Seven years ago, I was sitting on a patio in New Orleans singing my first original song with the help of Murray Foster. It was St. Patrick’s Day so of course I had to write an appropriate tune called, Raise A Glass Boys.
Up to this point in my life, I had never been musical. I had never learned to play an instrument, and I was terrified of the thought of singing in public.
I was turning 50 that year and, on a whim, I signed up for a “Songwriter Getaway” with the Toronto Songwriting School. There were about a dozen of us on this trip and it was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life! The group was truly remarkable. People of all ages and life experiences. The common denominator was music.
Why do I bring this up?
I came across a video by Wendy Lands. She is an excellent Musician and Voiceover Pro. In the video Wendy talked about how some of her students felt prior to an audition. The common comments were that they were fearful, afraid, or scared. Wendy questioned what they were afraid of? It came down to feeling shame for “doing something wrong” or “looking like an idiot.” Wendy surmised that when you’re afraid, you don’t want to stand out, so you blend in. Blending in is the last thing you want to be doing in an audition, or in life. So, listen to Wendy and “phuck the fear and stand out!”
Had I not said, “phuck it” and signed up for that Songwriter Getaway, I never would have purchased a guitar, and I never would have found the joy that music can bring to your life. We only have one life, don’t blend in!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!
Have a listen to my tune when you have a moment: