Experience Music Project

“Imagination is the key to my lyrics. The rest is painted with a little science fiction.” 
― Jimi Hendrix

"If VI Was IX"

I was feeling pretty worn out working on the project/blog, arranging interviews and such, when my wife surprised me by suggesting we take a break from the work and spend a day at the Experience Music Project (EMP) museum. It was just what I needed to get the creative juices flowing again.

Hendrix bought this Strat in '68
~ The rest is history

The EMP is a nonprofit museum, which also includes a science fiction museum. The music side of the museum contains far more than the Hendrix memorabilia it is known for. It has the "sound lab" where people are encouraged to pick up instruments and rock! Visitors can even use the soundproof rooms and turn it up as loud as you like. There is also a feature called "on stage" that allows you to get up under the lights-- if you don't know how to play, the instruments can be programmed so a non-musician can experience what it is like to be onstage. What better way to encourage people to learn an instrument?! 

Eddie Van Halen's guitar rig

One room features the history of the guitar, with examples of milestone instruments on display. Visitors can see the actual guitars that changed music; a 1952 Telecaster, 1954 Stratocaster, Jazzmasters, Rickenbackers, Gibsons—they are all here. There are also several celebrity guitars from the likes of Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and Kurt Cobain to name a few. All of which are arranged chronological so someone without any knowledge of music history, or guitars would leave the museum with a solid understanding, and appreciation of both. 

Hendrix; a true inspiration 

Perhaps one of the most recognizable features of the EMP is the sculpture called "If VI Was IX.”  The sculptures name is inspired by a song of the same title, from the 1967 Hendrix album, Axis; Bold As Love. It is constructed from more than 500 working musical instruments that are “played” by 30 computers. It is also equipped with headphones allowing visitors to hear what their eyes are seeing.

"Hendrix Hits London"

Like most museums, the EMP host special, limited engagement exhibits. One such exhibit during our visit called, "Hear My Train a Comin': Hendrix Hits London" had just opened. It was a collection of clothing, show bills, and instruments; not just of Hendrix, but also his band mates, Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Noel Redding (bass). The collection focused on the band's 1967 London experience. Though smaller than I expected, the content was excellent-- well worth the visit.

A visual representation expressing how I felt after visiting the EMP

After spending the day surrounded by so much music history, and countless priceless guitars I was completely reenergized. I could not wait to return home, pick up my guitar and start writing. As Hendrix himself once said, “In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first.”