Category: Podcast

It takes a certain kind of person to strive to be the best. That, plus an incredible amount of determination to become it. But the reason why some are seen as the greatest of all time or legends, is because the consistency they achieved to stay the best.

Growing up and even now, I always equated this to athletes like Micheal Jordan or Jon Jones. Micheal Jordan was one of my sports idols growing up, not just because of Space Jam, but because the legacy he left in his presence and wake. I once heard it phrased that “Jordan kept a lot of Hall of Famers from getting rings”. As a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, I know what it’s like to have a good season, only to be figured out and squelched the next.

Maybe it’s luck or circumstance, but it’s not impossible to get to the top. But once you’ve been figured out, your not a flash in the pan, people see your weaknesses, and people are driven to beat you. That’s when true greatness is tested. To be a truly unstoppable force is to succeed in the face of constant hungry challengers.

As usual, I don’t know where I’m going with this, and managed to ramble till it all ran together. But I think I say that to say this. Dream beyond your goals. If attaining your goals is the end, once you do, the thrill is gone. But like my mom always says, “Be the best at getting better!”

It’s not my birthday. It just feels like it, except better.

I’m seeing my favorite artist close out a tour they started in 2017 this weekend. It’ll be my 11th time. They have 2 show dates for people who couldn’t make the 1st date – I’m going to both.

I have traveled across the country for them, changed my move to California from my hometown date because I heard they were coming, I’ve spontaneously driven 6+ hours to see them in San Francisco for NYE and had to drive back in less than 24 hours…I’ve sat in 4+ hours of traffic to see them in Vegas, I’ve been sick with the flu in San Diego and laid on the grass at a festival feeling like death for hours waiting for their set, and when it started it was like I wasn’t sick at all anymore (I paid dearly when it ended)… and now I’m going up to Los Angeles two days in a row to see the same show twice. 

I know a lot of people think I’m ridiculous (I prefer passionate) for my uncanny obsession with ODESZA – but all I have to say to that is I am so happy I found something in life that makes me THIS HAPPY.  To have an experience make me feel like nothing else does (that’s right, better than sex), DESPITE all the shittiness and voids there are in life?? Something as simple as a show temporarily erases all of that for me; Anyone mad at that is just bitter. The memories of 20 year old Jade falling in love with a sound as I learned to navigate some harsh realities on my own are part of what make it so special, and I think everyone can relate to something like that.  

I plan to cry my eyes out this weekend (I’m not a crier and it won’t be because of any drug influence either)…They say your wedding is supposed to be THE best day of your life….I mean unless ODESZAis DJ’ing the damn thing there’s no way it’ll be mine. 😉

Maybe it’s cause I’m black, but I’ve always had rhythm. I mean, as long as I can remember, I’ve had somewhat of a soundtrack to my life. I know I got it from my dad. He always seemed like he had a spiritual connection with music. From how he listened, what he heard, and even how he played. Ive never seen him dance tho, till this day. We used to listen to music, and he would ask me things like, “how many instruments do you hear? What’s the bass line? Do you hear that?”. He used to listen to music on almost mute, cause he said it would make you listen harder and appreciate the music. I say that, to say this.

Whether it was jamming’ the oldies on car rides with my parents growing up, or hype songs in the locker room, or love songs in middle school (what a time). I’ve always been able to associate memories with music and emotions. I always have a song playing in my head. Whether it’s the latest top 40 hit, or some acoustic song I heard in a movie. I say THAT, to say this.

I’m not sure what comes first, or if it’s a case if the chicken and the egg. But not only do I associate music with memories and emotions. But I can use music to change or set my mood as well. There’s nothing like waking up on a weekend, putting on an album, and starting your day off in a groove. It’s also always a nice refresher to change the genre of music that you listen to. So if you normally listen to rap, try listening to reggae or r&b. There’s usually a shift in the message and can help get you out of a rut in your thinking or habits.

Takeaways: Dance like no one is watching and don’t be afraid to mix it up every once in a while.