Listening log F.A.Q.
Rarely, someone asks questions about the listening log I keep (here, in case you missed it). So I answer here.
Q: Why are you doing this?
A: I reached a point where I realized I wanted to listen to genres I hadn’t listened to ever. I used to listen to the same stuff all the time, only ocassionally finding earworms. At some point in 2018 or so I noticed I could use some change, and started exploring new stuff. I started by prog rock, because that was what I was into back then, but soon I started expanding my ear. Now it goes in waves, as you can see by the list.
Q: Why new albums? Aren’t you missing out on details by not repeating listens?
A: I do repeat songs I love, just not whole albums - and I don’t log them.
Q: Doesn’t it become a numbers game?
A: Well, yes and no. I don’t have anyone to fool, so I’m honest with what I report in this website. I do get joy and proudness from listening to lots of music, in the same way you’d be proud if you were learning a new skill and noticing progress. The skills here are patience, an expanded ear to new sonorities, an appreciation of other musical cultures and knowledge about the uses, history and workings of different musical genres.
In other words: it might look like I’m being pretentious, yes, but I don’t care as long as I enjoy listening to the music and learning.
Q: How do you choose what you are going to listen to?
A: Depends. Sometimes it’s through common members with other bands, or by picking a random one from my “pending” list, a playlist where I log every album I find remotely interesting but don’t have time to explore at the moment. I’ve also found music through bandcamp, discogs or musicismysanctuary, among others. Also, the music section from The Guardian, ocassionally. Overall, it’s a matter of keeping an open eye and sometimes actively being interested on music instead of being a passive listener.
Q: Do you notice changes in how you perceive music?
A: I enjoy certain genres more the more I get used to their sonorities, yes. I’m sure if I listened only to free jazz I’d enjoy it after a while, even if it’s not my cup of tea right now. So I’d say, in a certain way you enjoy what you are used to, so learning to love something else is only a matter of patience and having an open ear.
Q: Where do you get so much time?
A: I don’t think that’s the case. The day I’ve listened to more music I used ~4h - not that much if you think about it. Mostly, it’s about taking oportunities like a walk somewhere or house chores to listen music, and having a job that allows it. I’m not sure why, but having something to concentrate to constantly helps me be more efficient solving problems, and defuses stress and frustration. When I have to concentrate real hard I can just stop the music and retake later anyway.
Q: What platform do you use to listen to music?
A: Spotify, with a lightweight terminal client because I’m a pretentious nerd (also, spotify in linux eats lots of ram). I’d prefer getting vinyls or something but see, I’m not rich. I used to go to many concerts back when I lived in a big city, during my PhD. Now, not so much.
Q: I see you love X, I’d like to recomend an album by Y!
A: I would love to listen to it, send me a mail/write me!
Q: Nobody asked you these questions ever, right?
A: Alright, not really. I doubt anyone checks this page, but I wanted to write these anyway, ok?