Why your kids will love CLP’s STACKS, and so will you

Photo above by Steve Harvey via Unsplash. 

I love music. I listen to it 24/7, unless I’m sleeping. I love discovering new music and artists. I also love the diverse, artsy culture of Pittsburgh. This is why I was excited to learn about STACKS, and you should be, too.

STACKS is a library that showcases music from the city of Pittsburgh. It’s created and maintained by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Anyone can listen for free right here. And with a library card, tracks can be downloaded to a device. (You can get a library card for free at any Carnegie Library location or right here online. STACKS is accessible to all.)

Once a year, STACKS collects entries from local musicians to add to their library. Anyone can submit an album to STACKS, which is then reviewed by a jury. I spoke with Zombo, a member of the 2024 jury. Zombo is a creative artist and musician with a fun, out-of-the-box vibe.

When asked about his selection process, Zombo shared this: “I always have a rule. If I like something the first time I hear it, there’s a pretty good chance someone else might like it the first time they hear it.”

CONNECTING WITH LOCAL CULTURE

STACKS allows teens to connect with the Pittsburgh community and culture. There’s such a wonderful, vibrant culture in Pittsburgh, but it can be hard for a teen to feel like they’re a part of it — especially if they’re from a rural area like me. I’ve recently spent a lot more time in the city, and I’ve really grown because of it.

When I started to spend more time in Pittsburgh, I was shocked to find how well it aligns with my interests and values. There are fascinating and artistic organizations like SLB Radio and City of Asylum. There are interesting academic places like the Heinz History Museum and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is a socially diverse place full of open-minded people. STACKS will provide this experience for teens, through one of the most personal and accessible art forms there is: music.

STACKS also provides entertainment. When I asked Zombo what makes his music unique, he said, his music “is really based on a lot of joy … There’s a lot of music that’s really dour. I just think that people need to be cheered up a little.”

Zombo’s music, just like other music found on STACKS, is light, fun, and humorous. That’s exactly what I believe teens need, because being a teen can be stressful and emotional.

STACKS is a wonderful resource, and I’m so excited to share it. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some recommendations: I enjoyed Omens by Lady Beast, give me my flowers while I am still here by millie DREAD, and The Great Escape by Kai Roberts.

I hope you and your teens explore STACKS and find music that brightens your day and opens up new horizons.