Take the Bass For A Walk
We all move to a rhythm. The act of walking involves a continuous two-beat sequence, one foot after another. Being such a fundamental human function, it is easy to submit the process of walking to the subconscious. This steady and mundane progression is an underlining beat; the rhythm to our lives that frees the mind to wander and think about whatever else may be dominating a person’s consciousness.
Living with routines that are supercharged with external stresses from our jobs or studies, it is important to seek out ways to relax and to unwind. Introducing a more musical context for the rhythm to develop makes this step-by-step progressive experience more powerful, and walking is then capable of being more than just a pass-time between fixed locations. Music can fuse a growing rhythm with a target emotion, something to which we can relate from past personal experiences. When music allies itself with the steady flow of a walk, the natural human rhythm begins to align itself with the multi-layered complexities of the music, and oftentimes registers a physical response: walking to the beat. Walking can be rather therapeutic, but must be done with intention. With the assistance of an iPod and a decent set of headphones, lost time can become an essential part of the day.
There are two basic qualities that are essential for a good walking song. Firstly, the basic rhythm of the song must be a basic two-beat sequence so that of the song can easily replace the walking progression. This allows the music to serve as a guide through a richer experience. In addition, the key emotions of the piece must correspond with the emotions present at the time of day when the walk occurs. The inspiration needed in the morning to get started may be a different sort of energy needed in the afternoon to keep the day moving smoothly. Whatever song one might choose, they must provide an appropriate energy boost for the situation. I personally recommend the following songs in order.
Listening to the song, “Lisztomania”, by Phoenix, can start a great day. The tone is appropriate for the morning. The song seems to begin with a walking sound, a two-note introduction that one doesn’t often hear outside of music. It catches your attention confidently yet without overpowering, and draws you into the music until you are totally immersed in it. It is gentle, yet charged, as though presenting the freshness of a new day. Eventually the walk begins with a head held high, ready to take on the world.
Similarly, “Little Secrets”, by Passion Pit, evokes feelings of assurance and confidence, the necessities for discovering ones own inner potential. The chorus reads as follows: “Let this be our little secret, no one needs to know we’re feeling higher and higher… but I feel alive and I feel it in me, up and up I keep on climbing, higher and higher.” This chorus is sung in collaboration with a large group of children. It creates an uplifting and assuring sensation, invoking a sense of inner potential within every person. When this song is playing I walk with a strong sense of conviction and personal determination that I can accomplish anything, and I can’t help but smile.
While ‘Lisztomania’ and ‘Little Secrets’ may inspire and energize, a person might occasionally prefer to listen to something less forceful while walking. Perhaps in the middle of the day a mere continuation of that energy is necessary. The day has developed and has raised new questions, and all that is needed is a song with deeper melody and a swagger in the beat. “Long Distance Drunk” by Modest Mouse is exactly that. The song itself sounds like it is walking with seemingly long strides. The rhythm is perpetual and simple. It does not overload the ears with a tremendous amount of sonic information, but maintains a more soothing, chilled out tone. There are a variety of beats that can be emphasized by single steps in the walk, making it easy for the walking percussion to blend with this song, which relaxes the mind.
“Long Distance Drunk” is a cohesive piece that has a steady and strong beat that moves from point A to point B. It has a consistent and reliable sound, something shared by the two songs “Definition” and “Redefinition” by Black Star. Rap history has seen few dynamic duos that have demonstrated such a mastery of the medium as rappers Mos Def and Talib Kwali in their group Black Star. These two songs appear consecutively on their self-titled album, and with great intention, for while these songs are successfully individual, they are only made better when listened to one after the other.
“Definition” opens with a very inviting radio broadcast voice that is followed by a sudden, bass-heavy beat, forcing a pulse of immense energy throughout the body. When I listen to, my head begins to bob to the beat, and I walk with an extra pop in each step, like dancing. The chorus, a major key tune, is sung by both rappers, and presents a sort of true camaraderie between them. The verses often reference Brooklyn culture and support the notion of community and togetherness. When this song is playing on my iPod, I find myself almost dancing down the street, feeling that my best friends are by my side and have my back no matter what.
“Redefinition” takes the major key tone of the first song and, without missing a beat in transition to the next song, turns it into a minor key rendition. This second song maintains the same consistent, and bass-heavy beat and forceful pulse of the first. It represents the different voices of two different rappers by offering an alternate musical perspective, the major versus minor keys. When I listen to these songs, I see the vivid image in my head of a traditional, black barbershop. I have accomplished a tremendous amount today, and now it’s time to kick back and party. It is late in the afternoon, and everyone is just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. Together, “Definition” and “Redefinition” have a sense of destination, giving the walk somewhere to go, and making the experience full and purposeful.
Walking from place to place can easily become an empty action, lacking anything to distinguish it as an important stage in the day. However, simple things, like the addition of music, makes the experience more than just a simple act and becomes something that can be looked forward to. We need to relax, for sanity’s sake, and thus the release is key. So walk, dance, hop, or skip to the music, and the progression of a day can seem more satisfying.
