Music ... and Life ... are Better with Friends

Music has this amazing way of bringing people together. Whether you play an instrument, sing, dance, or simply enjoy it from the comfort of your seat, music has the power to bring joy to our lives and make this thing called life more meaningful. 

I recently had the chance to reconnect with a saxophone player I had not performed with for almost a decade. It was really great to catch up, work on some music, and then play a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception with him that same week. Everything went off without a hitch and we had an awesome time!

We even threw together a quick YouTube short. Check it out. 

While I have had my fair share of solo performances, some of my best experiences in music ... and life for that matter ... have been shared with friends and loved ones:

• Like the week that I met the woman who became my wife, I played an outdoor show and it HAILED on us in the middle of our first set.
• Like the time that same band worked in a studio with a Royer Labs sales rep, the owner of Mojave Audio, and Ross Hogarth, grammy winning producer/engineer known for albums like Motley Crue's "Girls Girls Girls".
  • Ross kept making fun of our drummer's snare drum and it was hysterical.
• Or the times we worked with national acts like the Village People, Ryan Star, or Dot Dot Dot. 
  
  • A different drummer got shafted on a high-five from Ryan Star while on stage with us!

Friends are the Glue that makes Music and Life worth it.

Think about your own favorite memories. I am willing to bet that very few, if any, are centered around times that you were alone. Right? Beyond the fact that friends and family are often the sources of our best memories, there are many benefits to bringing friends into your music and your life.

A Supportive Soundtrack

With friends, you have a support system that truly understands. Friends become your cheerleaders, there to listen, offer advice, and lift you up when you're feeling down

When it comes to music, having friends who share your passion means they understand the highs and lows of your musical journey, providing each other with the emotional support needed to overcome obstacles and grow as musicians and performers.

The Symphony of Shared Experiences

From exciting adventures to everyday moments, having friends by your side makes everything more enjoyable. When you make music with friends, it's like creating a beautiful symphony together. You can celebrate your achievements, explore new musical territories, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Playing music with friends adds an extra layer of joy and connection to your musical experiences. 

Harmonies of Collaboration

Music is often a collaborative art form, and when friends come together, something magical happens. Each person brings their unique talents and ideas, resulting in a harmonious blend of sounds and styles. Working with friends allows you to explore new musical directions, experiment with different arrangements, and create something truly special. The joy of collaborating with friends extends beyond the performance; it's the process of creating music together that fosters a deeper bond and sparks creative inspiration.

Strength in Numbers

Life can throw curveballs at us, but with friends, you don't have to face them alone. Friends become a reliable support network that you can count on during tough times. The same applies to music. When you perform with friends, you have a team that shares the responsibilities, supports one another, and helps navigate challenges. From organizing performances to dealing with technical aspects, having friends by your side ensures you're not alone in the journey.

The Melodies of Lasting Memories

Friends play a big role in creating the memories that make life great. The laughter, adventures, and shared stories become treasured memories that you'll look back on fondly. Similarly, making music with friends creates lasting memories. The moments of collaboration, the performances, and the achievements become part of your musical journey and legacy. These memories not only strengthen your friendships but also remind you of the growth and progress you've made on your musical path.

Final Thoughts

Music and life are extraordinary on their own, but when experienced with friends, they become even more amazing. Friends provide support, add joy to your experiences, enhance creativity through collaboration, offer a strong support network, and create lasting memories.

Just like a beautiful melody, having friends by your side makes both music and life richer, more vibrant, and more fulfilling. So, cherish your friends, make music together, and embark on a journey that will bring you closer to your dreams while creating memories that will last a lifetime.