I wanted to start the year by sharing a story about last night. For 2024, I wanted to give a proper try at composing music. I have played in bands and recorded drum solos, but I always wanted to to create my own music beyond percussion. My relationship with music-making has always been very much like the first time you fall in love with someone. You have no idea how to approach the person, let alone think they will ever consider going out with you. But at some point, you have to risk heartbreak and see where it may go.
My infatuation with making music was always on the background, but I never thought I was ready. The self-talk always sounded the alarm: I am not a properly trained musician, there is so much I don’t know, there is so much I need to learn before ever daring to write a melody, now is not the time. But when is it ever the perfect time?
Good thing I had a special occasion coming up, a prom of sorts, which gave me the courage to ‘ask her out’, to make a song. I wanted my first composition to be a gift to my wife, @iana_dance , for a very special day in our relationship. It was a fast-approaching, hard deadline, but one I created for myself. No one knew about it, and I could simply decide not to do it. But I had done that before, far too many times. And I really wanted to give Iana a song. Why not tomorrow for our celebration? So I sat in front of the computer, playing some notes until a melody came up. I worked all night, and in the morning I had it ready for her. I will share that song at another time, but today’s story is about what happens when you force yourself to start before you are ready, and when you encounter that desire for the second time:
Last night, overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, I went on a second date with music. We spent till 6 am getting to know each other. We didn’t promise anything, but I know I wanna see her again.
My hope that this little tale of a boy in love with a girl, a night, a song, will inspire you to take your own passion on that magical second date. And who knows? It may be the beginning of a lifelong love affair.
UPDATE: This song is out! You can check it out here, with some further thoughts on the process of making it.
Yesterday I released a second solo episode for the new season of the Wanderings Podcast. I am really happy to share insights into my path of becoming an artist, a traveler, a small business owner in a digital landscape, and I hope some lessons of that journey can be useful to you.