Recently, my 12-year-old daughter, Lyric, declared to a grown-up that I listen to music with “swear words.” "Even the F-word!" She testified enthusiastically. Sensing immediate judgment, Lyric proceeded to backtrack and articulated my philosophy: You should be able to express yourself fully through music. Well, actually, in...
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Above: Adam Krier of AM Taxi performing at the legendary Double Door in Chicago on May 13, 2016 Mandy's eyes flutter shut as she releases a caged memory. "A few years ago," she begins. "I didn't want to...
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Once, when an acquaintance found out that I interviewed rock musicians for newspapers and magazines, he looked at me incredulously and gulped, "Why would you hang out with a bunch of lazy drug addicts?" I was stunned by his judgmental response but maintained my composure. Then...
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In the early to mid-90s, drones of Radiohead fans packed venues demanding to hear the song, "Creep." During the anthemic chorus, the crowd sang in unison, "What the hell am I doing here? I don't belong here. I don't belong here." Yet with paid ticket...
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Last year, a Spotify-based study reported that the appetite for discovering new music slows down after the age of 33. Sure, that middle-aged dad might've heard the latest hits by Adele and Justin Bieber on the radio but he's not actively seeking new music. Instead,...
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