It's Not Just Music, You're Creating Lifelong Bonds

Me (middle) with my buddies PJ and Brian of Yellow Light Maybe

My digital buddy Dave Cool inspired me to go back to my roots every so often.  So I'm gonna.

And in some ways this applies to the small business owner in general, but I'm mainly thinking of my musician friends here.  You guys are the ones more often creating mini-events that not only bring folks together in good or like-minded spirits, but mini-events that also give them something they yearn for:  good times and music.  And maybe a few drinks.

Here's my question to you:

You ever take a second to look around at all the friendships and life-long bonds that you are in part, if not totally responsible for?

I haven't been steadily on the road for a couple years now and I still see facebook posts and pictures from individuals that met at one of my festivals or one of my shows - years ago.  Even some bands that I brought together that are still at it playing great shows with one another, bringing their respective fanbases together and having a blast.

Now, a couple years removed, when I look back at my time playing music, the bonds I have helped create are one of the top things I'm most proud of.  Seriously.  Not the five albums I wrote and recorded, not the fact that I did exactly what I set out to do with music - it's the relationships and stories I helped create via a few fleeting melodies in my head. 

Someone once told me that as we look back at our time here, the only thing that really matters - the only thing that truly holds weight is our legacy and the memories we leave behind. 

If that is true, then I can't think of a more fulfilling legacy than to have created dozens, if not hundreds of friendships and experiences that may not have existed otherwise.

Think about that next time you're in-between songs at your show.  Look out upon the crowd and just give yourself a second to see the people having a great time together that wouldn't have been doing so otherwise.  Then, periodically scan the social webs to see folks that have gotten married, that are dating, that are going on vacations together or checking out other musicians - all because you brought them together.

That's your legacy, man. 

Remember that the next time you get down on yourself for not "making it"...k?