Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Music For The Writer's Soul: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

I love Starbucks. Anyone who follows my blog or my Twitter/Facebook accounts will know I spend a lot of time writing in Starbucks. So much so that two stores in Little Rock know my drink. Sunday, the barista had my cinnamon dolche soy latte (no whip) ready when I walked in the door. She saw me drive up.

Starbucks gets me away from the distractions (cats/dogs) and temptations (nap/TV) of home. I put on my iPod and I can block out the world while I pound out the words. Plus there's coffee. And these little cards called "Pick of the Week". Starbucks and iTunes teamed up to introduce people to new musicians by giving away select music. I grab a new card each time I'm in a Sbux. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up one by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Or just Gurrumul. I've seen it both ways.

Okay, I have no idea how to pronounce his name past Geoffrey. I can't even understand his lyrics but his music is melodious and relaxing. Sometimes lyrics get in the way of the muse. I usually treat music like white noise, just something to drown out unwanted distractions. Gurrumul's song would seem to be perfect for that but the first time it played on my iPod, I had to stop and listen.

Music truly soothes the savage breast. Gurrumul's tender vocals and the slow melodious guitar accompaniment made me smile. But at the same time, my throat tightened as my eyes filled with a hint of tears. I didn't have a clue as to the meaning of the song. The emotion of his voice touched me. And that's what I call music for the writer's soul.

Next payday, my iPod will be enriched by more of his amazing music.

3 comments:

Jessica Lee said...

That was absolutely beautiful. Very soothing to the soul. Thanks for sharing, Shayla. And I totatlly agree, Starbucks is my home away from home. lol I love the sugar free cinnamon dolce lattes and iced coffees. Yum!
Oh, and btw, I ADORED Icing on the Cake!! They were so HOT together. Would love a follow up on their story. *wink* Just sayin... LOL

Brinda said...

I'll have to check out the cards for music. I don't mind if my music has lyrics. I actually like some alternate and hard rock when writing. I have to admit that this was a soothing sound from Geoffrey. This guy should just go by one name like Sting and Madonna. :)

Shayla Kersten said...

Oy! I'm behind here!

Thank you, Jessica! I'm so glad you enjoyed ICING ON THE CAKE! And a follow up as a free short story is already started because you aren't the first to ask! LOL I plan to submit it to Ellora's Cave's Naughty Nooners (their free Monday giveaway).

Hiya, Brinda! Geoffrey works for me! LOL I can't begin to think of how to pronounce his name but it doesn't matter. The music works for me!