My Life In (Live) Music. Guest post Thea Wood SbS 07.02.25 Newsletter 33

Guest post: My life in LIVE music. Thank you Thea Wood. Next: My weekly new music radio show. Week 1000. Holy balls that's a lot of new music. Musical thoughts: Living Color Tiny Desk

The Genesis (Or: How This Glorious Mess Began) 

I did something dangerous—I shared an idea with actual humans. (Rookie mistake, I know.) I fired this manifesto at a few brave souls. Now? I’m perched like a kid waiting for a mix tape in the mail—equal parts terrified and thrilled to hear what echoes back. 

Mostly thrilled. Although I did get a few “No’s”. That’s part of life, right? Lord knows Chris Bro ain’t for everyone. I get more no’s than yes’s that’s for sure.

Music: The Unofficial Soundtrack to Everything

For some, music might just be background noise – a pleasant hum accompanying the daily grind. But for many of us, it's something far more profound. Music isn't just in our lives - it is our lives. It's the secret diary we blast through speakers. The silent confidant. The unwavering companion through every triumph and tribulation. 

Music is life

Everyone has a unique soundtrack to their existence: the cringe-worthy first dance song at a school disco that you'll vehemently deny ever knowing in polite company. The angsty teen rebellion anthem that perfectly captured your adolescent angst (bonus points if your parents absolutely loathed it). And yes, for those of us who plan ahead, there's even the meticulously curated "play this at my funeral" playlist. (See? I told you my ideas lean towards the unconventional.)

The legendary Tom Petty once wisely put it, "Music is the one thing that can never let you down." While my ill-fated 8th-grade mixtape for Brigett Gott might beg to differ on that front (I wonder where she is now?). His sentiment rings true. Music, in its purest form, is a constant.

Today, we're embarking on a journey to explore that constant. We're continuing the universal musical journey that binds us all.

The Origin Story: A Simple Message, A Deep Dive

This whole concept began with a simple message I sent to a few people. I'm genuinely curious to see where the conversation leads. Here's that initial, no-frills message - the spark that ignited this "My Life With Music" adventure:

"It’s called (maybe) My Life With Music. Your musical journey. Start with young - with what your parents listened to, to grade school, then high school, college, etc."

No rules. Just a starting point for a deep dive into the soundtracks of our lives.

Introducing Thea Wood  

The future of music isn't just heard - it's experienced. Enter Thea Wood: a visionary creator who builds bridges between sound and sensation. She doesn't just produce content—she engineers moments where music education, entertainment and advocacy collide.  

Her Toolkit Includes:   

- TEDx-Stage. Proving the power of non-verbal first impressions on attracting opportunity.  

- Print & Digital Storytelling. With beats-per-minute precision  

- Brand Sculpting. For artists who refuse to be pigeonholed  

- Image. Transforming "artist" into "icon" since day one

- VR Soundscapes. Producing real-time live music shows in VR headsets - the new frontier in house concerts.  

What truly sets her work apart? A relentless drive to amplify underrepresented voices - turning gender equity conversations into industry-shifting action. Whether she's hosting podcasts or consulting for Grammy contenders - her North Star remains clear: Make music matter more.  

"The most powerful music experiences don't just move your feet—they rearrange your DNA."  - Thea Wood

And that’s not all:

🎶 2025 Women Changing The World Global Awards Finalist in “Journalism & Media”

🎶 Ranked #15 of “Top 45 Women In Music Podcasts” by FeedSpot panelists

Now it’s Thea time. Thank you again. I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing!

My Life In [Live] Music

When Chris invited me to share my life in music, my brain exploded. How does one narrow down a digestible list of songs that have impacted just about every facet of my 56 years on this planet? 

While I spent most of my childhood flipping albums and cassettes and reading liner notes on my family room shag carpeting, my fondest music memories are live shows. The stage theatrics, the sing alongs, the lights, the collective effervescence. As my adolescent faith in institutional religion waned, concerts become my church. My path to spiritual enlightenment and, just as crucial, human connection. 

