The power of music is universal.
Most of us have songs we love. Music can remind us of people, places, or experiences that hold meaning for us and evoke feelings of joy, excitement, or sadness. When I listen to “Mother’s Song” by Gregory Porter, I always think of my mom and how important she was in my life.
For this project, I asked people to listen to music that holds meaning for them while being photographed. I wanted to capture their emotional responses to the music. Some of the songs they chose I knew, and during the sessions I sometimes found myself absorbed by the melody or lyrics and forgetting that I was supposed to be taking a photograph.
The responses were as varied as the music. Some people became quiet and meditative, while others were more physically expressive. Many initially told me they were apprehensive about being photographed, but as they listened, the music seemed to move them beyond that self-consciousness.
Four days after his session, Brown, ninety-four, told me, “Been a long time since I’ve taken the time to enjoy those musical pleasures.” Eight days later, Brown passed away unexpectedly.
William - Symphony Number 5, Beethoven Last Movement
Becca - The Story, Brandi Carlisle
Tessa - Alejandro, Lady Gaga
Dave - Precious Lord, Vickie Winans
Israel - Sympathy for the Devil, Rolling Stones
Bob - The Weight with Robbie Robertson and Ringo Starr
Nahyun - Remember Me (Reunion) from the movie Coco
Minhee - Fearless (From Spirit Untamed)
Matt - Beacons, Royksopp
Tom - Pines of Rome by Respighi
Tom - Symphony Number 4, Beethoven 1st Movement.
Jacques - Separate Ways (World Apart), Journey
Phylis - Rhapsody In Blue, Gershwin
Joel - I Want to Take You Higher, Sly and the Family Stone
Chelcie - You’re Still the One, Lake Street Drive
Cathie - Dreadlock Holiday, 10CC
Marlene - Appalachian Spring Aaron Copeland
Sonia - Lavendar Buds, MF Doom
Tina - Winter's Heart, Don Ho
Jaina - Here in Yr Arms 2 Back in Yr Arms, Hellogoodbye
Elsa - Something Got a Hold on, Etta James.
