My first knowing encounter with music was listening to the radio as a young girl. I immediately noticed how rhythms, melodies and lyrics vibrantly evoked fresh exciting feelings and a life-giving energy. At the age of nine in 1971 one of the earliest songs I can recall was ‘Maggie May’ by Rod Stewart. I vividly remember watching Rod on Top of the Pops and started to feel alive in ways I had not experienced before. As Rod clutched his microphone and passionately sang this classic rock song, I was free to dance barefoot and alone around the living room, for a short while unshackled from menacing worry and fear. The genie was out of its bottle and never going back.
Often, locked away in my bedroom, this invisible gift carried my inner world away from a life of despair and abuse to a place which intrigued and captured my young heart. As I grew into my teenage years, I swapped my childhood pink blanket for a transistor radio. I eagerly listened to the infamous pirate radio, Radio Caroline as it broadcast from various ships situated around the UK and northern Europe. Legendary DJs John Peel and Annie Nightingale became my trailblazing icons. I began to realise there were exciting opportunities beckoning me away from my dystopian circumstances. It was a powerful life force. Music would unquestionably become an essential companion, my soul mate, a source of invisible beauty and inspiration.
Artists such as David Bowie, T. Rex and Stevie Wonder were some of my early favourites. From about the age of 14, I discovered a kaleidoscope of musical talent: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Rickie Lee Jones, Talking Heads, Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Roxy Music, The Smiths, U2, The Clash and The Cure. Disillusioned by state education, these musicians inspired me to explore life beyond the school walls. Throughout my life many eclectic musicians have continued to have a huge influence on me during some of my darkest times, but also in my most joyful moments, such as when I met and married James. The sustaining power of music is sublime.
In the words of the great music icon David Bowie…
Music has given me over 40 years of extraordinary experiences. I can’t say that life’s pains or more tragic episodes have been diminished because of it. But it’s allowed me so many moments of companionship when I’ve been lonely and a sublime means of communication when I wanted to touch people. It’s been both my doorway of perception and the house that I live in.
David Bowie, Commencement Address to Berklee College of Music, 1999
More recently, in 2014, I discovered The War on Drugs, a band from Philadelphia whose award-winning music helped to save me during a time of brokenness and ill health. Their intricately detailed and immaculately produced songs undoubtedly influenced the rhythm and lyrical style of writing of The Grace of a Nightingale and The Wisdom of a Nightingale. I remain grateful and blessed by their commitment and talent – thank you.
I have compiled a playlist of my favourite artists which I would like to share with you. Certain tracks pertain to a particular time in my life, others have been chosen for their lyrics regardless of the circumstances, while some artists and bands never cease to evoke a deep sense of soulful equanimity.
May the powerful life force of music bless you with invisible beauty, inspiration and deep joy.
Agnes Obel – Fuel To The Fire
Chapter 1 – The Unmothered Child (1962-1969)
Chapter 2 – The Vulnerable Child (1969-1973)
Chapter 3 – Cigarettes, Whisky and Firearms (1973-1976)
Chapter 4 – Wild, Wayward and Wandering (1976-1979)
Chapter 5 – Welsh Seagulls (1979-1980)
Chapter 6 – Longing and Belonging (1980)
Chapter 7 – An Irreversible Ending (1980)
Chapter 8 – The Call of the Nightingale (1980-1983)
Chapter 9 – Carpe Dium (1983-1984)
Chapter 10 – Pride and Prestige (1984-1989)
Chapter 11 – The Prelude to Illumination (1989-1991)
Chapter 12 – Priests, Ships and Hounds (1991-1994)
Chapter 13 – Paradox and Paranoia (1994-1996)
Chapter 14 – Forgiving Dreams (1996-1997)
Chapter 15 – Tormented to Death (1997)
Chapter 16 – Bare Dreams (1997-1998)
Chapter 17 – The Prophesy is Realised (1998-2000)
Chapter 18 – A Secret Lie (2000-2001)
Chapter 19 – A Widowed Spinster (2001-2003)
Chapter 20 – Sophia (2003-2004)
Chapter 21 – An Invisible Loss (2004-2008)
Chapter 22 – Herons and Horses (2008-2011)
Chapter 23 – A Sanctimonious Halo (2011-2013)
Chapter 24 -Surviving Through the Stitch Up and Smiling Through Pain (2013-2014)
Chapter 25 – The Song of the Nightingale (2014-2017)
Final Song
Below is an extended Spotify playlist for you to enjoy…
