Heart warming again Christian. I experienced something similar about ten years ago. I was at a point where all my leisure activities had reached a point where I wasn't learning anything new from them so I chucked them all in. Jazz band, folk session, cycling and swimming. Just wandered in the hills, literally, for two years. Then I saw Steve Lawson performing in 2015 and that lit a spark in me. Ultimately that led to me writing the music I've been doing for 8 years now. It's not great music. It will never make me money but it's my music and I get a real sense of satisfaction when I finish a new piece and get it on You Tube. Sometimes you have to press the refresh button and find new energy to take you forward in life. When you have cleared out some of the dead wood it creates the space in your mind which allows it to be more receptive to that new energy.
I "gave up" gigging after over 50 years of performing with others, just last January. At first I felt like a load had been lifted, I had fewer commitments, my time was my own. Now I'm in the throws of putting together a new band to go out gigging again. I have realised that I didn't want to "give up", that's too easy and final. All I really wanted was a break from the monotony (yes, ANYTHING can become monotonous). Now I have a new excitement about making music with others again. You are so right Christian, NEVER give up .. thank you
Thank you for this. About to turn 50 this year and i feel like “giving up” a lot lateley even this morning . Then strangely enough an hour later i come across your video . Sometimes we all need a pick me up and this was just that for me . Thanks again
4:11 in case anyone here reading this is part of a lottery organisation: when you win the lottery in Denmark, the first thing that happens before you can receive your winnings is that a experienced, senior financial advisor comes by your house to give you a crash course in personal finance, wealth management, select negative stories about fellow lottery winners and finally to give you proven advice on how to to deal with sudden riches (spend big bucks right away on one item that will tell your brain you now have lots of money, instead of impulse buying lots and lots of smaller items) and psychological advice on getting in the right new head space
I could listen to you talk all day. For somebody who has achieved so much in your profession, your honesty and humility speak volumes about the person you truly are. On behalf of everyone, thank you so much for all you do and please don't ever change.
Love Actually's Colin Frizzel never gave up despite his best friend saying he was mad. Advice for life, here, not just for composers. Wise words indeed. I gave up for 5 years and it was the most miserable time I have ever existed in. I was reminded by my wife music is part of my DNA. I learned the hard way, and nearly got lost in the blizzard of corporate management. Makes me shiver thinking about it. Getting back in was even harder than the first time around but it paid off with a game score last year. The most satisfying moment I have had in decades.
You're a good man Christian, and very wise words indeed! the biggest success in life is finding inner peace, contentment, and enjoying all that you do. top man Happy new year to you!
I'm glad you're back, Christian! You've inspired me in the past, and this is not different. And I do think it's fantastic how in your current endeavor, and in previous ones, you have 'open-sourced' some fantastic musical tools. And you've always been very graceful in making more than just tutorials, but also truths about life 🙂
I use the term, "Shifting Gears" to describe transitioning to a new chapter in your life. I had fun w/ the electric bass. Now I'm exploring synthesizers.
Same here. I’m in my 76th year and still learning every day. I’m fortunate to be able to compose and visualise with all the skills I’ve learnt since I retired in 2019
I'm about to turn 58 and started trying composition for stockmusic and some ambient stuff here on UA-cam just a few months ago. I alternate between states of excitement and feeling too old.
Dear Christian, I love hearing you talk about almost anything especially during your walks up the hill and your thoughts about a life dedicated to the creative journey many of us are on. I decided 50 + years ago to make music my life and have been a pauper ever since. Music is food for my soul. I know I am happier than many folks who've spent a lifetime just working for a big paycheck. Anyway, I really appreciate you. I need to come back to your channel more often. Thank you for your openness and honesty! Take care.
Really well said!! Following you, Christian, for years, and everytime you bring all the right words together. Thanks for your inspiration! I'll never give up!!
The immortal words 'Happy New Year', the endless recant of what resolutions you have made for this year (like we have any control) and then a light... Thank you Christian... I return the light and wish you an easier journey....
