Many of us can link a certain album to pivotal moments in our lives. Whether it’s the first record you bought with your own money, the chord you first learnt to play on guitar, the song that soundtracked your first kiss, the album that got you those awkward and painful pubescent years or the one that set off light bulbs in your brain and inspired you to take a big leap of faith into the unknown – music is often the catalyst for change in our lives and can even help shape who we become.
In this series, Music Feeds asks artists to reflect on their relationship with music and share with us stories about the effect music has had on their lives.
Flint Eastwood – Youth Novels by Flint Eastwood
Dear Youth Novels,
The year was 2009. I had recently dropped out of college & decided to move to the mountains of Georgia where I could fulfil my dreams of being anywhere but my hometown, Detroit, MI. I worked as a barista and spent my free-time walking wilderness trails in silence. In the days of busy indie rock and overly polished pop, I enjoyed the silence. Most music felt too complicated for my ears to digest. I hardly listened to any music that year until I heard the track ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ at a party. From the very first note, I fell in love with you.
The simplicity of it all felt so right. I learned to dance freely to you. I learned to enjoy being alone with myself through being alone with you. I learned the power of allowing myself to be happy and sad at the same time. You’re my favourite backdrop for moments when I feel reflective, nostalgic, or straight up heartbroken. ‘Let It Fall’ taught me that I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed crying from time to time. I still put this song on when I’m alone at my apartment.
Lykke Li, if you’re reading this over YN’s shoulder, know that you are a true icon. Thank you for such a beautiful piece of music.
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Flint Eastwood returns to Australia for a pair of headline shows next month.
Wednesday, 27th February
Howler, Melbourne
Tickets: Secret Sounds
Thursday, 28th February
Lansdowne, Sydney
Tickets: Secret Sounds
