This is a personal record I wrote for me to read back.
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How did I spend this year. Let me start by looking back with the facts.
This was the year I bought the most analog records of my life. That being said, it was only recently (winter 2017) that I started buying analog records.
So there is little data that can be properly compared. But it's true that this year is the year we bought the most records.
Furthermore, it can be said that this is the year when the most money was spent on records.
One of the records I bought this year has a particularly impressive album. It is Colin Blunstone - One Year.
Knowing this album this year is my biggest harvest. Especially the song “Caroline Goodbye” included in that album made me feel special.
The people who taught me this album are two musicians I respect.
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In February 2019, there was a very big event in my life. I spent the day in my hometown with two musicians I told.
It was a winter day when three of us visited a record store, a cafe and a restaurant. However that was not what I had always wanted. It was a big event that I never imagined.
My growing interest in analog records may be related to that day's experience. But I'm aware that it's more than that.
Another possible reason for interest in analog records is attending some events in this year. I was given the opportunity to appear at events by record store clerks and some kind DJs.
However I had a lot of thoughts about DJing shortly after I started buying records. Because I haven't always liked playing a role as a player if you're not familiar with an area.
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Just around the same time, I heard about a "good audience（良い観客）". From conclusion, I've always wanted to be a good audience. I have never wanted to be a good player. Or rather, I may not be interested in it.
The story of that "good audience" was spoken by a Japanese philosopher. Here are the points that left an impression in that story.
- If everyone in the field becomes a player, the culture will not continue (cannot continue)
- You can be proud of being a good audience
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Just like the spread of SNS, everyone can now freely transmit and become a player. At first glance it sounds like a great thing. But now, I don't think people are well adapted to the situation.
In other words, I think that many people who did not need to be players have become players. Looking back at the history of suffrage, there is hope that everyone can participate equally.
But I think the important meaning is that everyone has the right to participate as well as the right not to participate.
To put it differently, the world where anyone can be a player, the best thing about it is the freedom of not being a player.
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In my life in this year, players are DJs and audiences are listeners. I think I buy analog records to enjoy being a listener.
Of course, I don't hate DJing. Playing records in the hotel lounge has been one of the most enjoyable experiences in my life.
But I still want to be a good audience (listener). Analog records are also great to listen to alone. And it is not limited to analog records. Books, movies, conversations, etc.
Today, I thought back on what happened in February this year and realized it.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I want to be a good audience in my future life（これからの人生）. At least now.
I don’t know about next one year. Happy holiday.