Art Beat: Music and lyrics

Hi, my name is Jacob Mann. I cover the Art Beat for the MaT-Su Valley Frontiersman.

I’ve interviewed a lot of different musicians over the years. While each one has their own story, their own outlook on their creative pursuits, and where it all fits in the bigger picture.

Well, I can tell you there’s as many opinions as there are artists, but I can also tell you that there’s a beauty in that, and there’s perhaps an even a deeper meaning behind the commonalities they shared during our interviews. I think you’ll see what I mean if I show you a collection of quotes by local musicians featured in our weekly Creative Q&A segment.

Here’s five quotes from five Mat-Su music makers:

“For me, it’s about the enjoyment, and being able to make people happy... I really enjoy the smiles and the comments from people afterwards; because they usually had a rough week, and how I was able to put a smile on their face and make them forget about all their problems and stuff that they had. I think that’s one of the rewarding parts of it that makes me feel good.”

— Tyrone Palmer

“You should take pride in music that’s where you’re from... It’s a symbol of a strong community... I believe music is just another voice... We are the northern light. Music is the voice.”

— Devon Shaw

“There’s a lot of really talented musicians; and I’m really impressed with the supportive nature of all the musicians out here… Just a ton of talent. I recommend you go out and see people’s shows. I’m highly entertained.”

— Jerry Wessling

“Finding a good teacher is really, really difficult… You gotta be able to make that decision on your own. If you feel that you really, really connect with a teacher, glue yourself to them, annoy them and listen to everything they say. Just like a sensei, the direct translation of sensei is ‘he who walked before me.’ So, when you look at it in that light, you’re trying to walk down the same path that this person walked down, and the ultimate goal is to not overthrow this person, but to surpass them.”

— John Hartman

“The power of music right now is how I communicate with my brother who passed away. The moment I took his ashes home… The moment I hit play on Pandora, on came the song that was his theme song, “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd, followed immediately by “Wish you Were Here.” I still get chills… My brother was into my music and my career, and music period, in general. He couldn’t sing ..., but he appreciated it, and it touched him and it guided his life in so many ways. I really truly believe that’s how I know I feel him, when the songs come on.”

— LuLu Small

Contact Mat—Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com