The hard pounding drums. The vibration of guitars. The screaming vocalists.

That gives me sanity.

It’s not just the downloaded music, and playlists, of rock music that keeps me going. It’s being able to stand in front of guitarists, drummers, and singers. The flashing lights, the bass, the crowds. That is home to me.

And it doesn’t have to be a huge tour. A local show here, in Stockton, at The Burning Bush keeps me going.

The Burning Bush is home to the rest of the kids who turn to a preferred music taste, and the adrenaline of the intense crowds to feel alive. And what makes it better is that the music being played is played by other kids who find bliss in performing for the rest of those who live for it.

The Burning Bush is one of the few places where I’m able to ease my mind and let go of all the anxiety built up inside. It’s the comfort from the music, and the friendliness of others. The feeling of not being alone.

But it’s also being able to support the kids who have high dreams of making it somewhere. It’s safe to say that they will make it because they’re determined and willing. They put their all into what they enjoy.

It’s amazing— the influence a genre of music can have on a person. An influence to inspire kids to believe in themselves in pursuing musical careers. An influence to give kids a sense of sanity.