Liminal Music, Vol. 1 - Pariah (Steven Wilson, Ninet Tayeb), U2, and others

So pariah, you'll begin again...

Album released under the Caroline International label

There aren’t many times in your life when a song will give you a sense of purpose or a sense of discovery. And at times, you won’t even know when that moment happens until you actually feel it.

The thing is, you might feel tempted to block the feeling when you first feel it, but trust me, there is no shame in allowing yourself to fully embrace it. Because there, in that short, liminal state between who you think you are and who the song shows you to be, is where extraordinary discovery happens.

And if you’re someone who feels like they don’t belong, then Pariah by Steven Wilson (feat. Ninet Tayeb) is one of those tunes that will shake your beliefs.

The Millie side of this article will tell you that he was feeling out of place this one time in 2017, until one moment when his friend, a big Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree fan, sent him this newly released song called Pariah. Now I, Millie, usually listen to these songs but don’t feel a strong pull towards them afterwards.

Not this time though. This time, the Universe decided it was time for a not-so-subtle reminder and wake-up call. I had a good view of the company balcony from my desk, and I caught myself staring into the distance (I could always write it off as me in deep thought about a task of mine if any nosy coworker would ask).

And I just listened to the song. The verses were setting something up for sure, but nothing can ever prepare you for the chorus when Ninet Tayeb takes on the role of a guardian angel and tells you that it’s alright to feel like you don’t belong.

And that while every day seems like a walk in Doomguy’s shoes…you are still here, digging again and again to find something. Maybe it’s your purpose, maybe it’s a sign, maybe it’s just…you’re trying to find yourself, whatever that may entail.

Whatever it is you’re doing, you can take comfort from the Universe and your guardian angels, but you need to understand that…it will take time. The best part? I was the pariah in the situation…and this was a gentle reminder that it was alright to feel like it and accept it.

We now pass the mic to my lovely contributor, Helena.

Much like Andrew here, I've felt the power some songs had - and still have over me. At times, this power was even too much to handle.

I remember the moment I first heard the overture to Jesus Christ Superstar. I hear you whistle there, in disbelief. Well, yes, I do seem ancient, but I grew up around musicals. If you happen to remember it, the overture is all electric guitars and tempo, and it blew my mind.

I felt that power. And it felt as though the world around me shifted. It gave me wings, so to speak. And I was around ten, I think.

Next sensation came with The Phantom of the Opera. Everybody knows that tune - and the organ, tearing the mind apart. With this one, I remember how emotions got hold of me.

There was so much rage there, so much longing and despair. I couldn't handle it then, but it was mighty. This music has some power over me still, but I am a very sensitive weirdo, and have always been very connected to music.

When i stumble upon something that is really mine (like, U2, Queen, Enya or Gregorian, Beethoven and Kamelot), I get sort of transported somewhere. And it's there where the miracle happens.

Photo by Johannes Krupinski on Unsplash

I feel the rush of energy. And my imagination starts creating scenes- sometimes, movies- to accompany the music.

That's how, through the raw power of metal and rock, I got through breakups, losses, divorce and trauma. Opera is how I heal. Celtic music gives me hope. Ambient academia kicks me into the writing mood.

Music is literally how I process emotions - that's why I have playlists for writing, thinking, reading and even cleaning.

The power of music is undeniable. It casts a spell, doesn't it? Right now I'm under the spell woven by Brent Smith and Shinedown. Long may it continue!

So, whether you're writing or processing your emotions, cleaning or slave away at the gym, music is your ally. All you have to do, is to find the right one.

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I am Andrew Milner, signing out. And this time around, I want to thank

Helena

for her amazing contributions to this article :D! Thank you for reading our story and we will see you in the next one.

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