Posi music

Origins#

Early posi music certainly had some roots in traditional folk music, in the genre labeled protest music. While much of protest music would not fit into the simple definition of posi music, a subjective opinion could easily include songs like “We Shall Overcome” by Pete Seeger or “If I Had a Hammer” performed by Peter Paul and Mary. Deeper roots were nourished by New Thought musicians and posi music finally emerged as a fully defined concept when pioneers of the genre, Karl Anthony, Shanti Norman, Charley Thweatt, and Leroy White created music that was not focused on theology, but instead on more inclusive themes. Unlike gospel and contemporary worship music, posi music’s lyrics are less specifically spiritual. By focusing on the human spirit and world community, posi music embraces musicians from any religion. As the genre has evolved, it has been adopted by artists following many different spiritual paths ranging from New Thought, Agapism, Judaism, Christian Science and Catholicism to Buddhism, Pantheism and Seicho-no-Ie. There are groups of posi music artists who are dedicating most, if not all, of their music specifically to uplifting or motivational topics. As favor for the genre has grown, entire record labels have been dedicated to publication of posi music. As always, a selection of mainstream pop music would also fit into the genre of posi music, touching on major themes such as friendship and gratitude. Examples would be the hit songs “You’ve Got A Friend” by James Taylor, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel, and “Thank You For Being A Friend” by Andrew Gold. Of course, countless others would fit the bill; gratitude songs could once again go all the way back to Bob Hope’s “Thanks for the Memory,” right up to songs simply entitled “Thank You” by Dido or Natalie Merchant.

Style#

Posi music is described as being upbeat and uplifting music. Usually it centers around the lyrics rather than the music itself. Often it is affirmational, though sometimes it is a call directing the listener to make changes to how they live. Posi music can be spiritual, but it is not specifically religious in nature. This is by design, as posi music is meant to be enjoyed by people of all faiths.

Uses#

Posi music can be used in many settings beyond spiritual communities. Posi music is marketed for use in retreats, workshops, fitness centers, counseling centers, therapy, nursing homes and hospitals. The themes in posi music are ideal for programs such as Arts in Medicine, where music is used to promote healing. Uses of posi music have expanded to include motivational music for work-outs and companies like Amway have used motivational music to inspire their distributors. In 2008 Barack Obama used posi music in his Yes We Can campaign by enlisting artist support like India.Arie with songs like “There’s Hope” and “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas.

Events#

November has been declared Posi Music Month by many notable musicians in the genre. Fans are encouraged to “fast” from negative music and go on a “diet” of positive music for the month.

References#

• Lysa Allman-Baldwin, Positive music artists share “Posi Music” in New Thought centers: Unity.org
• E. W. Murtfeldt, “How Music Heals the Sick,” Popular Science, 131(32–33)
• Eckhart Tolle, “A New Earth,” Penguin Books, 2005