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Guest Blog: Jamie Tworkowski of To Write Love On Her Arms
Alternative Press - Rob Ortenzi on 9/16/09 @ 7:00 AM - altpress.com
I was going to write a letter to the frontmen--the folks who sing in bands. I was going to say that there should be a system or some classes where they would be reminded that music is a very special thing; something not unlike a miracle, rich with history and the potential to move people and change lives. They would learn about urgency and honesty, the value of a moment and a song's unique ability to cause people to feel, to remind them that they're alive and that life is worth living.
And it crossed my mind to say those things because lately, it seems like there's been moments when everyone is forgetting. I'm bored with watching guys play to thousands of people and it feels like everyone says the same thing in saying nothing: "How you motherf****s doing?" is followed by a request for the world's largest circle pit. Congratulations. You are the fourth band in a row to say the exact same thing.
Are you kidding me? You beat the odds by making it and they hand you this electronic thing that makes your voice louder and that's the best you could come up with? That's what you wanted to tell the world? The stage is sacred. It's above the ground so that people can see the magic when it happens; so that people can see something bigger than the sum of its parts; something louder than the same dumb joke, brighter than the latest neon trend. Tell us your story. Show us your heart. Remind us of our own. Point to something. In the silence between songs, point to something that matters, some question or problem that steals your sleep at night. Invite us to be part of the solution.
But maybe the lessons are not just for the guys with microphones. Maybe this stuff applies to all of us. It's been said that all the world's a stage and that maybe we all have some kind of influence and opportunities to say real things and move people. The stage in front of the crowd is this obvious place where it happens, but maybe it's true that we each have our songs to sing and venues to play. We each get a few people who listen and a few people to listen to. We each have our jobs and our schools and all the places where life happens. We live in a world filled with needs and opportunities. Every person has a story. There's plenty of room for meaning, depth and change. Don't buy the lie that says there's only room for jokes and it's cooler not to care about anything. The bar has been set way too low. There's room for magic and inspiration. There's room to live a better story.
The show starts now. alt
Jamie Tworkowski is the founder of To Write Love On Her Arms, a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Since 2006, TWLOHA has responded to 100,000 messages from over 100 countries. They've also given $500,000 directly to treatment and recovery. Tworkowski will be speaking at universities across America this fall. Visit www.twloha.com for more info.
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I Would Totally Do It! And I Would Sing Brick By Boring Brick By Paramore Or Make-up smeared eyes By Automatic Loveletter (((:
I don't like to sing in front of people for some odd reason, but I would sing either "Round Midnight", the live cover by Jazmine Sullivan, "Run in the Front" by Dear & the Headlights, "Eve, the Apple of My Eye" by Bell X1, or I would play "Etude Op. 10, No. 3 in E Major 'Tristesse'" by Chopin or "Liz on Top of the World. Wow. I would probably perform them all because I can't pick one. They all speak to me in some amazing way that I want share in hopes of reaching others they way they affected me. But I'm too much of a punk for that so. . .
I Think I'll Be Okay by Bayside. :]
This is awesome & I hope more bands really take it in. Music can touch a heart in a way other things can't. Don't cheapen it by talking about bs on stage.
"In the silence between songs, point to something that matters, some question or problem that steals your sleep at night." I love this line :). It's absolutely relatable. Thank you AP for letting someone so inspirational write a piece like this. It made my day!
I would sing "Nightmare" by Eleventyseven. It makes me so happy. And always makes me feel better. Or "Do You Feel" by The Rocket Summer. I love TWLOHA, they have helped me through so much, and i'm happy that AP and Jaime are on the same page(:
I don't have a clue what I would sing, if anything. But I would say to everyone that they have a story and it counts, and there's always someone who wants to listen, and who WILL listen. I don't know what else I could say. Thank you AP, for letting this wonderful man write a piece. He truly is brilliant.
