Music in Ireland.

Sometimes, I feel like every Irish person I know can play out some kind of tune on some kind of instrument. As a self taught (and not self taught very well, I might add) sort of musician, this seemingly universal skill makes me feel a little envious, to be honest. I lived with a guy who's in a band that opened for the Coronas after winning a national contest. One time, we managed to avoid eviction from a party because my friend whipped out his fiddle and started jamming for fellow party-goers. Last night, yet another acquaintance got his accordion down from the attic in order to entertain us (I would like to state that I managed to get a rather weak "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" out of the accordion. Then everyone's ears started to bleed).

Music in Ireland has been a long held cultural past time that has definitely held its place in the modern world. Even though a lot of the music of Ireland historically consisted of instruments like the flute, the violin (fiddle) and others, today there is a wide range- alternative, pop, rap. Yes, rap. The Rubberbandits are absolute class.

Later in the week, we're going to be going to a Trad session in Tuam, about an hour outside of Galway. It's interesting to see how people of all ages come together and bond over music. I believe that music is one of the major components of the Irish culture and in that could be used, perhaps more so than in other countries, to bring about political change. There are multiple Irish artists who are trying to bring about change with their music (U2, anybody?), and they'll probably succeed- but maybe only in Ireland. Not a lot of countries have the background with music like Ireland does. Everyone can listen, but does the ability to play an instrument and experience music from the inside out make it more influential?