Sevens and patience

On a recent trip to Kyoto, Japan, we played in a small club that had an even smaller backstage area. In fact, it wasn’t even a backstage area — just a hallway, about 7 feet long. This was where we were to store ALL of our equipment while the other group played. That was a challenge in itself, but what really struck me about this area, was the incredible, and largest I’ve ever seen, 7″ record collection:

Amazed at the size of this collection, and the curiosity as to why they were there, I began imagining all sorts of scenarios (does the club actually have djs that play these?), and about the format in general. Looking at all the covers reminded me what a unique format it is: two songs around three minutes each. On one hand, it’s quick and easy music, but on the other, think about what’s involved in getting to this music: it requires a good deal of patience and focus. To play a 7″ record, you really must want to hear the song. You can’t do too much while it’s on, because it’ll be over before you know it. You pretty much put it on, and listen. All sorts of things can happen then: memories, new ideas, questions, developing interests in certain styles and traits, melodies, textures, everything the recording provides.

These days, we have devices that will let us listen to music for an entire day or longer in one sitting. There are certainly benefits to that, but something is definitely missed from the focus of the 7″ experience.