To be honest, I'd write my own song, something that had so much truth and meaning that it spoke to the hearts of everyone there, whether it be 10 people or 10,000. We impact everyone's life that we ever even touch or walk passed in the streets. I would speak words from my heart in the form of a song and pray that this speaks to people, makes them realize that they aren't alone in their problems and that they have anyone and everyone to rely on and help them through it. No matter how little they know the person, they can still seek help from them and almost always be heard out.
It's true that most all bands start with that opener, and then demand that everyone mosh or jump or scream and what not. That's a bad thing. It's what has come to be expected. To not do it would be weird. But Jamie is right. More bands do need to do something out of the ordinary that makes us think and feel. Thank you AP for inviting this man to write. Don't let it be just a one time thing.
I love the article. I don't know what I would actually sing, although I have a few of my own songs that I would like to share. I would definitely take the time though to speak about TWLOHA, and to let everyone know that they aren't alone in the world, and that there are a lot of things to look up to. If you are in need, turn to someone and say "hey, I need help to get through this.. Again, this is a wonderful piece, and TWLOHA has helped me tons, so why not support them through a song or a speech, if I was given a stage and a mic..
i would sing a song that could touch at least one person or inspire the mind that would spark the world for change in any way for the better. "they say she cried at least once a day, not because she was sad but because the world was so beautiful and life so short, and she would write love on her arms, so that the flesh may begin to understand what the heart feels." -eddie
I love music, it is my life and my everything. If I had a mic I would sing my heart out, even though sometimes get stage fright. I agree that it is pretty lame that these people are living the dream, but are being so monotonous about it. They have the power yet they do nothing productve with it. They need to learn from some of the bands that know how to work the stage. I saw Safetysuit back in February, and they were great. They told stories and told everyone about the inspiration behind the songs, and the best part was that they stood out in the hallway for the rest of the night (they were openers) not only signing autographs, but talking to the people. I would do that if I had the chance.
jamie this is an amazing article. the things you say and write always inspire me. i hope people really take this in
this is very nicely written. it makes me smile :) music is the soul of life, and the soundtrack to my world. twloha has helped me a lot this past 1 1/2 years. and i love ap magazine. 3 great things coming together? that is just genius. XD Rock On
great post. I'd sing "On Fire" or "24" by Switchfoot
Beautiful. This man understands the importance of things.. He gets how critical it is for us to change the world, and he realizes how easily we could change it and how we just don't take the time. He takes the time. I want to read more from him.
"I'm bored with watching guys play to thousands of people and it feels like everyone says the same thing in saying nothing: "How you motherf****s doing?" is followed by a request for the world's largest circle pit. Congratulations. You are the fourth band in a row to say the exact same thing." Couldn't agree more!! If I sang.. guess old school Daughter by Pearl Jam, or Concrete Angel Martina McBride.
I believe that this piece of writing should be spread to more teenagers and young adults to really get the word out that there's more to life than just cussing and writing songs about meaningless things. I would probably sing 'Words I Would Say' by Sidewalk Prophets
Completely agree. Although people attend concerts and festivals for fun and entertainment, there is a massive opportunity on the artists' part to send a meaningful message in the process. Some bands manage to do this, and it's an amazing thing. Loved the article! Good idea AltPress to let Jamie write! ;D
Beautifully written.Its really true because music has a message and it helps me heal from pain.
Well said....so easy to take our gifts for granted.
I would talk to people about how life is something never to give up on and I would sing the song Fin* by Anberlin because it is beautifuly written and the lyrics are very powerful.
I honestly find everything you have written so inspiring. Every ideal yo uwrite about, I see in so many likewise ways. And this has, along with God, inspired me to help people in everyday life by just doing what I can to make someone's day better. If I were handed a mic, I'd sing one of my songs, because they ALWAYS have a meaning, and inbetween the songs i always plan to bring the people listening together. I hope to see more of your writing and continure supporting TWLOHA.
