I can’t remember the first MP3 I ever bought. I remember that my first CD was U2’s Unforgettable Fire purchased at Peaches and my first cassette was the Beach Boys, Surfin’ U.S.A. purchased at Target. I even remember my first 8-track, Queen’s Flash Gordon Soundtrack purchased at Spec’s. But, darned if I can remember my first MP3. The MP3 revolution just kind of seemed to happen without me being aware of it. It just seemed like another computer file.
Needless to say, I’ve enjoyed music for many years. There have been two pivotal times in my life where I can truly remember ‘carpe diem’ moments regarding music. The first time, my cousin Ken Osborne had come to live with us after he graduated college. At the time, I was a highly impressionable sophomore in high school. An avid music listener already, I was becoming bored with the same old music the pop radio stations played over and over. Ken introduced me to R.E.M.’s Document and I suddenly saw the light. After a few months with Ken, I was listening to R.E.M, U2, 10,000 Maniacs, The Smithereens and more.
During college, I strayed a little trying new things including jazz, hip-hop, industrial, you name it. It wasn’t until I met Mayer Danzig several years into my career that I came back to my roots. You see, Mayer introduced me to Alt-Country and Indie Rock, two genres I failed to embrace previously. Through these, I started to discover Americana and Roots rock and had already been a fan of Blues music.
Through my love of music, I decided to create Twangville.com. Because Ken and Mayer opened my eyes to music that I couldn’t find by traditional means, I want to be able to share these discoveries with others. I hope you enjoy what we serve up at Twangville.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.