The year was 1990…

The year was 1990…

…and all I wanted was to be Part of HER World. Before we renovated the first house I grew up in, we had a toilet seperate to the bathroom with the most retro 3D eye book wallpaper you good imagine. I used to sit in there crossing my eyes and singing my heart out.

I’d head down, wouldn’t even go to the toilet. It just sounded better there. And I would sing my heart out dreaming of a life where I’d met my Prince Eric equivalent and lived in the magic of hidden treasures and troves singing to my hearts content.

I always wanted to sing. Even before that moment. I was always sneaking my older brothers cassettes and CDs handwriting out the lyrics while he was out and about. And humming all day long - literally.

I could hear the songs, the layers of instrumentation, the melodies not yet earth side and I would compose in my head. We didn’t have a lot of money, so piano lessons (the thing I wanted to do most) was off the cards. So I taught myself on a mini white casio. I learnt songs by ear and I simply PLAYED.

This is what I think is most valuable, having later studied music in my life… I am truly grateful for the moments in the quiet of my room - tetrising out the musical map and making clear paths in my imagination. I taught myself everything and just had fun exploring with curiosity and a sense of I can do this.

Play is so essential in discovering - what you like, what you don’t and how to put the pieces together. AI can’t replicate that. And neither can sitting singing scales after scales or playing them over and over. Sure, you’ll develop the muscle memory but captivating the mind, and greatest of all a heart for music and expression is truly where its at.

Keen to explore what self expression through song could look like?