Simply sit, stand or lie in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Take in a deep breath, inhaling slowly and all the way into your belly. Hold your breath for a moment, then exhale slowly. Repeat for however long you like.
Short or long, meditation has the power to change your mood, your day, and even your life. If you’ve never tried a short meditation, why not do it today? You might be amazed at what happens.
Several people on Twitter and other theatre kid-dominated social media platforms have responded to these offensive, misguided reviews of The Lightning Thief by demanding that major publications employ younger theatre critics who will give teen musicals a fair chance. I think that this is part of the solution, but I also think it’s imperative that we urge the existing older critics to stop looking down on shows written for teenagers simply because they’re for teenagers, and instead to cast aside their adult perspectives and ask themselves: “is this the kind of show my teen self would have wanted, even needed, to see?”
It’s vital to foster an environment where all kinds of musicals can flourish to the highest.
Artistic standard possible, be they campy teen movie-esque romps, jukebox musicals, avant-garde electropop operas, or, yes, Dear Evan Hansen. And if critics are genuinely worried that encouraging the rise of teen musicals will cause them to take over Broadway entirely
Daina Limey
Leaving nothing for overly serious adults to enjoy, then all I can do is point out once again that before very recently it was the teenagers who had nothing just for them on the musical theatre stage. So, maybe, said critics just need to count their blessings and find another fantasy.
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Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the 2023 nominations highlights an important truth about metal music: its strength does not depend on external validation. While recognition from institutions like the Grammy Awards can provide additional visibility, the genre’s true vitality comes from the passion of its fans and the creativity of its musicians.
Metal has survived and evolved for decades precisely because it exists outside the boundaries of mainstream expectations. Whether through underground clubs, international festivals, or online communities, the genre continues to inspire millions of listeners around the world. The debate over award nominations may come and go each year, but the enduring spirit of metal music remains stronger than ever.
Another reason metal continues to flourish is its willingness to evolve. New subgenres emerge regularly, each bringing fresh influences and creative approaches. Some bands incorporate elements of progressive rock and jazz, while others draw inspiration from electronic music or classical composition. This openness to experimentation ensures that metal remains a dynamic and ever-changing art form.
The younger generation of metal musicians is particularly exciting. Many new artists have grown up with access to a wide range of musical influences, allowing them to create unique combinations of styles. Their work reflects the increasingly global nature of music culture, blending traditions from different parts of the world into powerful and original compositions.
Although mainstream awards may not always recognize these innovations, the metal community itself plays an active role in celebrating them. Independent music publications, online forums, and fan-driven playlists help promote talented artists who might otherwise remain unknown. In this way, the community functions as its own ecosystem of discovery and support.
One of the most important aspects of metal culture is the sense of belonging it creates among listeners. Fans often describe metal as more than just a genre of music—it is a community built around shared experiences, values, and emotions.
Concerts and festivals provide opportunities for fans to connect with one another and celebrate the music that brings them together. These events demonstrate the global reach of metal and its ability to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Live performances play a particularly important role in the metal world. The energy of a metal concert is unlike anything else in music. Powerful guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and passionate vocals create an atmosphere that can be both intense and exhilarating.
For many fans, these experiences are far more meaningful than watching an award ceremony on television.
The rise of digital platforms has also helped metal music reach new audiences. Streaming services allow listeners to discover bands from around the world with just a few clicks.
Social media enables artists to communicate directly with fans and share their creative process in ways that were impossible in earlier decades. These tools have helped create a more decentralized music industry in which success is not determined solely by major labels or award institutions.
Metal musicians themselves often emphasize the importance of authenticity over commercial recognition.
Many artists view their music as a form of personal expression rather than a product designed for mass appeal. This attitude has allowed the genre to remain innovative and fearless, constantly exploring new ideas and sounds.
Younger bands often experiment with blending metal with other styles, including electronic music, hip-hop rhythms, and atmospheric sound design. These creative approaches attract new audiences and help expand the boundaries of the genre. Unfortunately, such experimentation may not always align with the expectations of award voters who are more familiar with traditional forms of metal.
The global expansion of metal music also plays an important role in shaping the genre’s future. Countries around the world have developed vibrant metal scenes that contribute unique cultural influences to the music.
Scandinavian countries, for example, have produced some of the most influential extreme metal bands, while Japan has developed its own distinctive style of melodic and experimental metal. Despite this international diversity, Grammy nominations tend to focus primarily on artists who already have strong connections to the American music industry.
This imbalance highlights a broader issue about representation in global music culture. As metal continues to grow worldwide, many fans believe that award institutions should broaden their perspective and recognize artists from a wider range of backgrounds.
Doing so would not only celebrate the genre’s diversity but also introduce audiences to exciting new sounds that they might not otherwise discover.
At the same time, the debate surrounding the nominations demonstrates how passionate the metal community remains.
Fans care deeply about the music and are eager to support artists who push the genre forward. Even when the Grammys fail to reflect their preferences, the community continues to celebrate great metal through concerts, festivals, and online discussions.