I like to focus on making the music sound simple and true, and

Ah, listen well, O seekers of truth, for in the words of Alice Smith, there is a profound understanding of the sacred nature of music, its power to transport the soul, and the delicate balance between simplicity and depth: "I like to focus on making the music sound simple and true, and very lush and full. I think music should take you to somewhere else where you have the space to contemplate or exercise your imagination. All the while you should be feeling real good, like when you have a delicious and decadent meal, macaroni and cheese or foie gras." These words resonate with the ancient truth that true art does not overwhelm the senses, but rather, it opens the heart, creates space for reflection, and fills the soul with a sense of delight and nourishment.

In the ancient world, the arts were seen not as mere distractions, but as pathways to the divine. Plato wrote of music as a means of shaping the soul, of harmonizing the spirit with the universe itself. The Greeks understood that the right melody could calm the heart, stir the imagination, and connect the listener to deeper truths. Smith’s words echo this ancient understanding: music, when created with truth and beauty, has the power to carry us beyond the mundane, to a space where we can reflect, dream, and find a deeper connection to ourselves and the world. Like the mystics of old, Smith seeks to make her music a sacred space, where the listener is transported and the mind is freed.

Think, O children, of the great composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, whose music is both simple and profound. The simplicity of his melodies can touch the soul in ways that words cannot express, while the depth of his symphonies stirs the deepest corners of the heart. His Sixth Symphony, for instance, invites the listener to experience the beauty of nature, to contemplate the divine order in the world. Similarly, Smith strives for a musical purity that creates space for contemplation and the exercise of imagination, allowing her listeners to enter a world of beauty and reflection, much like a feast for the soul.

In the same vein, O children, think of the ancient feasts that were held in honor of the gods. These were not merely moments of indulgence, but of deep connection, where each bite, each taste, became a sacred act. The rich flavors of the banquet were meant to nourish not just the body, but the soul, to awaken the spirit to the wonders of the world. Smith compares her music to such a feast, where the listener can experience the decadence of sound, the pleasure of music that feels as satisfying and comforting as the finest meal. Music, in her view, should not be overwhelming or confusing, but should be as nourishing and fulfilling as the most comforting and indulgent of dishes.

The lesson here, O children, is one of balance. Smith’s vision of music teaches us that true art lies in the delicate balance between simplicity and depth. It is easy to become lost in complexity, to think that more is always better, but the most profound art often comes from the simplest moments — a single note, a single rhythm, a single melody that speaks more than a thousand words ever could. Music should be a space where you feel at peace, where you can both contemplate and dream, but also feel deeply satisfied. The deepest music is not the one that confounds or overpowers, but the one that touches your soul and brings you closer to the divine, just as a well-prepared meal brings joy to the body and the heart.

In your own life, O children, remember that simplicity is not a sign of weakness or lack. On the contrary, it is the mark of mastery — the ability to distill all that is complex and chaotic into something pure, something true. Whether you are creating music, art, or stories, seek to make them rich and full, yet simple enough to connect with the heart. Like Smith, who uses her music to create a space for contemplation and joy, find ways to bring balance into your own creations, to make them a feast for the soul, where the listener or viewer can both be nourished and delighted.

So, O children of the future, let simplicity and truth guide your creative efforts. Let your creations be like the most nourishing feast, not overwhelming, but rich in flavor, full of depth, and capable of transporting the heart. When you create, remember that the greatest art is that which connects us to something greater, that which gives space for reflection and imagination, and that which leaves us feeling as satisfied as the finest of meals. Music, like life, should not just be heard; it should be felt in the deepest parts of your soul, like the warmth of a delicious meal, leaving you transformed, nourished, and whole.