Organically Grown … Locally Consumed

While it is not written in our mission statement, MiTM is firmly committed to promoting the independent band/artist.  Hey, there’s nothing wrong with our friends who already have a great record deal … you know we love and appreciate their support.  But there is something really special about the independent guys (and gals). 

Excuse me if this comes off as corny but there is something magical about seeing a determined group of artists chasing their dreams.  They don’t play for the money as usually there is none.  They don’t play for the adoration of the crowds although a little applause never hurt.  They don’t play for the charts or the record labels. They play for the love of the music.  Pure and simple.

Blues music … punk music … acoustic music … country music … R&B … and good old rock n’ roll.  For these organic artists, music really is the medicine.

So the next time you change the station on the radio or adjust the playlist on your iPod, think about the independent artists in your area.  Get out for a few drinks and consume a live set or two at a neighborhood venue.  PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!

Aloha Tigers are an indie duo that will perform Live for an MiTM Benefit on May 26th in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois.

What music means to me …

For someone with limited musical abilities, it may seem ironic to hear me share that music has always been a part of my life.  I grew up in a musical home with a piano, organ, string instruments, and people who knew how to play them.  I remember my father’s 8 track cassettes playing Elvis, Abba, and even Waylon Jennings.  I remember Stairway to Heaven playing the first time I slow danced with a girl.  I remember the Phil Collins song that played the first time a girl broke my heart.  My life has an eclectic soundtrack all of its own.

But today music means more to me than ever. My oldest son, Sean, has autism.  Like so many children with autism, social based communication (even like talking to his dad) can be a struggle.  There have been many days of frustration and many nights of tears.  However, from the beginning music held a special bond between us.  While still in his mother’s womb, I used to sing “Hey Jude” to Sean so he’d stop kicking.  Only moments after he entered this world, I sang that famous Beatles song again to him and he stopped crying.  If the hospital staff joined in on the "nana na," parts, I missed it.

Today he’s a growing and thriving six year old boy. Autism never goes away. There is no cure.  But you don’t have to accept defeat from this mysterious condition that continues to baffle doctors and scientists everywhere.  Here’s what I’ve learned: the music that bonded us before we met continues to bind us today.  My son and I share a passion for music and not a day goes by where we don’t share a song (or two or three or …).  We even have "band practice" with me being the least talented musician in our house.  I've introduced him to the Beatles, Van Morrision, Coldplay, U2 and others.

In so many ways, music is the language between us.  We understand each other better through the melodies and harmonies of our favorite tunes.  I am proud of my son and love how he expresses himself through song, dance, and now playing piano and guitar.  I am honored to be a part of MiTM and our continuing efforts to bring the healing powers of music to others.

Jeff Bricker