A Journey of Music, Memory & Meaning on World Music Day

Music: My Favourite Five Letter Word

Just like the musical wonderings of ABBA all those years ago, I too have wondered.

Who found out that nothing can capture a heart
Like a melody can?
Well, whoever it was, I’m a fan.

— Thank You for the Music (1977)

We will never know who this person is, but thank you to the one (or ones) who discovered the power of a tune.

Side note: Maybe music was discovered by the first boy band ever, who knows?

Music’s ability to connect, comfort and inspire people led to the birth of World Music Day. Celebrated on June 21, the idea began when American musician and member of Radio France Musique, Joel Cohen started Saturnales de la Musique to celebrate the summer and winter solstice in 1976.

Six years later, in 1982, French Minister of Culture Jack Lang and composer Maurice Fleuret, launched the Fête de la Musique, a day dedicated to making live music accessible to everyone, regardless of heritage or background.

First celebrated in Paris, World Music Day has evolved into a global event.
It is a good day to reflect on the role and significance of music in our lives today.

The Power of Music

Do we really need a day to appreciate the existence of music? Yes, we do!

Even though music is a part of our daily life, we may not realise its true significance and the impact it has on us. World Music Day gives us a chance to pause and reflect on its many benefits, such as:

It can reduce stress, improve mood and provide comfort, making it a powerful tool for mental, spiritual and physical well-being.

It is a day that celebrates the existence of music also celebrates creativity and self-expression.

Songs and musical traditions help preserve cultural heritage, passing it from one generation to the next.

Music brings people together through shared love of it – through festivals, concerts or community events.

The day acknowledges the musicians, composers and artists whose creative work enriches our lives every day.

In today’s world of busy lifestyles and constant social noise, music has the power to make us pause, slow down, and just be in the moment. Its impact goes beyond language, background, and nationality, staying with us through different chapters in life.

While I may not remember every song I’ve loved or every time my favourite artist released an album or single over the years, I do remember certain moments that have influenced my life and deepened my lifelong love of music.

#1. Those Were The Best Days of My Life

• First song that made me understand the power of music: Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
• First Malay song that introduced me to Malaysian-made music: Apo Nak Di Kato – Blues Gang
• First musical crush: New Kids on the Block

Music is more than just rhythm and lyrics; it is a combination of emotion, memory and identity, which my first favourites have taught me.

#2. Here Comes The Sun

• My introduction to rock music: Bon Jovi (and no, rock music isn’t evil after all)
• My first ever live concert experience: Def Leppard
• My earliest emotional connection with an artist: Alanis Morissette

Music has the ability to break our conditioned perspectives and challenge stereotypes, something I learnt listening to songs I had never heard before.

#3. Everything I Do, I Do It For You

• The first solo concert I went to: Alanis Morissette
• The first time I took a domestic flight to see a live performance: Craig David
• The two times I planned an entire travel itinerary around music: Flying to Australia twice to see John Mayer perform live.

When you like a musician or band, travelling thousands of kilometres just to see them feels priceless.

#4. Lucky to Have Been Where I Have Been

• My first local artist interview: Yuna
• My first global artist interview: Jason Mraz
• My first international work concert trip: Lady Gaga in Singapore
• My favourite interview moment: When Ne-Yo remembered me during an interview
  
  When music and work come together, you’re really, really lucky.

#5. That ain’t bad, I found a brand new kind of me

• The song that defined my clubbing days: DJ Got Us Falling In Love – Usher
• The event that opened my mind to new musical genres: Rainforest World Music Festival
• The song that reminds me of my solo Spain Trip: Stereo Love – Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
• The dream concert I hope to go to: Sid Sriram
  
  Music can bring back old stories and take you on new journeys.

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Music has been an influential part of my life since childhood. It has given me comfort, brought me joy, and reminded me of pivotal moments in life.

It is more than just a fusion of notes, melodies, and lyrics that sound good. It is a form of therapy, calming difficult moments through its own form of magic.
It has opened my mind to new genres, introduced me to different people and cultures, challenged my stereotypes, and taught me to enjoy life one song at a time.

Music has also unexpectedly brought me closer to my Indian roots. Over the years, I found myself reconnecting with the sounds from the land of my ancestors and realising it has always been a part of me.

The magic of music: No matter the genre, the language, or the artist, it has the ability to transport me back to places I’ve been, remind me of people I’ve met, and reconnect me with different versions of myself.

My Heart is Like the Open Highway

World Music Day gives us the opportunity to ponder the impact and significance of music on our lives. With every new song, we gain a new memory and along with it, a brand new experience.

Music’s influence on our lives can be witnessed in many ways. It has the ability to connect with us as we ourselves change with time. It also connects us with people — those who also enjoy our favourite tunes, admire our favourite musicians, and believe in the power of a little music in our lives.

As I continue my journey through life, I take pleasure in knowing there are many more songs to discover, more songs to treasure from the past, and that music will always be an important part of my life.

Happy World Music Day!

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

― Bob Marley