This is Brain Music: a selection of songs curated monthly by different members of the Rochester community that we hope will inspire you the same way it inspires its curator.
Photo by Olivia Bauso
Hi! I am Christy Roushey, Designer + Owner of The House of Roushey. I am a modern calligrapher and illustrator obsessed with all things floral & greenery. I started my shop as an extension of my home. It wanted to connect with people through creating affordable, approachable art. And through those connections, build a community that feels as though you are sitting across the table from me in my home.
Photo by Olivia Bauso
In my home, you can usually find music playing or someone bursting into song. And it is probably a song we have made up ourselves! My husband often teases us that we must be the stars of our own musical. For my kids (8 & 5), music has become a part of our routine. We each sing our part (I will always find the harmony!) and have our own special dance moves because it is a part of our routine. We have music that gets us ready for the day, that ease our troubled minds and specific playlists that put us to bed at night.
Photo by Olivia Bauso
So music and art have always been woven together for me. When I first started learning to draw, I had recently changed careers (I am an engineer turned stay at home mom) and art became my outlet, at times even my therapy. I would sit down at my dining room table, turn on my music and sing. I would practice my calligraphy alphabet and write out the lyrics as I sang. It was as much a practice session as it was reminding me of what I needed to hear. Reminding me of who I was, the strength that I had and how I was loved. Aren't those reminders that we each need to hear?
Photo by Olivia Bauso
The songs on this playlist are just a few of my recent favorites. I have to be honest, some of these songs I have listened to hundreds of times, but I couldn't tell you the correct lyrics, but they are still my favorite. It is because the message of the song goes beyond the lyrics. It is in the rise and fall of the melody. It is in the power behind the artist singing. There are also songs on this list that have been exactly what my heart couldn't put into words. Pablo Picasso said it best - "To draw you must close your eyes and sing." And this is typically what I do.
- Christy Roushey