Yesterday throughout a mentoring session I used to be requested the query, “When did you determine to be a songwriter/musician?”
I considered it a few moments and realized it was by no means a aware choice. It was extra like music made me. Music made me a musician by all the time being there.
When all the things else failed, I may choose up my guitar and escape right into a world that comforted me. A world that was full of hope. Music was my drug.
These moments when buddies let me down, these moments when my coronary heart was damaged, the moments after I felt alone—music was all the time there.
Lots of you’ve heard me point out I moved to New York Metropolis at 19 with small change in my pocket and large goals.
I discovered a job working on the well-known Manny’s Music on 48th St. Subsequent, I secured a small residence and set about dwelling life on this new unusual world with out actually realizing anybody!
I used to be barely making ends meet these first few months. One Friday I dropped off my hire to my landlord and headed to work. After I completed that day, they advised me that there was an accounting mistake and I wouldn’t receives a commission until Monday. Then it hit me.
I had no cash in my pocket to final me till Monday!!
The day earlier than I had given my final funds to my landlord. I had no cash for meals even! I left work and walked down Broadway questioning if I ought to name my dad and mom and do the unthinkable—ask for a aircraft ticket dwelling.
As that thought crossed my thoughts, I handed a bar with an indication within the window that stated “Karaoke Evening.” I walked in and wrote my identify on the sign-up listing. I had by no means sung karaoke in a bar, however I had come to New York to sing, and if I used to be going again dwelling, I used to be gonna at the very least say I sang within the Large Apple. So, I waited my flip and after I was known as up on stage, I sang my finest model of “Sitting On The Dock of the Bay.” The gang applauded, I thanked them and began to stroll again out on the road to discover a pay telephone to name dwelling.
Earlier than I received to the door, a person ran over to me. He stated he was the proprietor of the membership and cherished my singing.
Then, he requested if he may purchase me a drink. So we sat and talked, and he stated, “Hey, let me purchase you a burger.” I stated, “Man, you don’t know the way a lot which means.” As I sat there, I defined to him that the music retailer had tousled my test and I had no concept how I used to be going to eat that night. And I used to be about to name dwelling to ask for a aircraft ticket to get me again to Alabama. My new buddy smiled and stated he was actually glad I got here into his bar. He went over to the money register, pulled out a $50 invoice, and stated, “By no means hand over in your goals.” Properly, I made it to Monday and didn’t hand over on my goals.
I knew that evening that music would all the time be there for me when all else failed. I noticed that music and life was making me a musician.
Usually, I take into consideration how fortunate I’ve been to name myself a songwriter and make a dwelling creating songs. Marty Dodson and I each really feel this manner. It’s one of many greatest causes we created SongTown. We need to be that voice providing assist to a struggling author who simply wants encouragement to maintain them on their path. When all else fails.
Stroll On! Write On! ~Clay
