4 ....

So I found my higher power. Its music. I think live music is the only true and perfect source of fun in the world. Everything else is anticipation, drama, or intellectualization. Shows are just straight up joy, connection, community. They're the best thing in the the world.

Good music, that is. I know that what is good music to me may not be good music to you, but all of us hear music that is disposable stupid pop, and all of us have our music that saves our lives, that keeps your heart beating. Good music never ever goes out of style.

Pop music is NOT good. Have you ever noticed pop has no staying power? Thats because no one actually likes it. They like it while its popular, and drop it when it isn't. No other type of music does that. People still listen to old country, old metal, old rap, old polka. No one listens to J.Lo when she's out of style. Its because pop lyrics are only about sex and dancing (vaguely). Good music comes from the soul.

Good music is sacred. It is the most powerful art form. It has caused and led revolutions, it has made people change the way they dress, their philosophies, their politics, formed subcultures, it has liberated people. Good music can prevent or provolk a suicide, or a lifestyle change, makes people connect with each other. Good music raises intense energy, good music liberates. It is cathartic, a connection, a sacred, perfect, untouchable, infinite thing.

Music is pure energy, in the form of rhythm and melody. Any music that people have a profound connection with, it's a beautiful thing. No matter how negative seeming the music. Because it is a release, a connection, it is energy, it heals. The darkest music is the music that does the most good and saves the most lives. It helps people out of the darkest parts of their souls. It gives people understanding and hope. Personally, Nirvana and Bikini Kill saved my life.

I love music more than anything. It can speak for generations. It can capture moments. It does more than the most powerful paintings, movies or books. It is more accessable, more widespread, a truly honest and available means of communication.

If you define "God" as the divine, a higher power, something beautiful and sacred and untouchable, then I think "God" would be music. Going to shows is like was going to church should be. Listening to music or playing music is like praying. Music is release, music is salvation. Music is what keeps us alive.

And I think the Church is like the devil. Not necessarily the church itself, but what it represents, which is fear, judgement, black & white thinking, guilt, conformity, dogma, and weakness.

Music represents the life force, and the church represents living for the afterlife. They condemn passion and fun, lust and energy and the overall life force. They're about giving your blind faith to an institution that is against nature and enjoyment and expression. They are anti-nature and music is a perfect expression of nature.