With finals creeping closer, it’s becoming more and more difficult not to think about the sweet relief that comes with winter break. Tests, presentations and speeches loom overhead, making it nearly impossible to think positively.
During a time like this, it’s important to have that one thing that brings you happiness; a distraction from the stress that comes with the pile of homework that never seems to stop growing.
For me, that one thing is the banjo.
Now, I know when most people think of the banjo, they immediately jump to scenes of backwoods log cabins inhabited by lonely hermits who spend their days hacking into spittoons. But if it is used correctly, the banjo can make a song great.
One artist who has seemingly mastered the art of banjo-picking is Sufjan Stevens, who has been quietly releasing albums since 2000. With his soft vocal style and incredibly heartfelt lyrics, Stevens has jumped to the top of my list of musicians to listen to when stressed.
So, if you’re slapping together a last minute project, or just in need of some major ear therapy, look to the banjo.
I’ve included Stevens’ song “All the Trees of the Field will Clap their Hands” from the album Seven Swans<em>Seven Swans</em>, as it accentuates his musical and vocal style., as it accentuates his musical and vocal style.Seven Swans, as it accentuates his musical and vocal style.