Ode to Music
One movie and one festival inspired me to write an ode to music. Because ‘music, whatever kind of, is forever‘ like Paul Simon once said.
Being late in a cinema, missing the movie you actually wanted to watch, might be frustrating in many cases. However, it sometimes triggers you to visit a movie you otherwise would not pay attention to. And so I visited Café de Flore, a drama in which two love stories are connected by music. One story, happening in modern Montreal and another story set in Paris of 1969 are connected by the wail of Sigur Ros, the healing power of Pink Floyd’s power chords and the serious songs of the Cure. Without music, the movie would be a vague mosaic of dreams and flashbacks.
One of the main characters, a narcissistic DJ, furthermore notices while jogging, the world looks more beautiful when you are listening to songs that inspire you (something you might have experienced yourself?). Probably, because you feel confident and unconsciously are smiling to the world. A quite reasonable explanation. Such another movie shows how effective music can be is Into the Wild. Without Eddie Vedder, the whole atmosphere and statement of this movie would not be that strong.
Experience 2, the music festival. Nirwana Tuinfeest, head banging on rock music between the cows and the corn fields. Swedish, English, Dutch and Belgian bands. Rock, metal, hardcore, pop and dance. Beef burgers, döner kebab, croquettes, gelato’s and egg rolls. A great variance of everything in a very small village placed in the countryside, where the atmosphere was incredibly peaceful and the security got bored. Not only visiting a movie unintended, also festivals that might be out of your musical interest are able to enrich your musical soul. Eventually, I head banged on Grunge music, sang along with an unknown Belgian band and fell in love with the vocalist of an English coverband. Yes, the music had played with me and I liked it.
Although this is rather a broad ode to music, indirectly I want to question the possibilities with regards to music of Maastricht. Where do we have a real pop stage where frequently bands are performing? Indie rock or techno beats? In the centre or nearby? Once a month or twice a week? Maaspop or Popstricht? As much as students there are in Maastricht, as much music lovers are living in this city. Dear mayor Hoes, watch this movie and visit a festival. Let me convince you and let’s improve Maastricht cultural. Give me a call so we can make an appointment. Thank you. You will be a superhero.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3HAgq7aQOk[/youtube]
Jip Schreibers
I am from Asten, a very small town in which are probably more cows than people living, which is situated close to Eindhoven. I am 18 years old and started studying on University College Maastricht this year where I follow the interdisciplinary concentration of Humanities and Social Sciences. Furthermore, I am freelancer for a local radio station because I love journalism. Besides, I like to write and do some photography. Experiencing student life and tasting all the things Maastricht has to offer, I enjoy living in this beautiful city.