Life never turns out the way you think it will. Or wish it would.
I've had some tragic events happen recently that have required me to “Press Pause” on my record for a while.
My dear friend John Martin passed away suddenly a couple of weeks ago. He was the audio engineer and co-producer of my album. I am still processing his passing. Sudden loss is unlike anything else I have experienced.
As cliche as it sounds, it really makes you stop and ponder life. What is important, what isn't. So many wonders, so many “what if's" , unanswered questions. I hate that things have turned out this way.
I don't really know what the future holds at this moment in time. I suppose none of us ever do. I only know that I will keep going. Keep writing music, keep trying to release it and share it with anyone that will listen.
John was so much more than a blog post, and trying to summarize my relationship with him to just that doesn't seem right. But I thought it would be therapeutic to write him a letter, for this has been a part of my journey I would like to reflect on. Not the fact that he is gone, but the fact that he lived and is forever part of my music.
Dear John,
The day you passed away I started writing a song. I didn't know that in a couple days time I would get the terrible news that you were no longer here. I didn't know that you would be the inspiration for me to finish that song. I didn't know that I would get chills writing it, or feel a divine presence surround me as I strummed my guitar with tear-filled eyes.
No, the day I started writing it, I remember thinking “I can't wait to share this one with John, I think he'll like it too!” I imagined your reaction the first time I would play it. Hoping it would be the same as previous reactions to new songs; a slight smile, followed by encouragement and enthusiasm about recording it.
It's a song about the oppositions in life, the good and the bad experiences we all have and go through. It's finished now. I plan to record it and release it in your memory. I only hope that it will reach the hearts of people and change them for the better. Like you did mine.
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for believing in my music. Your patience and calm, peaceful demeanor will always be what I think of when I think of you. Thank you for creating beautiful music with me, encouraging me and sharing parts of your life with me. Thank you for being my friend.
I'll forever be grateful that music brought us together.
Until we meet again my friend.
Brooke