path she took to being finally becoming content with who she is as a person.