Melodic Mess

      Playlists are a way for me to organize my music based on what I'm feeling that day. Today I'll be feeling some Metal, and the next day I'll be craving R&B. I can't say mixtapes were really a part of my life; the earliest media I've witnessed were VCRs and CDs. I vividly remember watching my older family members in awe as they burned new CD mixtapes in the computer, ejecting it, and organizing it for the next party. Needless to say, it's never been more convenient creating your favorite song list on a whim, compared to the previous decades.  Golden Age of Mixtapes Prior to playlists being a handful of clicks on a monitor, mixtapes were physical artifacts that required work, effort, and imagination. Back in the 1970s and 80s, cassette mixtapes were a social phenomenon. They were not a collection of songs; they were declarations. Mixtapes were made special and were made with a purpose. The introduction of portable devices like the Sony Walkman only amplif...

Music undoubtedly has always been deeply rooted in social movements and politics throughout history. Its ability to evoke emotion, inspire action, and bring people together has made it an indispensable tool for change. My favorite band in this instance is Rage Against The Machine, a notable band known for making incredibly groovy songs that call out systemic racism and classism. music has carried the voices of those demanding justice, equality, and freedom. Yet its role is more than just background music, it has often been the heartbeat of these movements, a force that mobilizes people to demand action. The Civil Rights Movement  Harmony in Resistance During the Civil Rights Movement, music became a powerful weapon against systemic racism and inequality. Songs like “We Shall Overcome” weren’t just sung—they were lived. These songs echoed through marches, sit-ins, and church gatherings, providing strength to those who faced violence and oppression. Artists like Nina Simone and Sam C...