Introduction
Music has always been an important part of my life. When you're the only musically inclined person in your entire family, that role is pretty much thrown at you automatically. For a long time, I have viewed music as an art form that has the power to convey the entire spectrum of human emotion. It doesn't matter whether I am feeling happy, anxious, angry, or sad; there is a song that can describe my state of mind more eloquently than I ever could myself. If it weren't for my musical talent, I would not be nearly as confident or as honest with myself as I am now. It is because of my life experiences, my trials and tribulations, and my personality that I am able to connect so deeply with music. It is an escape, a way for me to be my most authentic and genuine self.
Music as a medium is constantly changing. New artists are being made every single day and innovators continue to brainstorm new ways to top the charts. As a result, the ways that people connect with music also change. That got me thinking about the process of songwriting. While it can be deeply personal for the songwriter themselves, it can still resonate with someone who has had similar experiences in their life. This concept even remains true for people who cover songs by other musicians. Even if they may not have personally written the song, they have the ability to channel their thoughts and feelings to create something that is uniquely their own. Re-Versed will attempt to explore this idea through a series of examples which highlight the incredible role that interpretation plays regarding how we connect with music.
It will begin with an interview between me and my choir conductor where we talk about his time as a singer-songwriter. Next, it will delve into an analysis of Hamilton: An American Musical and the Hamilton mixtape, emphasizing how differences between versions allow us to see the characters in a new way. Finally, I will talk about six cases of musical plagiarism and how artists tell the difference between tribute and theft. Click the button below to get started!