Music was hope

In the early part of the 21st century, we made music because we loved it.  Sometimes other people loved it too; sometimes we even made a little money.  Money we could use to support ourselves, even help others.  Or we would use it to expand what was possible in the music.

But what kept the craziest people up the latest at night making music was that they’d been through it.  Things happen in this life – bad things and good.  It doesn’t take long.

Suffering, bearing witness to tragedy, escaping an unlivable place, overcoming powerful demons – we would not turn down these themes, because our experiences have shown us that honesty and hope are the first steps towards agency.

And while few would argue that joy and love are worth sharing, we also inscribe these emotions so that they are there for us when our own troubles return.  For music has been hope and it is hope.

In spite of all the world’s careless cruelty; and up until the most bitter ending – one should love to believe that it is never too late to be a person