u/JWendell-Music

Did you ever have a song where you thought to yourself, "Yeah, that isn't bad." Then you release it to the sound of crickets? And to make matters even more curious, an older song you weren't entirely happy with continues to do well? That's where I'm at.

Released this one, and the world yawned:

Don't Take It For Granted

Continues to get listens, but would totally redo it if I could:

Paradox

Oh, well, I've got more coming that I've already completed, and what I'm currently working on completely blows all of my previous efforts out of the water. So I'm not discouraged by this, just a bit baffled.

This post is a journey story that provides context to a new release. When I decided to get back into recording music a few months ago, I thought that I needed to establish a “sound” or genre to fit into. I heard so much about algorithms being used to push songs to the most appropriate audience that I figured I should try to find where my music could fit.

I started working on a set of eight songs, and the first three I finished did have a similar heavy beat-driven alt/pop feel. But as I continued working on the rest of the songs, trying to fit a certain style became restricting and a bit frustrating. As I got more free with the song creation process, I found that I was happier with the results, and the process became more enjoyable.

So the moral of the story is to not stifle your artistic endeavors by trying to artificially conform. Do what feels right to you, because what you produce will be more honest and hopefully connect with people on a deeper level.

So here is the fourth song I have released, but the first to show my evolution into a more creative and freer artist. It’s a somber, piano-focused song that talks of being grateful for the good things in your life, and more importantly, encourages the listener to be empathic for those who can’t say the same.

Don’t Take It For Granted