I never thought to ponder too much about it, but now that I have a few minutes to do it, I listen to music. Like a whole lot. I listen to music when I drive, eat, do chores, and when I do work on the computer. There's something incredibly comforting about the presence of music that I can't quite explain. It alleviates the pain of handling tedious activities. It also allows me to feel as though I am accomplishing another task outside of the main one I am completing. When I am driving or doing something or whatever, I complete another task. I listen to new music that I may not have listened to otherwise.

This is where my loving music provider Spotify comes into play. I frequently use the service to look for new music to listen to while doing things. It's very satisfying to look around on the app, find some random artist or an artist I had heard of, and listen to them while I get other things done. It makes me feel as though I am expanding my music tastes. If I can do that while also writing a paper or driving down the road, I'd say that's a pretty great usage of my time.

I've gone through dozens of artists, albums, and soundtracks through this method. I've uncovered or rediscovered music that I'd probably never listen to if I hadn't tried to reach out for them while doing stuff. My music taste has gone from pop music and film soundtracks to heavy metal to psychedelic music legends like Jimi Hendrix to 80s synth music and many others along the way.

It's like sampling a variety of different books from many different genres. The build-up of knowledge and familiarity with other music genres allows me to feel as though I can enjoy almost anything - except for country. Actually, Johnny Cash is alright, but outside of him, don't give me that nonsense.

I discovered a love for rap music that I didn't think I would ever find an interest in. I used to dislike rap music. I thought most rap music was gaudy and self-indulgent. However, by looking through many different rappers, I discovered some have very provocative things to say in their music. I wouldn't have realized this if I hadn't explored my music while on the go or on the computer. I also would have probably never gotten into jazz if not for the amount of time I spend just looking at other music genres when I'm doing other things. I'm certainly glad I did. Looking at these genres opens so many doors for me to enjoy music.

Listening to all this music permits me to get into another person's musical tastes a little easier. Well, most of them anyway. Note country music from earlier. The reverse is also true. I can now expose my friends, family, and acquaintances to music they may not have heard of or have considered listening to. I love helping others find new things to enjoy and this is one way of me doing that. Hopefully, you'll consider letting loose on the tunes and listening to your discovery tracks or just loading your album list with a bunch of artists. You'll find out so many things to enjoy. Plus, you'll make those hours of tedium go by quickly.