I often get in conversations about music with people because it’s one of my passions. A common topic is the like or dislike of specific musical genres. Music can be subjective. Therefore, not everyone will like the same music. However, don’t hate a specific musical genre for all the wrong reasons.

For one reason or another, some genres are discriminated against, such as rap or hard metal. I’ve never been a fan of stereotyping in any form. Therefore, I’m unsure why in the past I’ve done so in regards to music. Flash forward to now and you’ll find all kinds of music in my playlists.

I started coming to the conclusion of being more open-minded about things myself, just from listening to music I wouldn’t have before. However, having known artists who write and perform in genres I would have discounted in the past, it sealed the deal. Now some of those genres are my favorites.

Like any other form of writing, music is a form of creative expression. One doesn’t need to have the same experience as described in a song to enjoy it. This is no different than when someone relays a life experience. We’re all different with various experiences and each has its own purpose. Can you imagine if all music sounded the same? What would be the point? It would get quite boring very soon.

While I may not always agree with or participate in some of the actions taking place within the lyrics of a song, it can still be enjoyable. Think of songs like movies or books. One who enjoys horror books or films is not necessarily a killer or monster. That’s a ridiculous notion. So why then do some people apply it to music? It’s possible to enjoy a song without it applying to one’s own life.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Have you heard of Jamie Benkert? If you’re in the U.S. (like me), you may not have any clue at all. In fact, even if you’re from his locale, it’s possible you’re also missing out. He’s an up-and-coming musician in the U.K. So, how did I find him and why should you take a listen?

It all started with clowns. Yeah, you should have known messing with me that clowns would be in the mix. What? Okay, so clowns probably don’t have much to do with Mr. Benkert. However, following yet another clown story is how I happened to find him. I can discover music just about anywhere, as regular readers and those close to me should know.

Anyhow, I noticed Jamie leaving a comment for the journalist of a piece regarding a popular clown. So, me being the music fiend that I am, I had to go check him out. That’s how I roll. Man, am I glad that I did! You may not hear his music on the radio waves yet. But this man’s got talent.

His newest single recently came out via iTunes, Spotify, and other popular download venues. It’s called “Shudder” and that you will do when you hear his sound. You can hear it via YouTube as well: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHzFEj80oc. The lyrics are included, for those interested in the full experience.

Rain and other storms tend to really grab my attention. So of course, the subtle storm sounds that are a part of this song really captured my soul. It’s just enough to have an effect, but not so much that it’s distracting from the rest of the song.

If you happen to check out “Shudder” by Jamie Benkert on YouTube, I recommend taking a listen to some of the other stuff he’s got there as well. I wasn’t able to find those songs on Spotify (my download venue/app of choice). Therefore, his YouTube is definitely worth a peep for those interested.

If you’ve had a listen to Jamie, let me know what you think.

Heard of another interesting artist? Contact me on Facebook. I’d be glad to take a listen.

**The author has no commercial affiliation with the artist and/or brand mentioned in this content. The views expressed are the author’s own and no compensation or other monetary benefit was received by the author for this material.

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**Image Credit: Lyn Lomasi

*** I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)