Letters to Musicians

When I was in college, a friend of mine's mother used to send letters to her daughter when she felt like she hadn't heard from her in a while. I was going through my iTunes the other day and thinking about certain musicians that have sort of fallen by the wayside that I would like to hear from soon. So, if I had a chance to write them little notes, this is what I would say:

Dear Justin Timberlake,

I know you are currently working on being a “serious actor” and I applaud your performance in “The Social Network,” but I really miss you in the music scene. You are charming and hilarious and we all love you, but I'm exhausted from playing Futre Sex/Love Sounds since my sophomore year of college. That was four years ago! You need to get back to what you do best, making music that makes women everywhere just want to dance. I read in Entertainment Weekly that you are spending some time in the studio this summer. Spend more. I love you!

Dear Amy Winehouse,

What I'm about to say comes from a good place, Amy, but you need to go back to making music because I'm afraid that you will die soon. I know you have health issues (the drugs and drinking don't help this, by the way) and you seem a little confused in matters of love, but channel it into your music. It will make you feel better. You were born to sing and I will be sad if you are not around to make the music industry more awesome. Pull yourself together!

Dear Santigold,

I've heard rumors that you are working on a follow-up album to your first, which was a great success considering you used to be one of M.I.A.'s back up singers and you've come a long way. Speaking of M.I.A., I really liked her but her last album sucked. There were like only two good songs on there. I hope that when you come out with your new, unique sound that it's good and something you are proud of. I'm excited to see what you do next.

Dear Shania Twain,

The other night at a club I heard one of your songs and it made me realize that I was in HIGH SCHOOL the last time you released a full length CD. A lot has happened then, and I'm not just referring to your dramatic personal life. Either way, I believe that you are a classy and fun lady and you can write some really wonderful songs from all of this. The music industry misses you! Come back!

Dear members of Coldplay,

If I have to hear 'Livin' la Vida' one more time on the radio I'm going to turn it off forever. Ok, I'm exaggerating, but seriously I feel like you have been gone for a while and not a lot of people are noticing. Well, I notice. And I want you back. I don't care if it's lame to like your band, but I do. I like the soaring piano epics and the interesting production behind your music. I wouldn't mind hearing some new things in the future.

Dear members of Modest Mouse,

So once upon a time you guys made this really great CD called “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” and I listen to this album in it's entirty often. It's that good. I really want another great project from you guys because I think you could really be something. I have faith in you. Don't let me down.

Dear members of No Doubt,

Didn't you guys go on tour with the hopes of reuniting and making new music soon? Whatever happened to that? Get on it! I can only make the iTunes play count of 'Bathwater' go so high...

Dear Jack White,

I'm trying very hard to write this note with clear, concise thoughts, but the sadness and anger at the break-up of The White Stripes clouds it. You two reminded us what rock and roll could be and what it's supposed to be. Still, Jack, you're a genius. I watched 'Get Loud' and it was great. You really are one of those bizarre musical sevants and I say that in the nicest way possible. I hope you continue with your various projects, but that we will soon get to see you, your guitar, and your crazy rock voice front and center.

Love and peace to all of you, even you, Amy,

Emily