With that in mind, I chose to highlight my life in LIVE music. I’ve seen hundreds of shows, but these chosen few reflect significant eras or pivotal events in my life. Please note that video choices are not necessarily associated with specific highlighted shows/dates.

Andy Gibb at Pine Knob, Clarkston, (June 16, 1978)

Newly baptized and joyfully singing a cappella at Sunday services, I begged my mother to take my Sunday school BF’s to see the youngest Gibb brother, Andy Gibb. “Everlasting Love,” “Shadow Dancing,” and “I Just Want To Be Your Everything” were a 1970s radio gold. It was my first proper concert and us girls were positively giddy. Those screams of joy turned to wails of despair when my mom dragged us out during the encore to avoid parking lot gridlock. At least that was the excuse— part of it may have been the joints and cocaine bullets most likely passing through the crowd. What I knew for sure is that this was the single greatest day of my tween life. My passion for concerts was born. 

Grateful Dead at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit (April 11, 1988)

East coast teens introduced me to the Dead during a 1985 summer vacation in Maine. But I didn’t drink the kool-aid until my college friends drove me from Ohio Wesleyan U to Detroit for my first show and first “Truckin’.” Little did I know this experience would turn me into a lifelong Deadhead, a bond that turned those college friends into family that would grow old (not at heart!) together. The impact of the Dead’s music, story telling and road trips changed the course of my life and career.   I even had the immense honor of interviewing Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay in 2021. My Space Your Face tie dye t-shirt purchased in the Joe Louis parking lot is still a prized possession. The long strange trip continues as I reunited with my college crew for the final three Dead & Co shows at Oracle Park in 2023. Our love will not fade away. 

Meshell Ndegeocello at The Bayou, Washington D.C. (March 29, 1994) 

Meshell Ndegeocello was the first “big” interview I conducted as a fledgling music journalist in Northern Virginia. Seeing her perform afterward at my favorite D.C. club hit me like a ton of bricks. Plantation Lullabies was her debut smash album and the ground-breaking neo soul (or perhaps neo spiritual?) sound with her thick bass lines and sultry voice invoked a deep emotional reaction. My heart swelled. One could argue it was the high from our interview. But when I saw her 2019 show in Austin, I wept from the moment she opened her mouth straight through to the final chord she played. The lesbian couple behind me even leaned forward and asked if I was okay. “Tears of joy,” I replied. Tears of joy. 

Dixie Chicks. Austin City Limits, Austin (aired February 2001) 

Upon moving from NOVA to Austin in 1998, diving into Texas music became a mission. Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, and Willie Nelson were already staples in my CD collection. However, my introduction to the Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks) proved that Texas felt like home. I embraced their Wide Open Spaces and Fly albums with great zeal and was tickled when my then boyfriend gave me passes to their Austin City Limits taping. Witnessing three insanely talented female musicians singing irreverent songs, playing multiple instruments, and having a fucking blast delivered the Texas spirit that I craved.  They continue to be badass role models who don’t apologize for being outspoken, independent women. 

Prince, The Palace of Auburn Hills (July 31, 2004)

Since the Dirty Minds album released in 1980, I pined to see his Purple Majesty. The Universe conspired against me for a future blessing. My new boyfriend, Ricardo, got a wild hair one night and bought us tickets to see Prince play at the Palace in Auburn Hills right after the Detroit Pistons won the NBA championship. This was the first time we would travel together for a concert. It wasn’t just the guitar god and his band that made the show bigger than life, it was also the audience. I swear, metro Detroit music fans are the most exuberant, fun-loving, rowdy, and happy fans on the planet. The fact that my Texan squeeze reveled in it sealed the deal in our relationship. We married in 2005.  

