Turning Conversations into Music
The Concept
At Our Lives Project, we are always looking for innovative ways to bring people together and foster positive mental well-being. One of our most exciting initiatives involves a unique blend of conversation and music, designed to create lasting connections and uplift spirits.
Music: The Universal Language
Music is an integral part of our lives. It has the power to evoke memories, change moods, and connect us to one another. But what if we could take our conversations about music and turn them into something even more special? This is the idea behind our latest project: transforming conversations into musical pieces.
How It Works
We work with community groups and explain the goal of our activity: to explore how music intertwines with our lives and to create a unique piece of art from our conversation. This activity not only celebrates our shared love of music but also aims to enhance positive feelings and bring a sense of community.
We kickstart the discussion with a series of questions designed to trigger musical memories and emotions. Participants might reminisce about the first song they fell in love with, tunes that never fail to make them happy, or the music that lifts them during tough times. We talk about everything from favorite TV show themes to gaming soundtracks, uncovering how deeply music runs through the fabric of our lives.
As the conversation flows, we record everything. This raw, unfiltered dialogue is rich with personal stories, laughter, and sometimes even tears. These recordings are the heart of our project, capturing the true essence of the group’s shared experiences.
At the end of the conversation, each participant writes down their favorite song, singer, or type of music. We randomly select one of these to guide the creation of our musical piece.
We then create two versions of the final piece:
- Spoken Word Version: This version preserves the natural flow of the conversation, allowing the participants’ voices to tell their song from the lines of their conversation
- Musical Version: Inspired by the guiding song, we craft a new song that mirrors its tempo, rhythm, and mood. We draw lyrics directly from the conversation, ensuring the final piece is a true reflection of the group’s shared musical journey.
The Impact
Sharing the final piece with the group is a powerful experience. Hearing their words transformed into music often brings about a deep sense of connection and joy. It’s a reminder of how music weaves through our lives, binding us together in unexpected and wonderful ways.
Why It Matters
This project is more than just a creative exercise. It’s a way to:
- Enhance Well-being: Music and conversation both have therapeutic qualities. Combining them helps boost mood and mental well-being.
- Creating Connections: Sharing stories and creating something beautiful together strengthens social bonds.
- Celebrate Memories: Transforming personal memories into a shared musical piece honors and celebrates individual and collective experiences.
Join Us on This Journey
At Our Lives Project we are thrilled to continue exploring the intersections of music, memory, and community. Stay tuned for more stories from our transformative musical projects and discover how the simple act of conversation can lead to beautiful, harmonious creations.
Let’s celebrate the music that moves us and the conversations that connect us.
Project Co-ordinator
Jason Culleton
Project Co-Ordinator
Jason Culleton - Singer-Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Community Advocate
Jason Culleton – Singer-Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Community Advocate
Jason is a dedicated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Graiguecullen, a small town on the Laois/Carlow border. His journey with music began at a young age, quickly mastering the piano, guitar, flute, and whistles. By his early teens, Jason was not only playing multiple instruments but also writing songs, using music as a medium to delve into and express his deepest thoughts and emotions.
After completing his schooling, Jason pursued his passion for music full-time. His performances in local venues garnered a loyal following who resonated with his unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. Alongside performing, Jason became a music teacher, imparting his knowledge to students of all ages, helping them discover the joy of playing instruments.
In 2001, Jason expanded his musical journey by working with community groups in Carlow, providing music therapy to individuals with disabilities, Alzheimer’s, and other vulnerable populations. Witnessing the healing and uplifting power of music, he became dedicated to sharing this gift widely, enhancing the lives of many through his compassionate efforts.
Over the years, Jason has become a well-known figure in Carlow’s community network. His kind nature and readiness to assist those in need have earned him widespread respect and admiration. In 2017, he joined the Carlow County Development Partnership, and by 2021, he took on the role of a Community Specialist in the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme. In this role, he leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to foster community cohesion and support throughout the county.
Despite facing personal health challenges and periods of questioning his life’s purpose, Jason has remained resilient. His struggles have led him to explore darker aspects of mental health, which he channels into his music, creating art that opens up conversations about these critical issues.
Today, Jason continues to inspire through his music and his unwavering commitment to his community. Balancing his busy schedule, he still finds time to compose and perform, remaining devoted to his first love: music. Jason’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a profound dedication to using his talents for the betterment of others.
Project History
2024
Discovering the Heartbeat of Bagenalstown: An multi generational community group album.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of County Carlow, Bagenalstown is a town brimming with rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. The Bagenalstown Creative Places Groups Project has beautifully captured this essence through a unique and heartfelt collection of songs. This album, born from the voices and stories of the town’s residents, weaves together the past and present, painting a vivid musical portrait.
The project embarked on an inspiring journey with eight community groups from Bagenalstown. Each group brought its own flavor, stories, and melodies, contributing to a rich tapestry of musical expression. These conversations with the groups not only created a deeper sense of community but also resulted in a collection of songs.
The core of the album is the collection of songs created in collaboration with the community groups. Each song stands as a testament to the groups diverse culture and shared history. From traditional tunes that echo the past to contemporary rhythms that speak to the present, these songs are a celebration of Bagenalstown’s unique identity.
One of the standout additions to this collection is a song capturing the vibrant energy and feelings on the streets during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight of the year for Bagenalstown, bringing together residents and visitors in a joyous celebration of Irish culture and heritage. This song, with its lively rhythms and spirited lyrics, encapsulates the excitement and communal joy that fills the air during this festive occasion.
Adding another layer to this musical journey is a vox pop song that captures the voices of people who work in Bagenalstown but reside elsewhere sharing what they love about the town. This track is a mosaic of personal anecdotes, heartfelt appreciations, and shared pride, painting a warm and inviting picture of community life. Whether it’s the friendly faces, the beautiful scenery, or the sense of belonging, this song brings to light the many reasons why Bagenalstown holds a special place in the hearts of the people who visit.
This collection of songs stands as a testament to the town’s rich history, vibrant present, and hopeful future. It’s a celebration of Bagenalstown in all its multifaceted glory, inviting listeners to experience the heartbeat of this charming town through the power of music. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this album is sure to resonate with anyone who appreciates the beauty of community spirit and the magic of shared stories.