When composing music for this project, I really wanted to write pieces that portrayed what I was reading and seeing from Ian’s work. I decided to write them as if I were in some of the exact situations I read about. I like to think that sometimes life can have a soundtrack; and I approached the songs with exactly that idea. 

 

The Somali 7 chapter impacted me quite massively because as much as it was very alien to me, it also amazed me how similar it was to what we are seeing in the world every day–big companies and higher powers controlling everything. This then breeds major corruption and crime.  I in no way condone crime, but I do understand that, in certain areas, a broken system has forced people to a life deemed ‘wrong’ just to survive. It raises the question, ‘Who are the real bad guys?’ 

 

Music is an extremely powerful thing and works wonders for communication. Music has no language, which speaks volumes for it being such an internationally loved art. Art, and music especially, has been a great tool and a driving force in breaking down barriers and bringing together different cultures from every walk of life. Written words can do this in some ways, but not always. Music in all its forms is arguably one of the most powerful art forms in the world and for this it will forever hold a very very special place in my heart. 

p0gman