Cher, The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas (October 4, 2009)

Cher was my first musical idol. At age 5, I grew my hair down to my ass, wore sunglasses and carried a bedazzled purse, mimicking the famous woman who closely resembled my Greek heritage.  Watching the Sonny & Cher Show was a weekly ritual. So when I finally had the chance to see Cher’s Vegas residency with my sister in law decades later, we immediately shopped for outfits worthy of a Bob Mackie-inspired evening. As new moms with new bodies, it felt good to go all out! The familiar tunes, the costume changes, the jokes and stories. The nostalgia and awe was so overwhelming that I had to run to the bathroom to dry my tear-stained face after old Sonny & Cher photos commanded the stage during “I Got You Babe.” I will always be grateful to Amanda Wood for sharing that experience with me. 

Pearl Jam, Tauron Arena, Kraków (July 3, 2018) 

My husband talked me into leaving our son with my parents to follow Pearl Jam (an all-time favorite band) through Europe. Thank God he did. Frustrated with laborious travel options between cities, we took a leap of faith and paid a Prague-based fan for charter bus seats from Prague to Kraków to Berlin. It turned out to be a life-changing choice. While rolling past wheat fields in Poland, we struck up a conversation with David from Pennsylvania and his college mates Mike and Myrsini (a married couple from Massachusetts). That night’s show was magical and sparked a life-long circle of friendship. That circle has expanded and encompassed other friends and bands, but that core connection goes beyond the music. They are my music family… kindred spirits. Fun fact: Myrsini, Dave and I are all Aquarians born on January 31st.  What are the odds? 

Madonna, Caesar’s Palace, Detroit (January 15, 2024)

It all comes full circle. Seeing the Material Girl play her (and my) hometown show is an historic moment in my live music journey. Madge’s performances are NOT concerts. They are music revues— filled with dancers and performance art and DJ’s and sexual innuendo and controversy. And the FASHION! Fans and critics alike are quick to throw stones at the Queen of Pop: how come there’s no band? why did she start so late? what did she do to her face? Good lord! But Madonna shines on as a defiant beacon with her latest famous quote hitting the mark: “I think the most controversial thing I've ever done is to stick around." Amen, sister. 

Cheers,

Thea Wood 

Herizon Music

Thea doesn't get all the fun. A bit of Chris Bro’s My Life With Music

Summer of Sweat, Subs, and Canadian Power-Pop (couldn’t come up with another “S”- Songs didn’t seem right)  

College summers were a glorious contradiction - three jobs (college wasn't paying for itself), no car, and a bicycle that logged more miles than most taxis. Growing up near Chicago meant heat that didn't just sit in the air - it PRESSED down on you like a damp wool blanket. My days were a grind:  

- 6 AMish: Cutting grass at the high school (and many other outdoor workings) - sweat pooling in my work boots  

- Noonish: Laying sod under a sun that felt personal  

- 6 PMish: Painting houses with forearms flecked in Sherwin-Williams’ finest  

- Somehow still: Soccer matches, dive bar shows, and questionable life choices  

The real education came from a homeowner who gave us footlong meatball subs AND music lessons. Between brush strokes. He schooled us on everything from Tom Petty to this Canadian gem:  

"I’m An Adult Now" by The Pursuit of Happiness  

That opening riff—all jangly anxiety—was my anthem. “No more boy meets girl boy loses girl/More like man tries to understand what the hell went wrong​​” perfectly captured my suspended animation between college antics and looming responsibility.  

Why It Stuck: The Irony: I was painting houses shirtless, smelling like gasoline and Subway oregano—the least "adult" adult imaginable. The Sound: Power-pop so crisp it cut through the humidity. The Timing: Those summers were the last gasp before actual adulthood hit.

As the homeowner said while handing me another sub while turning up the volume: Kid, adulthood’s a myth. Just wait till you’re 40 and still air-drumming to this. OK this didn’t happen and it could have. Maybe it did.

What’s up, music lovers? Welcome to NEXT. My weekly new music show. Where we bring you the best tracks to soundtrack your life. Whether you're cruising down the highway or just hanging at home. Today’s lineup is stacked with indie gems, rock anthems, and a few surprises. Let’s get into it!

