new thread
Hello, all.
Life has changed a lot in the past few months. I've been having strange dreams about cutting my hair, or others forcibly cutting my hair. It's rather disturbing, but I'll live. My hair has basically stopped growing; its most extreme length was measured just past my waist, some months ago. I actually don't want it to grow past my waist, but I'd like the option of having it as such. Oh, well. All I know is that it's not getting cut anytime soon.
I took my second trip to Chicago (to visit my girlfriend) about a week and a half ago, and saw Emperor live--my first "real" metal concert. I nearly broke my own neck
I've begun applying to the Ph.D. program in ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago, and similarly at IU Bloomington. I'm also starting work on my B.A. thesis, focusing on semantics and cultural construction in the death metal community. I'm basically researching a subculture of longhairs; it feels strange to go from being the only longhair in a crowd of people to one in a sea of others.
Enough rambling. Continue on.
Good to hear from you....it has been quite a while.
You academic career sounds truly exciting.
Thanks for Sharing and the Best of Luck
Keep us posted
Walter White Tail
You plan on writing your thesis on the death metal community when you say Emperor was your first live show...?
It's not a far cry, actually. I've been *listening* to the music for something around seven years now.
The subject I'm studying is ethnomusicology--music in its social and cultural contexts, which requires that I do objective fieldwork, or spending time in--and observing--the culture I'm studying. It's not abnormal for an anthropologist or ethnomusicologist to *not* have done fieldwork in his or her area prior to undertaking a study. The focus of the thesis is on language and construction of identity, and, since I already understand the language of the subculture, the majority of stuff is going to be re-explaining concepts in terms of anthropological theories.
I've been to several metal shows prior to seeing Emperor a week ago, but this was my "first show" in that I WANTED to attend, paid for my own ticket, and there was a roof over my head (i.e. not an outdoor venue). When I was fifteen or sixteen, I worked at outdoor concerts, and that's where my (literally) first concerts of any genre were had.
Micheal
Wow it great to see you here posting again my friend I often think about PM you on MSN Messenger but I get the feeling your very busy when your online so I never bother you its not because i didnt want to though & Yes Ive got pictures of you still your AWESOME hair and it is AWESOME just thinking the new guys here would envy it to ........ If you ever want a chat please do pm me Micheal.
Pleased to hear you have a girlfriend glad your getting your life on track to !
Axel Aka Zig
Great to get this update Michael. I rember when you polled the board (something to do with music/numbers and colours? Sorry, at 23 the ol'noggin aint what it used to be!) a few years back.
Good luck with it all!
As to your thesis, I'm sure you have already but if not...you must check out the documentary "Metal-A Headbanger's Journey" and try and get the special edition which has an extra mini-documentary on Norweigian Black Metal.
It's done by a sociologist/anthropologist/lifelong fan of metal.
A bit short and nowehere near the level of detail that would be in a thesis (which I'd love to read one day btw!!), but definitelt still worthwile.
All the best with everything.
EMPEROR!!!! \m/!!!
Ah, the death metal community. Good choice;). Ill be glad to contribute to your project (as a member of this community).
Keep it growing, thanks for the update.
-Mihnea