Introduction
Life is a symphony, and for over half of my life, I've been harmonizing with friends, creating melodies that resonate through the years. As the years go by, many of us find ourselves entangled in the hustle and bustle of daily life, often leaving behind passions and hobbies that once defined us. However, there’s one thing that has remained constant for me – making music. In this post, I want to share why I, a middle-aged man, continue to create music and the profound impact it has on my life, and how promoters like
Jason Hall at the
Craufurd Arms and the
Boxmonster team have played an instrumental role in my bands journey, allowing us to continue performing live despite the challenges of age.
Camaraderie and Lifelong Collaboration
They say music is the language of the soul, and my soul found its voice in the company of lifelong friends. Together, we have shared the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, and the beauty of creating music that reflects the chapters of our lives, from happy occasions, such as weddings and births, to the darkest of times, such as miscarriages and family deaths. Our bond, forged over countless, gigs and recording sessions, has grown stronger with time.
There’s something deeply bonding about creating melodies, harmonies, and rhythms together, sharing not only our musical talents but also our personal stories and emotions. While life’s responsibilities may pull us in different directions, our shared passion for music keeps us connected in a profound way. In a world where relationships often evolve and change, the friendships forged through our musical collaborations remain steadfast. The camaraderie of collaborating with friends who understand the rhythm of each others hearts is a gift that keeps on giving.
Health Benefits of an Active Hobby
Over time, I've come to deeply appreciate the value of an active pursuit like music. Beyond its creative aspect, music has emerged as a healing force for both mind and body. Engaging with instruments, singing, and crafting lyrics not only brings immense joy but also acts as a powerful stress-reliever. The harmonies we create provide a haven, offering solace from life's challenges and a space for emotional expression.
However, music's significance transcends artistic creation; it's also a means of nurturing our overall well-being. Participating in activities like playing instruments and singing generates a genuine sense of satisfaction, with positive implications for mental health. The act of immersing myself in musical creation, momentarily setting aside daily pressures, is an act of self-care. Furthermore, playing music serves as an effective tool for maintaining mental sharpness and boosting cognitive skills as we age.
Purpose in Collaborations
Time is a river, and amidst its flow, we seek purpose and direction, and as our lives have evolved, so have our musical endeavours. The need for a purpose to our collaborations became clear – something to give our music-making a direction and meaning, and each note we play carries the weight of meaning, making our music a reflection of our shared experiences and aspirations.. Setting goals for each project, like creating a certain number of songs within a year, has not only pushed us creatively but also strengthened our collaborations. Having a clear objective has provided a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep refining our craft and pushing our boundaries.
Music as a Pillar for Enduring Friendships
In the realm of male friendships, it’s often noted that activities shared side by side form the foundation of these relationships. Unfortunately, when those activities come to an end, many male friendships tend to drift apart. Making music with a purpose has given us a way to ensure that our friendships endure and go from strength to strength. The shared experiences and challenges we face during our musical journey act as pillars that support the foundation of our connections.
Gratitude for Promoters' Support
In a world that often celebrates youth and novelty, I'm immensely grateful for the recent support we've received from promoters like
Jason Hall at the
Craufurd Arms and the
Boxmonster team. Despite not being a young and upcoming band, with the luxury of committing to lots of midweek gigs, they saw the value in our music and offered us opportunities to perform live. Their support means the world to us and has been a lifeline, allowing the flame of our passion to continue to burn, allowing us to share our music with a live audience and connect with our supporters in person, and inspiring us to keep creating music for the world to hear.
Thanks for reading
As the journey of life continues, the music never stops. For me, as a middle-aged man, music isn’t about chasing fame or fortune. it has become an integral part of my being, preserving lifelong friendships, nurturing mental and physical well-being, setting meaningful goals, expressing ourselves in ways words alone can’t convey, and cherishing the promoters who continue to believe in our passion. Music is not just a pastime; it's the soundtrack of my life, that has truly been a guiding light in my life, and I’m excited to see where this journey continues to lead us – together.
