For me, Apple Music represents so much more than just a subscription to access my favorite tracks. In my experience, the best aspect of Apple Music is how it leads me to discover my next favorite album or artist. After School Radio continues to do just that for me, and having access via Apple Podcasts makes it easy to stay updated on the show.
Recently, I found joy in letting Apple Music suggest tracks after I’d finished listening to an album from my collection. In just a few months, I went from discovering a song on Apple Music while driving to making long trips to see it performed live.
Apple refers to this feature as Autoplay. “Autoplay removes the hassle of deciding what to listen to next,” Apple describes. “Simply play a song, and Autoplay will select similar songs to play afterward.”
I can’t remember precisely what I was listening to—probably something like Taking Back Sunday—when this happened on July 4th this year. I relish taking long drives without a destination and soaking in the music. That’s when I stumbled upon the post-hardcore band known as Microwave.
When “Bored of Being Sad” played, I remember allowing it to finish before rewinding and listening more intently. According to the Music app on my Mac, I added the entire album within an hour, and the play counts have been impressive.
Fast-forward to October 29, when I traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, to catch the opening show of Microwave’s recently concluded tour. I shared this on Facebook the following day.
Last night, I had a fantastic time watching Microwave perform in Birmingham to conclude a month of deliberately celebrating life!
Reflecting on my journey: while my birthday months since turning 30 haven’t necessarily been about age, they have demanded more attention due to circumstances and shifts in perspective. Last October, I didn’t feel satisfied with my daily routine—work, parenting, sleeping, and then beginning the cycle again. While it was certainly an improvement from the emotional lows of earlier years, it felt unsustainable.
I created a list of elements that have historically defined my identity and contributed to my happiness, aiming to nurture each one for positive outcomes. The list was straightforward.
Less time spent at home (the challenge of remote work) and more exploring diverse environments (the benefit of remote work). Interests like motorcycles, tattoos, running, technology, rocket launches, sports, and travel. Building relationships, accepting love where available, and fulfilling my role as a provider and protector. A continuous work in progress.
Much of my work and daily interactions happen through screens. For this reason, I place high value on in-person connections whenever possible, without undervaluing my extensive network of online support. Ultimately, shared experiences and time together represent what truly living feels like to me.
I discovered Microwave back in June. Their sound is somewhat psychedelic lately, with a slower tempo and an extensive catalog of melodic emo tracks. The moment I heard “Bored of Being Sad” while driving last summer served as my digital breadcrumb. Being physically present in a venue where the band performs, sweating and dancing alongside fellow fans—that’s the essence of what I crave. That’s the reward.
More of this, please.
Thanks to Apple Music Autoplay for the amazing experience. Rock on, Microwave. Currently, I’m diving deep into their back catalog. Also, check out this MacStories’ article by John Vorhees, which discusses various music-centric iPhone apps.
P.S.
To follow the narrative initiated by Apple Music Autoplay, I must mention that my friend Astrid attended the final concert of the tour in Orlando, Florida, this week after my music exploration morphed into a music recommendation. My iPhone photo is featured at the beginning. I’m borrowing her iPhone photo to conclude:
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