Phabies – I Care For You. Kicking things off with a dreamy, lo-fi confession wrapped in warm guitars and whispered vocals. Perfect for those late-night moments when you’re too honest for your own good. This will get stuck in your brain for days. You are welcome.

Hotline TNT – Break Right. Shoegaze with teeth—fuzzy, frantic, and full of heart. Turn it up loud enough to drown out the noise in your head.

Bruce Springsteen – Blind Spot. The Boss is back. Kinda. A track from Bruce Springsteen's recently released collection Tracks II: The Lost Albums. The Boss delves into themes of unseen dangers and personal failings. Painting a vivid picture of the overlooked obstacles that can shape a life. These albums offer a glimpse into the treasure trove of his previously unreleased material that spans seven "lost" albums.

The Happy Fits – Everything You Do. Indie-pop at its sunniest. Catchy as hell and impossible not to smile at—your new feel-good anthem.

Pretenders – Time The Avenger (Live). Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders live? Yes, please. This version of ‘Time The Avenger’ crackles with energy—rock ‘n’ roll that refuses to age. Live music is good for your soul! See you at a show.

Ty Segall – Another California Song. A garage-rock bliss—sunburnt, scrappy, and soaked in reverb. For when you need to shake off the dust.

Foo Fighters – Today’s Song.  A fist-pumping reminder why Dave Grohl’s still the king of rock. Play it loud and air-drum like nobody’s watching. The Foo Fighters are celebrating a major milestone: the upcoming 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. Almost three decades to the day they released a new song. This marks their first piece of original music since their 2023 album, But Here We Are.

Black Pistol Fire & Gary Clark Jr. – Rock Bottom. Teaming up for a blues-rock firestorm. Gritty vocals, searing guitars—this one burns.

Friends of Cesar Romero – Can’t Get You. A jangly, bittersweet indie-rock. For anyone who’s ever loved someone just out of reach.

Stephen Wilson Jr. – Stand By Me (Live at The Print Shop). Stephen Wilson Jr. strips ‘Stand By Me’ down to its raw, aching core in this live cover. Proof that great songs never die—they just evolve.

Petey USA – Breathing the Same Air. Slacker-rock with a smirk—equal parts witty and wistful. Like Pavement with a caffeine buzz.

The Feelies – Dancing Barefoot. The Feelies’ take on Patti Smith’s ‘Dancing Barefoot’ is jangly, hypnotic, and utterly irresistible. A cover that stands on its own.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Grow Wings And Fly. A psych-rock at its most unhinged—a kaleidoscopic trip that’ll leave you dizzy in the best way.

The Dears – Babe We’ll Find A Way. Closing out with The Dears’ ‘Babe We’ll Find A Way’—a lush, orchestral love letter for the hopeless romantics. Hold someone close and press play.

From garage-rock ragers to heartstring-tugging ballads and amazing covers. Live music too because it’s good for your soul! We've covered it all. Keep these tracks on repeat, and remember—music is the best kind of magic!!! 

🎙️ Living Colour’s Tiny Desk Concert: A Masterclass in Raw, Revolutionary Funk-Metal 🎙️

Let’s talk about Living Colour’s Tiny Desk Concert - because when one of the most explosive bands in rock history squeezes into NPR’s cozy office space, magic happens. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an almost 30-minute clinic in groove, grit, and unapologetic rock. 

The Vibe. Corey Glover grinning like he’s in on a secret. Vernon Reid making a Tiny Desk look like Madison Square Garden. Doug Wimbish’s bass lines oozing through the room like liquid gold.

How is this much sound coming from that tiny desk?

Most Tiny Desks soften artists. Living Colour redefined the space. They didn’t shrink—they made it expand. Proof that great music doesn’t need volume to be volcanic.

Watch If You Love: Rage Against The Machine’s politics + Prince’s funk. Bands that age like fine wine and napalm  

Hit play. Your speakers will thank you. 🔊🔥

and I’ll always find an excuse to post these pics.

Thank you for reading/listening. 

Music is Life. Music is Magic. Live Music Is Good For Your Soul.

And remember if you love someone hug them right now.