The echo of my sister’s shriek still lingers, a haunting reminder of my childhood mischief. I ambushed her piano practice, my fingers a surprise percussion section against the unsuspecting keys. Her indignant cry, ‘You think this is easy? Let’s see you try!’, resonated not just in the room, but within me for years, a defiant challenge.

Decades later, I find myself drawn to the very magic I sought to disrupt. The piano and guitar, once instruments of torment, now whispered stories I longed to tell. I became a detective, unraveling the mysteries of sound – the ticking clock, the distant engine, the buzzing insect. I am captivated by sound and space, how they interact, expand, and contract, a living entity.

My journey led me to the world of audio engineering, where I learned to manipulate sound. But the relentless pursuit of perfection took its toll. The pristine studios, once inspiring, felt sterile and suffocating. The joy of music began to fade.

Then came a change. Marriage, children, a new career – these detours rekindled my musical yearning. Old equipment, once forgotten, called to me. I sold the excess and streamlined my setup for home recording.

I entered the royalty-free market, a lone explorer in a vast sea of sounds. The market was vibrant but competitive, demanding lots of effort for little reward. My dream of breaking through felt fragile, threatened by uncertainty.

Then, a lifeline. A wise friend urged me to embrace the present, to shed doubt and simply create. Their words awakened the artist within. I transformed my workspace into a sanctuary, a haven for creativity. Ideas, once fleeting, were captured and nurtured, organized into a cohesive whole.

Today, I dedicate myself to the creative process. A guitar riff, a nuanced mic technique, the careful placement of acoustic treatment – each act an offering. I strive to keep the fires of inspiration burning, fueling the endless journey of music production.