Mya Murray Blog Post 1 — Reflections on The Great Lakes Suite

I really enjoyed listening to this album because my mind immediately began to travel. The peace from the music made me feel like I could be somewhere else entirely Newfoundland coast, Portugal, or anywhere near water. It gave me a sense of independence, like I was about to embark on a solo journey. I kept imagining myself biking along a shoreline or just being close to water, because the wind, waves, and shore always give me a feeling of freedom that compares to nothing else. This music made me feel light, free, and calm. It felt like easy listening music, the kind I would play in a beach house with the doors open, the wind flowing through, and the sun warming everything around me.

As the album continued, it reminded me of so many peaceful moments from my life. I thought about early mornings working on the golf course, watching the sunrise with the crisp morning air and moving dew. I also thought about calm beach walks while watching the sunrise, or standing near the water just taking everything in. These moments are some of my most peaceful memories, and the music brought them back so clearly. Being around lakes has always felt grounding to me, especially when I’m standing on land and simply observing the water rather than being in it.

Not every song made me feel calm, though. Some tracks shifted into a rougher, more stressful vibe that made me think about deeper water and uncertainty. One song, in particular, felt chaotic and overwhelming, mylike water that’s full of algae and too unsettling to jump into. It scratched my brain in a way I didn’t like, and it made me feel anxious rather than relaxed. That contrast really stood out to me: how water can represent peace and freedom, but also fear and discomfort.

Overall, this album gave me very mixed emotions, but in an interesting way. It reminded me how closely music, memory, and water are connected, and how different sounds can bring up completely different feelings tied to similar places. Listening to The Great Lakes Suite felt like moving through calm water, rough currents, and everything in between.