A special thanks to @Rudi for taking the time to start this thread and for taking his energy to make it possible - even with some very, very - very! - questionable puns, ha. And a thank you to everyone who shared their messages, some beautiful pieces of heart so far. Here’s my participation:
For my brother.
We grew together to grow apart and together again. Life happened: moving, uncontrollable pieces, with me always eight years ahead of him. Sans Spotify, my discoveries trickling down to him, one band at a time, most of them sticking to this day.
Music then, useful and well-timed centerpiece. My brother then, a force who moves. To be the example inspired by the example, a swirl of good intentions trying to not disappoint. Music - then - as the excuse to start any given conversation that landed in two-way advice.
“How is life? Have you heard the latest from Porcupine Tree?”
“Yes” or “No”, it doesn’t matter. We will listen to whatever the other recommends. It’s the “oh, that reminded of” afterwards that counts. That share bringing two brothers together, jump-starting the sporadic reunion, from the triviality to the deepest we can dig to help.
Time can have its own tide. Music is our oars against it.
This computer where I am typing this exists because of his help. We influence the best versions of ourselves and the ear (1) would be a way to influence the way he consumes music. They certainly influenced the way I consume mine, the same bands that he listens to before asking how life is.