You can read my thoughts on this on my blog. Nothing personal, but this blog REALLY REALLY pissed me off. I completely agree(d) with your organization, but honestly I feel as though you've gotten off track lately. I mean what are you now, a fucking music critic? Just hear me out and read this, if you don't like, it cry me a river. I don't care. http://theworldisyours.tumblr.com/post/189715863/a-long-fucking-rant-about-twloha-music-and-related
I would sing Remebering Sunday all time low, hey there Delilah plaine white t's, hor Do you Feel The Rocket Summer because they helped me through some bad times...and im here and lovin life
i'd sing "too bright to see to loud to hear" by underoath. it's such a wakeup call<3 && this was an amazing article.Alternative Press, u should totally keep this guy around :]
This blog was great, I'd love to see more of this work in the magazine. I'd start reading AP more. Oh, and I would absolutely sing Bohemian Rhapsody.
Wow, what a reminder. So often, we seem to lose our focus about things that mean something. If I was handed a stage, and a microphone, I’d tell everyone that they matter. That each person – each story – matters. And I’d sing “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot. I hope we hear more from this author…
This was as awesome article I am a huge supporter of TWLOHA and Jamie is so incredibly inspirational. His blogs have brought tears to my eyes more than once. Thank you for giving him a voice here. Hopefully there are more articles to come =]
Wow. That is insanely powerful. I love the way Jamie writes. He doesn't waste the influence he has. I love To Write Love, it has done a lot for me. This man is powerful.
thanks for the challenge. I would share the hope and purpose of a life with Christ. I don't sing so I would probably just quote the song by My Epic entitled "Lest We Die"
Wow. This a very powerful article. I would LOVE to hear more of what he has to say. I totally agree with the fact that the artists all say the same thing and it would be nice to see some uniqeness in shows. They have a microphone to talk to the world, use it.
Thank you for writing this, Jamie. Thank you for being someone who says something different than the crowd. Thank you for challenging us to do the same.
we need more people like this. :)
This is amazing, thanks for writing this and reminding us of all these things...ultimately, we all have a voice, no matter what, and we all have the opportunity to say so many things. It's sad if we all just keep quiet. People forget far too often. We do need more people to remind us, and people who can reach out to so many to say the truth and talk about the things that matter. Thanks, please write more!
I love these words. So true and very inspiring. I really hope to read many more articles similar to this...one's that are real. :-)
I love this! It's so spot on! I would love it if he got into the printed magazine :) And, I'd probably sing something I've written :) and Lullabies by All Time Low, because it's helpeed me a lot, and there's an important lesson and story in it.
'helpless' - neil young
Jamie, this article is phenomenal. It really opened my eyes to the huge opportunity of leading on a stage and the power it holds...how musicians can turn things around and make change. Just thinking about these things makes me want to do everything different. Thank you so much.
TWLHA...Truly inspirational. If I were to sing on stage, I'd definitely be delivering "Lines Hrrpressed" by Quarters.
This article hit me unlike any other. It's a little weird, but I find one of the most awesome experiences is when you go to a concert to see your favorite band perform, you are among a massive crowd of people, and everyone sings every word, of every song in unison. It's a beautiful thing and music has certainly brought me out of some tough times. I agree, musicians sometimes take the opporotunities they have, and the chance to sing in front of thousands of fans for granted. But I've let opporotunities slip too and this article really inspired me to move people and "to live a better story." If I were on stage I would definitely sing anything by The Beatles. It always puts me in a good mood.
Good article. Never really saw the art of music like this. Thanx for the simple yet stern refocus of each artist. Particularly liked the part where you remind us that we have beaten the odds not for our selves but for those who don't have a voice, or are't sure how to say what they know they should. Good luck with all your efforts and I look forward to your next post
Well, I think that there are people who want to see bands perform live for the sheer entertainment value, not necessarily to listen to philosophizing; it would turn a lot of people away. But I also think a balance is possible. A thing does not need to be meaningless to be entertaining. The music that most artists we truly respect and enjoy teaches us that, and I find that when a band performs a song that has some significance to them, they do step forward and share that meaning with the audience. The message tends to inherently complement the music--and the fans of that music, by extension. Regarding song choice, I'd go with "Breathe Me" by Sia, or maybe Paramore's "When It Rains."
