Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Truer words have never been spoken.
For me, music inspires, soothes, drives, stimulates, lifts, focuses, and incites a wide range of other emotional responses that I aim to share in this space.
I’m Danielle, known on the interwebs as “Vivrant Thang.” And yes, Q-Tip does approve. I’m a Jersey-born, DC-area-living slave to the music. I’m in my mid-thirties; old enough to have watched the greatness that was Video Soul and Video Music Box. Yet too young to have shaken my groove thang on the Soul Train line.
Not for nothing, but see that honey at :17? That is TOTALLY how I dance now. I would have been up IN there!
I’ve always been an avid writer and reader and fell in love with the written word at an early age. I would stay up far into the night under the covers with my flashlight engrossed in Ramona and Beezus’ latest antics. Soon I began to pen my own fictional young adult tales and would bring them to school for the amusement of my friends.
This was long before “blogging” was the thing to do. When I did discover I could write online, I started and stopped and started and stop- sharing my angst on various online web journals before finally arriving at this space. It was originally meant to be a personal blog where I would share pieces of me through the lens of songs that have been key in my everyday life. The journey led me to transition Songs In The Key of Life into a space where my #1 goal is to shine the spotlight on hard-working artists (mostly indies) who study their craft and pour their souls into the art of creating music. Yet they still don’t be “getting no airplay.”
After a two-year mental health break hiatus, I’ve resurrected my little corner of the Internet. Not because the game needs me. There are some amazing true music lovers out there doing the thankless job of keeping you musically informed. I just miss having a place to capture my thoughts on some of my amazing musical experiences. Besides, as I get older younger in spirit, sometimes the memory gets a little fuzzy.
I’ve also realized that I’m blessed to live in an area of the country that is usually on most artists’ tour schedules. Not everyone gets that opportunity, even if they can afford it. I attend an average of three live shows a month. Although I no longer record the live shows I attend (rich archives though), I have never stopped sharing my thoughts on Twitter and will now do reviews again here as well.
When I’m not working as a social media strategist at the day gig or rocking out at a show, I explore the many other interests that make me such a “vivrant thang.” I’m extremely artsy-fartsy and am an avid supporter of the visual and performing arts. I’m always plotting the next stamp on my passport and how I can get to some of these music festivals overseas. I live for wine tasting, photography, football, independent film, and cooking foodism.
While I love new discoveries, there are certain artists that will always and forever be in constant rotation for me: Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Prince, Maxwell, Omar, Bilal Oliver, Eric Roberson, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Faith Evans, Brand New Heavies, Biggie, The Roots, and The Foreign Exchange.
Have a comment? Leave it below or contact me offline.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 
Hi I am new to reading blogs period! and I really like yours. I am not a singer, but amongst many things, I am a photographer and take pictures of unique and beautiful black women and highlight their strength, characteristics and beauty in a yearly calendar using positive images as a backdrop. If you have a few minutes, I’d like it if you checked out a few of the images (the links are below) and if you like it, give it a positive review on your blog. If you don’t like the images, that’s fine, I’ll still continue to check out your blog as I do like some of the stories you choose to highlight.
Stay beautiful and uplifted!
Tosin.
links:
http://www.simplecomplexity.org/WomensImageSeries.html
http://www.simplecomplexity.org/OrderCal08.html
there’s also an alternate cover on amazon.com where the calendar is also available:
The Black Woman In Me 2008 Calendar – on Amazon.com
Pingback: Take Me As I Am « SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE
feeling your blog, very nice. Check me out if you get a chance
http://www.industrysoul.com
I also work for a major record label, and plan on doing some events with Lizz Wright when she’s in town. stay in touch
Hi,
I came across your website while Googling info about Sistahgirl. I found the video on YouTube, but there was not website. You had a link to all the info I needed. Thanks! Also I poked around and soaked it more of your content which I found very informative. i would like to invite you to syndicate your content on Sojournals.com. I noticed that you said you now live outside DC. We are based in DC, our content is worldwide. Please visit the site, I would love to have you as a member of our network.
Thanks for your time,
Kelli Anderson
President/Publisher
Sojournals.com
I’m gonna stop by often..Diggin’ the blog
@ coolcrys – Thanks for stopping by and glad you like. I don’t know where this is going but just kick back and ride with me.
Pingback: Class Of 1988 « Mind Pinball
Have two degrees in English but work as an IT Project Manager (don’t ask)
lol I think an English degree means Anything-We-Want-To-Throw-Ourselves-In Degree. I am an English grad too so I don’t even have to ask. I just know.
Black Power, a daily online magazine designed to inject wit, hipness and edge into the discussion of viewpoints shaping black culture is currently looking for submissions of articles for publication on our new site launching October 2008. The articles can discuss any aspect of news, politics, sports, entertainment, or general pop culture pieces. In addition, there will be a music page. DJ’s will be featured on the “listening room” page along with their original mixes and contact info. Black Power is looking to showcase different genres and unique spins on black music…electronic, house, jazz, pop, etc.
we are seeking creative DJ’s –not the same ol’stuff, diff DJ.
Submit all proposals or completed mixes (30-60 minutes) to submit@blackpower.com Please contact the Black Power editorial team at info@blackpower.com with any questions. Please note, the mix files should be separated and accompany a play list.
i love your blog. like you i adore music especially eric roberson.
Love your blog! We have the same, EXACT taste in music! My new obsession…PJ Morton Live in LA. When the theme to “Cheers” takes you in…you got it.
Be Blessed!
hello,
just stumbled across your blog & i absolutely love it! i’ll be back for more & i just looked you up on twitter.
peace:: love:: art,
j
GIIRRRLLLL…
i just wanted to say… i am ABSOLUTELY in LOVE with your blog. I love how your blog is not just a cut and dry kind of “album/concert review”or “new music drop” blog…. i LOVE how your so very personal about it. i am too, a lover of good music both via headphones or live at a show and i love sharing a more personal feel to everything i put my heart into.
thanks for inspiring me to continue to do what do even though i am also “inconsistently consistent.” hehe
with electric love,
gail
lovin’t it! keeps me updated on my music.
Sam from the Netherlands
Pingback: Back In Stride Again! « SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE