I attended a wedding yesterday. My friends got married, to each other. It was a lovely event, a blissful ceremony, a wonderful time all around. The bride also happens to be a former colleague, one who has always appreciated and encouraged my art. So when, a few months ago, over coffee, she asked if I'd be willing to play a few songs of mine at her wedding, the answer was a no-brainer.
I play live music every week, and I go through the usual pre-performance motions every time, the jitters, the nerves, the whole deal. I've written about it a few times, how I've learnt to reappraise this feeling, how I've taught myself to remember that the so-called nerves are just my body's way of preparing me for the important performance I'm about to give. Still, yesterday the nerves seemed to take on new life. This wasn't just any performance, this was me honouring my friend's request, to play my music on one of the most important days of her life. And what an honour it was.
I'm writing this on the journey back home, having had time to reflect on yesterday's wedding. Yesterday was a wonderful day, a celebration of love, and I not only got to be a part of it, but I got to contribute a small token to the experience with my art.
This is a whole new side to art, a whole new realisation that never dawned on me before, until now. For me it was the ability to sing and play a few songs chosen by a bride, songs I wrote years ago. For another artist, it might be the gift of a sketch or painting that captures a cherished memory, or a poem recital at a celebration of life, or something else. Whatever it is, I'm more convinced, now more than ever, that the ability to make art, which is a gift in itself, affords the artist the potential to create more gifts in perpetuity, because every time a song is played or performed, or a poem is read or recited, or a painting is admired or displayed, a new memory is forged, a new feeling is experienced, and a new gift is given. Through this lens, art is the gift that keeps on giving.
PS: Just a reminder that my latest single, Feels Like Rain is out now, everywhere. You can listen to it on several platforms. Please share it with a friend, share it with your social networks, and consider subscribing to the newsletter (below), my YouTube channel, or wherever else you listen to music.