“Without music, life would be a mistake" – Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols

Life, love, rebirth, identity, personal philosophies, experience, resilience, you name it – these are all parts of life and therefore the raison d’etre for most music. It is never born from nothing. It is never without life. If no artist can be divorced from their context, the the one context we all share is breathing… for the most part.

Find below a playlist that can speak to what it means for various artists to be alive. Even the most seemingly banal will have a deep resonance to someone, or touch us in a way that nothing else can. Music has an ability, with lyrics or without, to immortalise and historicise our lives – and for me, life would not be complete without it. Music encourages us, as Laurie Anderson says, to look behind the curtain – behind the veil. What does it really mean metaphysically?

There are songs of celebration urging us to live life joyously, or to evade trouble to survive. Perhaps Frank says it best:

"I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet , a pawn and a king

I've been up and down and over and out  and I know one thing

Each time I find myself, flat on my face

I pick myself up and get, Back in the race.

It is never too late for life. Nor is it too late for the music to soundtrack it."

To experience the Life issue in its entirety, the March edition of RUSSH will be available on newsstands from Thursday 29 February and through our shop online. You can also get a glimpse inside the issue by reading the official Editor's Letter, penned by Jess Blanch. Wanting to purchase the Life issue in person? Find a stockist near you.