We have 24/7 Available Music. What???

My mind typically oscillates between being confused by the smallest things, asking "But how??" or "But why??", or being mind-blown by them. Typically the second one follows the first, after I understand the basic principles of the thing.

But not today. Today I am simply fascinated by the fact that we have music available to us 24/7. I don't need to understand the tech behind it to appreciate it. It is simply bonkers.

If you are not into medieval or fantasy literature, this may be a "WTF is she talking about?" kind of post. Even if you are it might be. BUT, hear me out, do you realize what a rare privilege hearing music was at all? Sure you had the rudimentary instruments played (mostly) badly by locals here and there, and if the village is lucky they may have someone who can sing and tell tales, but to truly hear music, they needed access to actual artists, bards. Which is a rare commodity, typically reserved for the wealthiest of the realm.

People cherished the passing moments they had the opportunity to hear a bard whenever one came anywhere near them. The townsfolk who could sing or tell stories were coveted and were usually lore-keepers, revered in their talent.

And yet, we, people who are no different than all the townsfolk of old, are able to just play music anytime we feel like it without realizing what an absolute privilege it is. You may enjoy it, but how often do you truly appreciate it for what a privilege it is to have access to music anytime you want and be healthy enough to hear it in the first place?

You just open an app on your phone or a website in your computer, put the name of the song you want to listen, and you can just hear it? Truly insane. Especially considering how new a development recordings are (roughly 70 years of history).

I am mind-blown.