Story: How to motivate yourself
Under the Coronavirus pandemic, many people may be working at home. You may like it, or not. I know I like to work in the office rather than at home. In the public space, we have to keep a professional attitude. Human is basically lazed. Once s/he gets used to an easy way, we cannot back to the previous lifestyle. This is the other blog theme.
When I visit a design agency, many people are using earbuds or headphones. I don’t know what they listen, radio, music or podcast. I personally don’t use it when I work at the company, keep ear open. Because it looks to neglect others at the office. I don’t like this attitude.
In April 2020, I am working at a co-working space. I don’t see many people on the street even a share office, at most 5 people. Quite a distance for each people. Therefore, no problem. Let me an excuse, Vancouver Public Library shut down in mid-March. I worked at home the next day and I really hated it. It was very unproductive. In my case, staying home is as same as dying. Anyway, I don’t approach people during this pandemic.
I have to push my motivation, but I get tired of the educational program, news and TV show. Hence, I look for music as background music(BGM).
Taylor Swift
©NPR Music ©Taylor Swift
I didn’t listen to foreign music often when I was in Japan. I thought it looks cool if I listen to enjoy it sincerely, but I couldn’t. I don’t think it happened because of the lyric, language. I basically liked the Japanese rock/pop music, not anime song.
I saw Taylor Swift in BC Place, Vancouver in 2013(maybe this year). It was so affordable at that time. I could see her on the floor sheet. It was the first time for me to attend an artist who speaks English. I could watch Ed Sheeran as well. Very lucky.
People were taking photos and share. That’s culture shock. It strictly banned in Japan before(I don’t know currently). She was really great voice and entertainer on the stage. Since then, she released a couple of albums and always try to different styles of music. So professional!
She mentions Tiny Desk. I didn’t know that. There are many top musicians play there. You can find it on YouTube.
NPR Music: Tiny Desk, New Music and Music News : NPR
Update: January 3, 2024
The year 2023 was the year of Taylor Swift. She had long been well-known as an artist and held the Eras Tour. However, there were complaints about the Ticketmaster ticket-selling process. She initiated a movement among concertgoers, resulting in a significant economic impact on each location. She became an audibly famous artist, creating a movie and maximizing the value of live concerts. In the end, Taylor Swift was chosen as Time’s Person of the Year. Not only Swifties but economists and investors also acknowledged her societal impact.
Lady Gaga
©Lady Gaga
I watched Lady Gaga at Rogers Arena, Vancouver in 2015(maybe this year). I didn’t know much about her, but my friends invited me. I knew a couple of songs, but I didn’t prepare for it. A little far from the stage. Therefore, it was not so impressive for me at that time.
I watched a video that she talked with Oprah Winfrey on her tour in 2020. She talked about her struggle, past experience. I think American knows her story more than me. I watched the video above and I felt she is a true artist.
In April 7th, I was listening Lady Gaga as BGM whole day. I heard about movie, A Star Is Born before. It’s Oscar-winner film. I’ve not seen it yet. YouTube shows me related songs and so great. Goodness.
©ItsAlexLodge: My Name is Lady Gaga (2018 Documentary Film)
Why I got a motive is that her life story teaches me every stage of people face a challenge. Some people may be chosen by god to use a talent for the people, like Lady Gaga. Even so, life is equally not easy. Tony Robbins says, “Happiness is progress.” Everyone can get happiness in life if we don’t afraid to failure.
Vancouver is not a big city, but famous artists often visit here after Seattle or Toronto. This is a benefit here. I cannot get a ticket easily in Asia. So competitive and price goes much high.
Ariana Grande
©Ariana Grande
I watched Ariana Grande at Rogers Arena, Vancouver in 2015. It was very first concert. Her voice was great, but she could not manage an audience’s emotions well. It was okay.
There was a terrorist attack at her concert in 2017. +20 people were killed, quite, unfortunately. It’s a few years ago, I am sure she was depressed for a while. Not her fault at all. It is possible to happen everywhere. We should thank our life even the Coronavirus pandemic. We are still alive and be able to listen to music. Thank life!
