Preface: “Assert that the mind preexisted, before you were born, and that the brain is not the seat of thought—rather, it is merely and instrument of the mind, helping to implement the mind’s will, move muscles, and maintain homeostasis in the body.” - Dualist thinking, by Levitin.
You are certainly familiar with the phenomenon that occurs when you listen to music on a set of headphones. You may be still in a chair, in the middle of a crowd, on a computer, treadmill, or sidewalk listening to something you’ve chosen, and eventually get the feeling that you’ve intimately and individually become part of what you are listening to. You develop a mood, develop a running pace, zone in to or zone out of what you are doing, and all the while the music registers. This occurrence just scratches the surface of ‘what music does’ and, at the same time gives meaning.
If you wonder why music does things to you, spins you a tale, surrounds you, envelopes you from the inside out, this is why:
Facts: The human brain is networks of interconnected neurons performing computations that trigger functions like thoughts and consciousness. It has been mapped by neuropsychologists; motor skills live in a certain region of the brain, personality in another, ‘making sense’ in a small region somewhere else, vision in the occipital lobe, emotions in the cerebellum, and so on. But uncannily, musical activity involves nearly every region of the brain that we know about, and nearly every neural subsystem. That said, it is vital.
Out of K.’s hometown of Huntington’s emerged Gabe Perez who has followed a passion of his to successful ends. Identified as Protector, he muses from the potential of the future. “We’re in a very interesting state of electronic music. A lot of people are looking out for what’s next in almost every genre. I think this is a great opportunity to really break down the elements of what makes great music. I think music is going to become more of an emotional coloring tool to bring leverage to the state of being you choose to be in.” As well, it seems to come from a knowledge of the aforementioned facts, knowledge and experience in a wide range of musical genres, and a deep personal understanding of continuous exploration. “I think people are going to begin to take the vibe of tunes a lot more seriously. I want my music to be deep, compassionate and energizing. That’s how I like to live and that’s what I’ll represent.” Thus, the original electronic music he produces under the alias Protector is striking the right chords in all types of people.
Talk about the name Protector, what is the significance? “Protector’ has a very safe and comforting connotation. You can get a sense of trust and reliability in just the name alone. I think thats a perfect foundation for a positive, strong, and encouraging music. Music can be incredibly influential on the psyche, mood and environment. I believe that musicians should have more responsibility in altering the airspace with loud frequencies as it’s technically altering who is present at that moment.
How would you describe your sound? The Protector sound is something that is evolving and growing, but I do my best to let the music reflect feelings of endurance, strength, heartfelt passion, pride, dexterity, deep love, really just all aspects that I would imagine someone would want as their personal “protector”. [...] the songs reflect on a colorful character with a compatible personality whose an explosive sprinter, a berserker style defender, a reliable and good companion to have around you who can get the job the done and tell you that he actually cares. I want my music to feel like that. Like a guardian archangel standing by your side, and the actions it can take. I strive for that feeling.
If you like your insides to vibrate, your emotions moved powerfully and dynamically, and your environment lively and positive, you will consent with Protector. I had the opportunity to help make it rain glow sticks and experience his show at The Paramount in Huntington, NY (among others) opening for DATSIK and Steve Aoki. Rad. In leaving the venue, I was actually thanked by a few heavy breathing ragers for making that moment so special.
Protector is playing The Bamboozle this year in ASbury Park, NJ! Check out the Protector website for all show dates, info, and downloads. Be sure to DOWNLOAD PROTECTOR’S 2 EP’S FOR FREE!
Links: >Protector Website >Facebook >Twitter
photo: Maya Bengston
Protector is one of the best music personalities to arrive on the scene this year.