While this playlist covers all kinds of behavior that can lead to grief, without doubt the most predominant theme addressed is that of loss: loss of a relationship, loss of a loved one, loss of anything that has a deep emotional connection to a person. And while everybody’s experience of loss is different, there are some fundamental desires that people dealing with loss seem to share:
Wishing that the person was still here
The desire to be with them, just one more time
Wishing that they would give a sign
Thinking that if they were here, everything would be all right
Throughout the list these themes are addressed in many different ways and many different styles - from lyrically evocative hip hop to quirky singer songwriter, from soul searing indie rock to desolate Scandinavian instrumentals - each track creates a unique perspective for the griever to identify and empathize with.
But not all tracks connect because most of the time grief is hard, it’s complex and confusing and often time the particulars of a grievers situation are too personal, too unique, too inaccessible to be reached by another’s story. But sometimes, just occasionally, grief is terribly simple - for once you know exactly what you need, and at times like this, what you need is an anthem.
Anthems by their very nature are super accessible, they’re the “big tent” of the music world, they deal with simple and straightforward themes and are delivered in such a way that it’s almost impossible not to climb on board and sing your heart out. Anthems are the ultimate cathartic vehicle and Souvenir by the Depth and the Whisper is a super example of this.
Here’s what writer Albert Bickley had to say about it:
“This song was written about a relationship that evaporated. Once it was released and others listened to it, I got messages about how it help them remember and grieve their lost loved ones (one even took it to the graveside of their son that had tragically passed. Wow). I was actually stunned. I never considered it. But, it’s what makes music so amazing. You can grieve a loved one that has passed, or a relationship that didn’t work out as you had hoped. I am just happy that it has meant something to people and helped them in some small way. It’s all about connection with other.”
You can learn more about the Depth and the Whisper here:
About the Curator - Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the dark forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top. They would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
After my dad died I was very sad - I couldn't play for a while and when I did, the music that came out reflected my grieving state. I wrote an album of solo piano music called Music to Grieve to - from which the idea of the Music to community originated.
If you'd like to know more you should read Nicole's fabulous article on why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
Latest Posts
Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel
24 September 2022
What’s the point? You ever find yourself asking that? The point of this playlist is to bring succor to people who are grieving. That’s it. We listen to and feature songs that we hope people can resonate with and perhaps elicit a cathartic release – at the very least – to help them feel less alone…
Strange Beauty – First Aid Kit
18 September 2022
It’s still September. We’re still talking about Suicide. We’re doing this because the experts tell us that the more we talk about it – the more we bring it into the open – the less likely it is that people will go through with it. And yet – people still do…
Open Letter – Mr. Phelps
11 September 2022
Yep – if you didn’t know – September is Suicide Awareness Month – it’s also National Suicide Prevention Month and in fact right now – between the 8th and the 14th – it’s actually National Suicide Prevention Week. If you are in any doubt as to the impact suicide has on society – spend a minute here: Suicide Statistics – the rate inches up every year – and as a middle aged white male – well – I’m slap bang in the highest risk group…
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music. You can learn more about our community here.