My grandfather, my hero, passed away several weeks ago. He was an incredible man: a chemist; a cowboy; a man of God. After flying back from the funeral in Kansas, it seems that every song / piece of music I write naturally and quite invariably floats back to him. It is a beautiful but hard thing. I feel lost and confused regarding the songs that are pouring out. Writing these songs/poems makes me feel so much closer to him, and I want to share them, but I have this rising fear that sharing them would cheapen or commodify his memory, our relationship. I don’t want to diminish him. I’ve always admired artists who have dealt with grief through their music, but now that I’m living it, I’m realizing how brave one must be to do so. One of the last things he said to me was “Apply the music!” but I am finding it hard to do so. What do I do with these songs?
TOMMY @ Issue no. 261Why did you give up on your relationship with PJ Harvey in the 90s? I love her music. I think she’s an amazing person and she writes brilliant songs.
RAMON @ Issue no. 57How can I reclaim songs of yours which I have, until recently, associated intensely with a really terrible relationship? I want them back, unharmed. Can you help me?
FREYJA @ Issue no. 40I’m originally Afro-Caribbean man from London living in Melbourne for the last 12 yrs as I met an Australian in Vauxhall, London, fell in love and here I am separated (amicably) with 2 lovely children, who I constantly remind it’s Football NOT soccer! I digress. [ ] As I write this, I had a question about you being a white male and if that has allowed you to navigate your life & experiences, but now I’m thinking I should ask about what I should do about my ICE addiction! I’m currently managing it all as I work as a social worker & holding down a relationship but the wheels are in danger of coming off! Anyway, pick which ever question you like!
KEVIN @ Issue no. 340