​

Hey Reader

​
Remember when you knew (almost) every song on the radio? When the big dance, stage show, concert or party definitely wasn't going to miss you?

Yeah, me too.

A few days ago I got a text that dancehall artist Aidonia is celebrating 20 years in the industry at UBS Arena in Queens, NY and Vybz Kartel is having his show at Barclays in Brooklyn, NY. I remember clearly when Aidonia just came on the scene and his hits back then. I even saw him in Jamaica at ATI in Negril. The last time I saw Kartel perform was at Sumfest in 2010. And yet, my first thought about these concerts wasn't excitement. It was: "I'm good."

The last Aidonia song I still play is 8 years old! Don't ask me about recent hits for him or Kartel because I couldn't name one if my life depended on it. And the thought of standing in a crowd where everyone knows every word to songs I've never heard feels more exhausting than exciting.

I've been gradually accepting that I've somehow graduated from being culturally current when it comes to music to... something else entirely.

This cultural evolution happens so subtly. One day you're judging your parents for being out of touch, and the next you're hearing yourself say things like, "This isn't even music" or "These kids don't know real dancehall." (BTW you'll be hearing something along these lines in an upcoming episode.) It's not just newer artists but even artist that you listened to back in the day, what's their latest song?

As I am getting older I'm not connected to the culture in the same way. My identity as someone who could dance, or know the latest dance moves or someone who knew the latest songs or at least the good ones across genres - no longer applies.

Are you experiencing this shift? If yes, I'm curious to know how are you navigating this shift? Where do you get your music now? Are you still discovering new songs from new artists or artists you've loved for years, or have you settled comfortably into your carefully curated playlists of familiar favorites?

Most importantly, how has becoming older changed your relationship with going out, with concerts, with keeping up with what's trending?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

​
Kerry-Ann
Carry On Friends + Breadfruit Media

​