When I speak of eroticism, I'm not speaking exclusively of the genital excitement and psychological/physiological excitement. I'm speaking of Eros (Ero-tic), the awakening energy. It's a mixture of Freud and philosophy. Freud used Eros as the primary life energy. And it is. But, it works in tandem with love and sexuality. But it is not linked exclusively to sexuality. Observing a gorgeous mountain valley and feeling exhilarated is an erotic experience that engages something higher than the psychological/genital sense that most people associate with the word. But it is the same vibrational motion of spirit as sexually excited eroticism, just vibrating in a different space. Anything that brings us to awakening and invigorates us is erotic. And erotic energy always comes from outside of us (as opposed to love, which is from the inside... and sexuality which is both/creative). The question is what level of awareness the erotic energy is touching.

Some musicians' stage presence emanates the genital/sexual eroticism (Rolling Stones, Usher, Shakira, whatever). And this is exciting in one way. Others are intellectually erotic (I would say maybe Radiohead, Refused, Chumbawamba). Then there are some which are spiritually erotic (This actually isn't referring to Spirit, in the formal sense, but instead soul. I actually think this is the most common musical eroticism and that's what I find so special about music. It's pretty common for real musicians to speak from soul). Keep in mind that none of these are exclusive. Then there are musicians who tap into all of them. These are integral musicians, who are aware of Erotic (big E) union and expression. I have witnessed two of these in the past month or so (Stuart Davis and, now, Devendra Banhart). These artists arouse the whole chain of being inside of the self and anyone who is moderately aware of themselves would have a hard time denying the unified feeling unfolding in their creative presence. And this creativity is spiritually sexual. It is generative.