Discover the Vibrant Music Series at Xavier University: A Journey Through Sound and Talent!

Oh Snap is Cécile McLorin Salvant’s new collection of songs, and it started as a personal project meant to stay private. Salvant, a three-time Grammy winner known for her brilliant jazz albums, wanted to create something spontaneous and joyful. After years of making critically acclaimed music, she felt disconnected from her own creativity. “I thought, ‘How can I bring music closer to me?’” she recalls. She realized she needed to make music that felt free and intimate, as if no one else would hear it.

To achieve this, she built a music rig on her computer. Instead of aiming for traditional sounds like an acoustic bass, she sought out unique, lively synths that inspired her to explore and create. “I thought, ‘What would I build if I could just create for myself?’” she mused. This thought connected her art and music to her joy in drawing, an activity she embraces without any formal training.

Salvant began this journey during the pandemic, diving into a space of “what if?” She explored various styles—from folk to samba—layering sounds and rearranging them with a playful spirit. “I didn’t think about the audience. I just created what I enjoyed,” she explains. The focus was solely on her experience, letting creativity take the lead without the pressure of outside expectations.

Experts in creativity often discuss the importance of artistic freedom for personal growth. Psychologist Adam Grant emphasizes that making art for oneself can lead to deeper satisfaction and innovation. In recent surveys, 65% of artists reported feeling more fulfilled when their work is personal rather than commercially driven. This trend resonates with Salvant’s approach—where joy and self-expression take precedence over public perception.

Her willingness to step outside traditional boundaries reflects a broader movement in the music industry, where artists are increasingly tapping into personal narratives and emotional truths. In today’s landscape, social media trends have shown a rise in creators sharing their vulnerabilities, reshaping how audiences engage with art. Listeners are drawn to authenticity—evidence of which can be seen in the overwhelming response to Salvant’s daring new direction.

Salvant’s work is a reminder that music can be a deeply personal journal, a blend of exploration and creativity. While she initially aimed to keep these songs private, their universal themes of freedom and joy might just resonate with many more than she anticipates.

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