When I was younger and in middle school, I used to listen to the rap music that most kids listen to today. I did it because I thought it was cool, and plus all of the other kids listened to it, so when someone asked about a song or an artist, I would somewhat know what they were talking about. But I never really liked the music, because all it talks about is gangs, drugs, talking bad about women, and you can’t really understand the words they are saying. That’s when I decided to turn to the music before I was born, good old rock and roll. Everything about it has a purpose, the amazing vocals from guys like Axl Rose and Eddie Vedder, the amazing guitar solos from guys like Kirk Hammet and Dave Mustaine, or Slash and Ted Nugent. The awesome drums from guys like Neil Peart, and my personal favorite, Tommy Lee. And those awesome rhythm strums from bassists like Nikki Sixx and Mike Starr. Once you start to listen to this amazing, electrifying music, you don’t ever go back to what you listened to before.

I always thought about being in a band, touring the world, giving people a good time, and having fun, but unfortunately lots of people don’t listen to the music I do, but you never know. Maybe something will change. It’s the reason I started to play drums. I was never good with a guitar, I found the chords too confusing, and I can’t move my fingers independently. So I picked up the sticks and gave it a shot, and I gotta tell you, it is great. Playing drums is amazing because it isn’t super confusing. There aren’t any chords, it’s all just one sound, and the most important thing in a song, because it is the beat, and the rhythm to every song, and if you get good at them, you can make some awesome drum solos. Just listen to “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. That has to be one of the best drum solos I’ve ever heard.

If drums aren’t super fun to you, maybe try the guitar. The guitar is a very versatile instrument. It doesn’t have to be super confusing to make a song, just listen to “Come As You Are” by Nirvana. The song only has about 3 different chords, but yet it still works, giving that sound that iconic riff. Maybe you are a natural and get good extremely quickly, like one of, if not the greatest guitarist ever, Eddie Van Halen. His wicked guitar rhythm and tempo changed the sound of rock forever, and you can see this talent in songs like “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love” or “Eruption”. If the awesome guitar solos and riffs catch your ear, give guitar a shot!

Maybe you tried both, and they just never really worked. Funny story, this is how most singers came to be singers. My favorite singer of the 90’s rock era, and arguably the greatest vocalist of all time, Layne Staley, took the rock world by storm. The way he could hold vocal chords with power and length like no one else, or how his tall, skinny frame could produce the sound of a voice that sounded like a 250 pound weightlifter, is insane. His voice is what made his band, Alice in Chains so successful. Believe it or not, he was a drum player first, before his bandmates told him that he is a much better singer than drummer. Maybe you’re already gifted with a awesome voice, which doesn’t happen to many people. If so, definitely try singing in a band, delivering powerful notes and inspiring and meaningful lyrics.

Music today really isn’t as game changing as rock and roll was back in the day. One of my favorite musicians ever, Kurt Cobain, sums it up the way I see it; “In about 20 years, kids won’t listen to rock anymore. They’ll listen to music produced by technological gadgets, and become slaves to it.” I agree with him 100 percent. Teenagers today and in the future will only listen to this weird rap music, with lyrics that mean nothing, and sometimes can’t even understand. Honestly, it’s just not good music. So I hope you take my offer of trying a rock and roll instrument, to try and revive this wonderful era of music, and bring back music that is actually enjoyable.