“The Liner.” What does that mean?
Liner notes are the information included with an album. They offer a glimpse into the creative process, revealing the inspiration and experiences behind the music.
They provide a way for artists to connect with listeners on a deeper level, even when they are not physically present.
Why does this matter?
In a world where music is often consumed in seconds, The Liner invites people to slow down and listen.
The experience centers on the art of listening, storytelling and connecting through music.
In May, Terrence Thompson, better known as ReadyRoc, chose singer Brandy Norwood as the featured artist.
After selecting the artist, Thompson began researching so he was prepared for a deep dive into the music and the story behind it.
I asked him why this experience is so important to him.
Thompson said that although his DJ career began in 2011, music, especially vinyl, has always been an important part of his life.
“I was 8 years old when I was introduced to vinyl,” Thompson said.
“Even though vinyl is just now becoming popular again, I have been collecting records for years. Each album tells its own story.”
Experiencing an album from start to finish, with ReadyRoc pointing out key elements of the production and sharing stories behind certain songs, lets listeners connect with the artist’s vision in a deeper, more meaningful way.
It feels like a backstage pass.
You can hear genuine emotions behind certain songs and recognize creative choices that may be missed when tracks are heard individually.
ReadyRoc shared the story behind Brandy’s song “Brokenhearted,” her debut single.
Brandy was 15 at the time. She was upset about having to record that day because she had plans to visit Six Flags. She was told she could go after she finished recording, which motivated her to get it right in one take.
According to ReadyRoc, listeners can hear that determination in her voice.
There was something joyful about being in a room full of people swaying to the music and singing along as the vinyl record spun. It’s almost magical when the needle touches the record.
The Liner: Women on Wax is a monthly vinyl listening experience held at Sipp House in Shreveport, La.
Follow ReadyRoc on social media for upcoming dates and details about the next event.
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