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Music can save someone’s life. It can lift their spirits, help them see things differently and give someone a sense of understanding.
This is exactly what music did for me during a troublesome time in my life. At the time, I had gone through some disheartening experiences with a loved one and needed an escape. Not only did I find that escape, I found the feelings I had in my heart were perfectly explained in one song that I can honestly say saved my life.
“The Life," a song recorded by a little known band named Criteria, truly helped me understand the feelings I had in my heart and soul; these feelings that, for some reason, I couldn’t open my mouth and explain to others.
I later moved on from these experiences and joined the military to become a journalist for the Army. On a chance encounter before my deployment to Iraq , I was lucky enough to sit down and talk to the man who penned the track that gave me a positive prospective on life, Mr. Stephen Pedersen.
Pedersen, a graduate of Duke University School of Law and a founding member of indie sensation, Cursive, spoke to me about deployment, Criteria’s music, and staying positive in a dangerous situation.
The first question I asked Pedersen was why a Soldier should take his music to Iraq with him. He quietly thought for a minuet and then spoke passionately about his music and the hopeful effects it would have on our deployed heroes.
“There is something that is empowering about [Criteria’s music]," said Pedersen. “There are elements of strength and energy and power, which are critical elements to the armed services, especially to someone on the ground in Iraq ."
“I think throughout all the music that I write there is an element of hope, despair, turmoil, and chaos," he added, “but in the end, the theme of hope and faith overcoming all of those emotions. You can take it as Christian faith, or faith in your fellow man, or even faith in yourself."
Pedersen said he hopes Soldiers who take any of his records abroad with them can relate to the music and know that America is behind them.
“I think it’s important to separate the differences between policies and troops," Pedersen said. “You can be 100 percent supportive of the troops and only 5 percent supportive of the policies. I support the efforts the Soldiers make everyday. I also care about their safety and wellbeing."
“In fact," he continued, “there should be even more support for the troops because they still have this faith and sense of duty and this willingness to put themselves in harms way, despite the controversy."
“I have a smaller calling," he said. “I could never do that, so my hats off to those who can and do protect us everyday."
Pedersen said he hopes any Soldier who does take his music to Iraq feels the effort Criteria put into the recordings and even gives them a song to take to heart.
“We put a hundred ninety thousand percent behind every note and that we gave it our all in our music. I hope they can feel the hope and strength we offer to all our listeners when they hear our music."
“If I could offer a song to the Soldiers, I would say ‘Kiss the Wake,’" said Pedersen. “It’s about the theme of possibility and the limitless of the individual’s potential and to believe in that."
“I believe everyone can make their destiny," he continued. “I know if I was in a strange place and everyday was going to be a challenge, that song would be Criteria the song I would want to hear."
Music can save someone’s life, whether deployed to Iraq or living in America . As for me, both “En Garde" and “When We Break" from Criteria’s catalog have played tirelessly on my stereo. It has, in fact, once again given me a positive outlook and hope on my situation and inspired me for the future. It not only saved my life in the past, it continues to do so everyday.
Ryan Stroud is a military trained journalist who has served in Iraq with the US Army. Prior to his military experiences, Stroud grew up playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer. Also, Stroud focused many years of his life playing, touring, and recording/producing local music acts. He has a wonderful wife of 3 years and a 1 year old son.
Stroud's biggest writing influences are Jim Butcher, Chuck Palahniuk and Ben Fox.
He currently resides in Huntsville, Al, with the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Redstone Arsenal.
» left by Crazyolady from CA (1 year 352 days ago.)
This article brought back memories of how music has played an important part in my life. I am for anything that helps the troops get thru the day & night, you do not need anything but your memory to have music. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 349 days ago.)
Very insightful look into the mind of an artist and his take on his own art's effect. Well done. Respond to this comment
» left by Play For Me from Duluth, GA (1 year 343 days ago.)
Music has also saved my life. It never ceases to amaze me at how much I can identify and relate to a song lyrics. Music will always be an important and valuable part of my life. To all artist, writers, and authors.........Keep it going. Respond to this comment
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