Do you remember the first playlist you made? I do. Mine was on an iPod shuffle for my 3-mile running loop around a pond in the town where I lived at the time. The first song was moderate, then the next few were fast, the one for the steep incline was uplifting, and the last one brought me closure. I loved the journey it led me on. This particular list doesn’t work for me, however, while studying, making art, or having dinner. Have you ever put on a playlist for an activity other than why it was created? It’s odd, right?
The power of music is wild, even without lyrics (but often extra intense with them). Music is physics. It’s sound waves sending vibrations through us that we sync to on emotional and psychological levels. It's crazy that a minor key can bring us to tears.
The last playlist I assembled was for the opening of my solo show earlier this month. I wanted the songs to be an extension of my artwork. If my pieces could speak, what would they say? Here’s a link to the playlist if you want to give it a listen. I don’t recommend it for jogging, but you might find it appropriate for a road trip.
What is the next thing you’ll create a playlist for?
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Here is info on my current and upcoming shows:
- Solo Exhibition, The Gallery at Central, Providence, RI; May 6, 2026 –
June 2, 2026; *Extended through June 15th.
- High Art 2026 – Revolutionary Art, Attleboro Arts Museum, Attleboro, MA; May 12, 2026 – May 28, 2026; (I was the juror.)
- America, UNFINISHED?!, WaterFire Arts Center, Providence, RI; July 2 – August 30, 2026;
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Until next time,
Joç
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