TINY CONNECTIONS FROM ISOLATION by Connor Hadley
Nearly a week ago, as our country was beginning to hunker down, I posted on my Instagram story asking friends to share their favorite albums. The rules were pretty simple: it had to be a full album (any genre), no skip-tracks, something you would listen to front-to-back, and I was really only asking for one-per-person. I’ve been enamored for a bit now with the journey a *full* album can take you on, rather than an individual song.
Anyway, I got a handful of responses.
A small sample of the album suggestions Connor received.
I started off my listening with a friend I used to intern for, who suggested Katy Perry’s first album, “One of the Boys.” I bopped along to the classics, and even found some new favorites from an artist I had been admittedly indifferent towards. The friend, Lisa, had previously told me that it was all she had listened to one summer in high school—and instantly brought her back to working at the local golf course and driving around in her baby blue Jeep.
From there I moved on to a few other albums, some of which I kind of knew, others not at all. When I finished one, I would share it to my Instagram story, and offer 1-2 lines about what I thought (I have generally liked all of them and I am hardly a critic here— no one needs to know if I think their music taste is trash during a pandemic.)
With each one I posted, someone would pop into my inbox with “Hey! Are you still looking for albums?” Of course, I always said yes. And if they commented that they also liked one I had shared, I asked them to send me another that they loved. Through this very low-effort approach, I now have a running list of 50+ albums submitted by friends, and am listening to my 25th. My goal is to get to 100.
The idea was born out of boredom and wanting to discover some new music. But what it has turned into is this perfect little way of connecting with people from my isolation bubble.
One of the texts Connor received after asking friends for their favorite album.
Music choices are so personal. You like the music you like because it speaks to your soul—maybe it reminds you of a past relationship. Or driving around your small hometown when you first got your license. Or drinking in your dorm room Freshman year.
The most beautiful moments in all of this have been learning new things about friends without even actually seeing them. One of them loves a Frank Sinatra album, because she inherited her grandparents’ record collection and plays it on a loop. Another chose a Shania Twain album that was the first one she remembers having- she’d read the little CD insert over and over again. One of my best friends had me listen to Eric Church, and then told me I’d have to come with his family the next time they traveled to one of his shows (they’ve gone to them in about 6 states so far).
More texts from friends, sharing music in the time of social distancing.
We’re in an uncertain, scary moment of time. We’ve been discouraged from connecting with anyone in person, and everyone is trying their best to keep up some level of connection via their phones and computer screens. Find the moments that connect you and connect with the ones you love. Find ways to learn something new about a friend you’ve known for years. And if I may suggest so myself—just start with a simple “what’s your favorite album?”
CONNOR HADLEY is an NYC-based actor, singer, and dancer, who did experience (and survive) the Hairspray open call of 2020. Born and raised at the Jersey Shore, he moved to the city to do communications for a major hospital and needless to say, that isn't a thing anymore! He's learning that he has the type of face that makes people stop him in the grocery store to tell him their life story. @connorhadley