The melodic afterglow that flows throughout Mardi Lumsden’s synth pop ballad “nineteen.” It’s the perfect musical framing device that honors both the naivete and romance of being in one’s late teens when a very justified and knowing sense of doubt and nuance turns the black and white of teen feelings and thinking into a more full-fledged emotional spectrum takes hold. Lumsden paints that picture of being nineteen and feeling like you understand everything about love and you are willing to do anything for it or your idea of what that might be because your youthful exuberance is undiluted by life experience. But toward the latter half of the song the lyrics shift to a more adult perspective where you think you’re more sophisticated and have some more perspective under your belt but have somehow lost that everyday exuberance for life, that native excitement over simple things or rather to have that come to you without effort and have it uplift your actions and outlook. There’s something to be learned from this contrast in not romanticizing youth or ossifying into a sense of self defined by your adopted role in society or in the workplace. Lumsden reminds us that staying connected with the ability to be excited is not folly and that appreciating the benefits of learned wisdom isn’t selling out. Listen to “nineteen” on YouTube and follow Mardi Lumsden at the links provided.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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