Ed Sheeran
©Ed Sheeran
As I said before, I watched him at the Taylor Swift concert. He was already famous at that time. I heard his song on the radio when I lived in Tokyo, Japan. He was very expected. A musician who can sing a song with an only acoustic guitar is very cool. It’s a real professional.
Ed Sheeran collaborated with Taylor Swift. Therefore, he maybe on the stage. I forgot whether I could listen to “Everything Has Changed” or not.
@Chudsey: Ed Sheeran – In My Own Words Episode 1 – Celebrity Documentary
Ed Sheeran Official Website
Billie Eilish
©Billie Eilish
I heard her song, Bad Guy, at radio. It was catchy. I found it on YouTube easily. After that, I saw her on VOGUE Magazine. She was much popular than I thought. I think she is a trend, iconic for Millennial and Gen-Z. Her fashion style fits Instagram or other social media.
*Update: January 3, 2024
I don’t follow her activity on social media daily, but she sometimes appears on late-night programs like The Late Show, The Tonight Show, etc. When I see her, I usually search for her latest songs. I recently listened to “What Was I Made For?” and found it to be good. The views count tells me about her popularity. I don’t have a particular preference for her fashion or appearance, but I understand that some of her songs resonate with Gen-Z.
Alessia Cara
©Zedd ©Alessia Cara
Proudly Canadian singer. She was singing a song on YouTube when she was young. This happens in the current situation. You don’t have to sing a song on the road. If you like something, go for it without any excuses. Upload on YouTube and share it with the world. Your performance may build an audience without major media, TV, radio.
There is another issue on the internet for the musician. She mentions it somewhere in the award speech. What we can do right now is just buy a favorite song.
Jake Bugg
©Jake Bugg
I watched Jake Bugg at Commodore Ballroom, small live house in Vancouver, BC. He is still 20s, but an unbelievably bold voice, great guitar, he can play music even alone. Very Cool. He will be bigger and bigger as an musician.
When I decide to write this blog, I didn’t come up with his name at first. I listen to his song once again and I liked it at all. His guitar is very suitable for a lonely share office on sunny Sunday afternoon. I don’t know how long this situation will be. I want to go to live concert again after this Coronavirus pandemic.
OK Go
©OK Go
I watched OK Go at the Vogue Theatre, a small live house in Vancouver, BC. I forgot why I know OK Go. They are famous as an experimental music video. They received some world music video awards. What do you think when the music video is popular than music? Unique band!
CHVRCHES
©CHVRCHES
I wanted to pick up CHVRCHES when I wrote this blog, but I forgot the band name. YouTube recommended it today, June 4th, 2020. The power of AI.
Jon Batiste
©NPR Music
I saw Jon Batiste when I watched The Late Show on YouTube. He was talking with Stephen Chovere and playing piano for 5 seconds. I liked his personality or behavior. It’s my image of black people.
Recently, I hear the word, Black Lives Matter. I can never deeply understand black people’s struggle. In any category of professional, there are black people. Especially, sports, entertainment, and music like Jon Batiste.
*Update: January 3, 2024
I heard that John’s wife has leukemia, and as a result, he stopped appearing on The Late Show. Now, he is a Grammy artist and may not be suitable for a daily program due to his busy schedule. I saw his house, and it looked like an artist’s home, good taste.
©Architectural Digest: Inside Jon Batiste & Suleika Jaouad’s Soul-Filled Brooklyn Home | Open Door
I saw the houses of Hollywood stars, but I didn’t always get a good sense. Yes, they are massive and gorgeous, but the sense is not always good. Money cannot buy good taste.
Conclusion: Listen to music & thank life
If I picked up Oasis, Radiohead, U2, or Nirvana, it looks cooler, but I keep to be honest. I don’t know how I liked these music. It’s interesting to think, how people like music.
I was not expecting, but I could attend their concerts luckily. I feel jealous to their talent and professionalism. It pushes me to work every day under the Coronavirus pandemic.
Everyone has something hobby or favorites, not only music but also art, performance, movie. Let’s deep dive into what you like. It reflects your freelance work after all.
