The problem with most 'happy' music, to put it simply, is that far too often it's far too sweet to be palatable; like eating pure marzipan or mainlining sucrose directly into your brainstem, you're typically left feeling nauseated and filled with regret at allowing yourself to go through such an ordeal. It's a simple fact that candy floss is sickly, and happy music is just the same - far too saccharine to be enjoyable, because when it comes down to it, life just isn't that tasty. Watch any dead-behind-the-eyes childrens' TV presenter, and you'll quickly be reminded that being 100% nice all the time is a fast-track ticket to mental illness.
Shelter by Porter Robinson and Madeon is unique in this respect, in that despite being carried by a relentlessly major-key motif, it lacks that sickly quality that similar songs might impose upon the hapless listener. Shelter is a more realistic portrayal of the positive; it smiles sweetly in your face whilst simultaneously kicking you in the ribs. Capturing that breathless headiness of true euphoria, it snapshots the way that humans truly feel when we're on top of the world - elated, intoxicated, and acutely aware that we could fall off at any moment. And as per the refrain, it's so wonderful.
The truth that all heroes carry close to their hearts is that happiness is rarely more than a fleeting visitor, ephemeral yet welcomed all the same, and never one for sticking around for too long. Eating sweets all day or binging your favourite TV show or having back-to-back orgasms might be fun for a bit, but if it becomes constant - if it becomes baseline, the norm - it loses all appeal, and then what? Fearing sadness and other unpleasant emotions might seem rational, but without them, none of the positives would have any context. I think Shelter resonates with this idea beautifully because, despite what the name might suggest, the key to saving our own little worlds is to come out from under our rocks and brave the world without feeling like we have to shelter ourselves from the nastiness that inevitably awaits.
What this week's track embodies is that idea that it's possible to be kicked hard and still be upbeat, that 'positivity' doesn't equal 'naivety', and that you can be happy without being an absolute melt. Put Shelter on and allow yourself to be thrust unceremoniously into a world full of possibilities - whatever flavour they may come in!
Himalaya by Ellipsis
The Music to Save The World playlist is sponsored this month by Himalaya from Ellipsis.
The journey begins - fresh Chillstep from Ellipsis to help you focus. Stream it now:
You can learn more about Porter Robinson here:
You can learn more about Madeon here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Checkout Matt's project Ellipsis on Spotify and Facebook
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