About 6 years into my Nashville journey, I sat on the couch with my guitar and the readiness to move on poured itself out into this song. “Run Away” was the official beginning of the end of my time in Nashville (at least temporarily). Obviously, in a perfect world I would have just written “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson (written by Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate, and Avril Lavigne), because that song says it all! But this is my unique spin on a similar idea.
I will admit that though it’s fueled by the yearning for something new, the song is also fueled by the fear of stagnation. My growth felt stunted in Nashville and I was itching for a growth spurt. I feared that if I didn’t make a move, that I never would. I’m sure I could have figured out a way to start a new journey there, but my mind was on the fast track to a complete 180 degree change. I surprised myself with how serious I was when I admitted it, singing out loud to myself (and my wall…my most faithful audience). It’s funny to think back on, because at this point moving to Hawaii had not crossed my mind. I just knew I needed to get away.
“Run Away” is available on all streaming services including Spotify and AppleMusic.
“In the Making” is a response to the infamous question, “what are you doing with your life?” I wrote the song fresh out of college, and the seemingly constant question had me on high alert. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Studio Art and Managerial Studies and it seemed like everyone had a job or career path, except me. I, by this point, had accepted that I’m an artist and would be paving my own way involving art, music, and fitness. I felt strangely confident, but alone in this decision.
I wrote the song while feeling this intense pressure to know exactly what I wanted to do (and get paid for it), and the pressure to acknowledge my desires and creative ability to structure my life how I wanted to. The song is my response to those pressures, and the realization that I am and always will be “in the making.” I saw so much potential in what I could do with my life, and knew that to find my purpose, it would take time…maybe a lifetime! “In the Making” is my own personal validation that I will always be growing, evolving, and making decisions unique to my dreams that others may not always understand. Through the contemplative and conversational lyrics, I give myself permission to *not* have it all figured out. I’m in the making…aren’t we all?
“In the Making” is available on all streaming services including Spotify and AppleMusic.
