When’s the last time you truly listened to a song? Not while driving, not while scrolling, not as background noise—but sat down, closed your eyes, and let music wash over you completely?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as streaming algorithms push us toward shorter attention spans and instant gratification. We’re losing something precious: the sacred space between artist and listener.
The Ritual of Deep Listening
Growing up, my father had this ritual. Sunday evenings, he’d pour himself a small glass of whiskey, put on a record, and disappear into the music for an hour. No phone, no distractions—just him, the artist, and their shared humanity.
I recently revived this tradition, and it’s changed how I experience music entirely.
Try This: The Roy Pitluk Listening Challenge
- Choose one album (mine, someone else’s—doesn’t matter)
- Find 45 minutes of uninterrupted time
- Sit in your most comfortable chair
- Close your eyes and listen to the entire album
- Notice what emotions arise, what memories surface
Last week, I did this with Nina Simone’s “Wild is the Wind.” By the third song, I was crying—not from sadness, but from the overwhelming beauty of human expression. That’s the power we lose when we treat music like sonic wallpaper.
Why This Matters for Folk and Americana
Our genres are built on storytelling, and stories require space to breathe. When we rush through songs, we miss the pauses that carry as much meaning as the words. We miss the breath before the revelation, the silence after the truth.
The Challenge
This week, I challenge you to have one true listening session. Pick an album that matters to you, or try one of mine if you’re feeling adventurous. Then tell me what you discovered in the comments below.
Music has always been humanity’s way of saying “you are not alone.” But we can only receive that message when we make space for it.
What album will you listen to this week? Share it below—I might feature your choice in my next listening session.eep the conversation going.