Welcome to the newest column to appear on the ever-evolving MusicTAP, The John Dunphy Experience. This is a continuation of a tradition of sorts for me, as it’s the same title as my former radio show on 89.7 WALF at Alfred University in Alfred, NY which ran from fall 2001 until my graduation in May 2003. Having been one of the highlights of the latter half of my undergrad career, I am glad to see it rise from the ashes, albeit in a clearly different form. I hope you enjoy it.
Music comprises a large part of my life. My brother Daniel is the vocalist/keyboardist for the band Core Device, fellow Staff Writer, and fellow brother, Dw. not only writes about music but also creates his own music as well.
And me? Well, I listen to music.
But, then again, don’t we all? In the supermarket, while we’re waiting in line at the bank, when we’re walking past the stores in town who happen to have their doors open to potential customers. Listening to music doesn’t always come as a conscious effort to do so; many of us are compiling soundtracks to our lives based on the theme songs of old sitcoms and commercial jingles and don’t even realize it. Our soundtracks are like no-two-are-alike-snowflakes; for some of us, the sound of the ice cream truck’s rendition of “Pop Goes the Weasel” brings nothing but irritation – for others, it’s a beautiful reminder of a childhood long ago.
I feel fortunate to have had numerous opportunities to allow my own soundtrack to grow. I have two brothers with rather different tastes, which I have adapted to my own over the years. I have had different friends with widely varied musical fancies that ranged from The Dave Matthews Band to The Dust Brothers to Dying Fetus that I have pulled from, as well. It’s with the help of all these people that I have been able to open my eyes as wide as I have. But of course, the kicker when it comes to music is that we can always open our eyes, and ears, even wider. It’s a great big world out there.
That’s why I’m glad sites like MusicTAP exist. Now, I’m not looking to brownnose my way to the top here. But, seriously, the wealth of variety of music here is what people need. The stuff on the radio’s fine once in awhile but there’s really people out there that think the only relevant music is on your FM dial. Scary, I know. Of course, if you’re reading this, and frequenting the site, you’re hopefully on your way to opening your eyes and ears some more. If not, consider this a reminder to get cracking.
For me, for now, I’ll be continuing to add to my own soundtrack, as well as post my thoughts and opinions on The John Dunphy Experience every Monday, and I hope you will be coming back to read them. Also, feel free to send some of your own thoughts and opinions; I’d love to hear how you think the column is and how your own soundtracks are shaping up. Again, thanks for reading and I’ll see you next week.
