The Music Never Died

“Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

It’s a story I hear often from artists and songwriters, especially late in life. They had the music in them growing up, they had started to pursue it, and they even had found some success. But then life got in the way. Job, marriage, children, health issues, and other things forced them to put music aside for the time being. 

Then years went by. Sure, every once in a while they’d think about it, play an instrument, sing a song at church, but for the most part, the music was just a thing they “used to do”.

But it never completely went away. It never left their mind, their heart, or their soul.

The music never died.

Now, they’re in a new place in life and suddenly the passion has returned. There is some time in life to pursue it, and they have better resources than when they were younger. 

Sound familiar?

If this is you, you aren’t alone. I think to some extent all of us who have worked in music have put it away for a season, but the passion never really died from who we are or what we want to do with it.

Luckily this is easily remedied, and it’s the easiest time in the history of music to make the music you feel God created you to make, and even to get that music out to the world.

So how do you resurrect that music dream that never died?

1. Be Brave

“Be brave, young lovers, and follow your star.” - Oscar Hammerstein II

It takes some bravery to get back to that dream. There’s a certain amount of courage it takes to break out of the ruts and grooves your life has become and follow your heart’s desire. And warning: you will confuse and intimidate your loved ones, friends, and others in your life who never expected you to be anything but what they have become accustomed to.

But stepping out in faith for your life’s dream is the biggest difference between those who don’t do anything with their music talent, and those that do.

2. Persevere

Once you get back to it, keep at it. Listen, you’re going to have to want this more than the next person to succeed. You have to be consistent and focused to get the music going again in your life, especially with all the distractions we have now. The distractions were what took you away from music in the first place! You have to stay laser focused on your goals this time.

“Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you'll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you're gonna be rewarded.” - Jimi Hendrix

3. Get Help

It may be that the reason things never worked out last time was that you tried to go it alone, or worked with the right people. Find the very best for your music. Go to the place where your music thrives and where the people are that do it at the highest level.

It may be a producer, arranger, co-writer, but whatever it is, find that person or company. Listen to what they do and make sure it’s the quality you want your music to sound like. Then get in touch, meet them, and get to work!

“All of us, at certain moments of our lives, need to take advice and to receive help from other people.” - Alexis Carrel

So, if the music never died in you, then maybe it’s high time to get back to it.

Have a great week!

EC

--

Eric Copeland is president of Creative Soul, a consulting, production, and marketing company that helps people resurrect their music dreams every day. If we can help you, check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com