I sing in a punk band but what I really want to be doing is singing songs that will help others and I'm trying to see how I can incorporate that into my classic punk band. Also, I really think that Jamie should write in the print version of AP. His ideas and views need a larger audience because they are so important and need to be spread. Alot of people need to change the way they look at some of his topics to something more accepting and hopeful and helpful and some people just need to be inspired, to be informed. He needs a larger audience.
I would sing "The Last Night" by Skillet, or "Goodbye (I'm sorry)" By Jamestown Story aka And Then I turned Seven. I would say "Look at the person next to you. Can you see what's going on with them? On the outside, no. You have to look on the inside. You ahve to open up. You have to let them now that you are there for them. You have to let them know that they have no reason to fear and no reason to hide. There is no reason for them not to tell you what's going on. They don't know these things and they won't even unless you start the movement and you tell them. Start your own movement, renew an old one, help with a current one. Reach out and help." Great article Jamie. Keep writing. Tis great
Jamie, you should be a writer for sure! I have been a long time fan of TWLOHA and I hope that you get the chance to write in AP's print version. Good job. As for the stage in my life... I try to show and tell my friends that I love them, every single day. <3
Jamie, what an awesome article. Keep writing. this article brought me to tears. I found your organization when I was looking for support after my daughter was hospitalized for cutting. TWLOHA has been such a source of strength for me and my entire family. And, if I could sing just one song it would be "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera. I think this song says it all!!! Again, keep writing and hope AltPress.com will continue to publish your work!!!!!
I Love this Article Jamie, keep going TWLOHA has been a big help in my life. And I guess i don't know too much of the alternative music style but i will say the one song i would sing is Permanent from David Cook. its my favorite song and the story behind it is hope saying i'm not going anywhere i'm here for you thru everything Thanks Jamie You've Replace Hope In My Life When I thought It Was All Gone. Love, Jessie<3
I'm stoked that someone other than me and my best friend gets this. We all have a limited number of minutes to live, a counted number of breaths to take--it's well past time to start saying the important stuff when it counts. The lighter stuff is important too, but it needs to wait for the lighter moments. xoxo
Awesome article Jamie! The message is definitely something everyone should really think about! Life is too short to sit by and be quiet! Especially if you have something to say! Don't be scared to say it!
Well worded , very true. I dont know if i could sing, but if i did it would be Blue October. They know, and write beautifully about so many things many of us, or friends or family are going through. Music is a way through it, i agree. More bands/artists should be like Blue October and others like them.
I would sing something by relient k because I truly believe in their lyrics twloha is amazing Jamie you never cease to amaze me with what you do and your provocative statements, all so true one of my fvorite lines In any song is "your telling me there's no hope I'm tellin you your wrong" --for the moment I feel feint by relient k
I totally feel this entire blog. I wish I knew where TWLOHA was when I was the one suffering from depression after my little brother died in April 2008. I miss him everyday but through music I have overcome all my obstacles. TWLOHA needs to be put out there. I bet you could ask everyone in my HS what it is and they would have no clue. If every given the opportunity to be on stage, I would tell my story and then tell why TWLOHA is so important. I would sing "We All Roll Along" by The Maine or "Still Holding On" by Phone Calls From Home. Both of those bands have helped me through so much and without them I don't know if I would still be here.
I'd sing Sons of Liberty by Frank Turner.. "A man who'd trade his liberty for a safe and dreamless sleep, doesn't deserve the both of them and neither shall he keep"
I will follow you into the dark = death cab for cutie + the needle and the damage done = neil young Hope is a road that seems to have had a a "Detour - under construction" sign on it for a while now. Maybe it will be open again soon. Thank you for the article; it was worth reading, then doing research afterward. Hope isn't something that seems to be equal opportunity; hope was like Father Christmas giving all the toys to the little rich boys. Maybe to have it, you have to want it, and to want it, you have to know it exists, for how can we want something we have never seen or known? I'm going looking for it - it isn't seeking me out, but maybe we can meet in the middle.