Songs Come From Life

For those of you who have visited the site, you may have read about and/or listened to the original song I wrote some years ago for the American Cancer Society – “Hearts of Gold”.  I have performed  it at several American Cancer Society, Relay for Life events.  The song opens the event as Cancer Survivors walk the first lap and closes the event as Cancer Survivors walk the final lap.  It was written as a tribute to Cancer Survivors, those who lost their battle to Cancer and all the care givers that help along the way.

Now the song has taken on a whole new meaning for me personally. In December my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  She is currently undergoing Chemotherapy and will follow that up with Radiation Therapy.   On April 30th, I will open the Brunswick County, North Carolina Relay for Life event singing “Hearts of Gold” as Cancer Survivors walk the first lap. Only this time while I am singing, a very special Cancer Survivor will be walking that first lap….my Mom.  It never occurred to me when I wrote the song that someday I might be singing it to one of my parents but that day is here.  That is what has always fascinated me about songwriting.  A song can be inspired by one event in your life and take on a whole new meaning with another event.

Believe

My husband (and my biggest fan!) and I attended a music conference recently.  The conference covered the usual music topics - copyright law, who gets paid what, how to pick a recording studio, how to make money, how to get a gig and lots of other helpful topics.  I find it helpful to hear as many perspectives as possible on these topics.

One panel discussion in particular caught my attention.  It focused on what it takes to be successful in the music business.  I was expecting the panelists to talk about talent, stage presence, “right place at the right time”, luck,  who you know, selecting a good producer, picking the right song.  While those were all mentioned, the panel agreed that it comes down to the same things that you need to succeed no matter what your passion or what dream you are pursuing.

1. Practice – it doesn’t matter how much natural talent you think you have, everyone needs to practice – that is what separates good from great.
2. Listen – be open to other’s opinions and insights, leave your pride of ownership at the door.
3. Respect – respect yourself and those that you are working with.

And the one that I think is most important:  BELIEVE.

If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect someone else to believe in you?

So whatever your passion or dream – go after it with a strong belief in yourself and don’t compromise your individuality. It will make all the difference!