Writing as someone who has given up on a regular basis over the last 34 years, I would like to make this observation: Giving up comes from fear, a fear of the unknown, and a fear that what happens in reality will not match what is a long-formed fantasy of being wealthy and successful in the media business. I write books, songs, albums and even musicals but always stop short before the very end because of fear. When I did finish a novel, I took it to an agent, a well respected one, he was working with Lauren Bacall at the time, he rejected my book, and I used that as an excuse forever after so that I didn't have to pursue any more agents or publishers. As I write this now, after all these years, I wonder exactly what the benefits are of living the lifestyle I have chosen, because I believe my songs are as good as any pop writer I have ever heard; but what is the point of believing that if nobody else has heard them, through my own design? My songs are on Spotify, but again I use the fact that they've had two plays in three years as a reason why I am a failure but in truth the reason why I am a failure starts well before they even got onto Spotify in the first instance. It's also a deep inbuilt fear of hard work. You mentioned Elton John, and after almost 60 years it seems today that success fell into Sir Elton's lap, and that's the kind of success I feel I deserve because I don't want to do all the hard work and face the many rejections that will inevitably come, just as they came to Sir Elton if one cares to analysis his career in any great detail. Success did NOT just drop into his lap. I enjoy the DREAM of success because I can control those; the actual, real-life trappings of success - and they are trappings - are frightening, scary and uncontrollable. And hard work. x
Thank you so much mate. This has genuinely inspired me. I find your rants to be just awesome and so thought-provoking. So much to take away and I'll probably watch this one a few more times ❤
‘Music is my life, it’s not my livelihood, it makes me feel so happy, and it makes me feel so good.’ (From Mr. Tanner by Harry Chapin) I was a freelance photographer when I lived in America. Six years ago my wife and I retired and moved to the UK. Music has always been a huge part of my life. So much so that a song that I heard on the radio when I was 10 got me interested in an artist named Vincent. Discovering more about that artist led me to an interest in art and then photography. Almost two years ago I purchased my first midi keyboard, a DAW and I started plucking away at it. I don’t think I will ever consider myself a musician. I am just having fun creating with sound waves instead of light waves. I still get creative with lightwaves and soon I hope to combine the two. I have been through the struggles of working in a creative industry. This time I am working for the pure love of it and my creative wellbeing. I did not give up when almost everyone was against me becoming a photographer 40 years ago, and I won’t give up on this. You never know what the future will bring. Thanks for all your inspiration, Christian!
35 year music veteran here. I spent the early part of my twenties in medical school 2 years, took a leave of absence, and never looked back. You have to realize that music is like being in the mob and you never are free of it. there is no plan B and you have to find a way to manage yourself into carving out some sort of niche. I've had ups and downs in this business and now I have a young family which puts a whole nother level of pressure but I will not give up because there's always another way of thinking through the issue which is what truly are your goals. When I feel like giving up, which sometimes feel like every other day, I remind myself there is nothing else I could do and enjoy as much. Thank you and Bravo Christian❤
I have absolutely no plans to give up - I love creating music and plan to continue with that. I’ve felt like giving up a number of times but often taking a break has helped recharge my energy - good to have these Vlogs back Christian - happy new year and health & happiness for 2024 🥃
This video has come at exactly the right time for me. I'm in the middle of a huge anxiety attack attack with imposter syndrome because I have my first major mixing session to a proper movie coming on Monday and I was given carte blanche after a greenlit demo 6 months ago. The director loves it but I've never worked outside of my studio and I'm so worried I'll be pointed at and laughed at with my weird Microtonal synth stuff. But yeah. This video helped me breathe after almost doing a runner!
Trust your taste! That's what brought you, and not those who might laugh, into that session in the first place. You already earned it, so you might as well own it!
It went freaking awesome! What a fun experience I actually felt totally at home.. it's everyone else in the world that I don't know what to talk about because music stuff is just there 247
3 nippy p’s Perfection, Possesiveness, and Paranoia. Fight them all, one good P is Persevere. I like you took out 18 months. These things too are very important.
The recent, reflective content on your channel, after years of familiarity and enjoying your content is lovely and refreshing. In the constant churn and pressure of productivity and achievement, the inner life of doubts and projection, developing tools to combat and stay aware of these tendencies is beautifully addressed here and elsewhere in your vlogs. Thank you for your lucid and honest voice, and then sharing it, honestly and transparently 🙏
Dear Christian, the best of year to you and all around you. you do turn intelligence into wisdom, the more you do that the better you get at it and the better you do to lucky us.
Hi Christian, just found your channel wow,, it's great. As for this video, thank you. I gave up an office job in 2011 to make a living out of music. I started with solo gigs, band gigs, recording other artists. Then teaching guitar in schools followed. It all got a bit too much in 2017 (195 gigs in one year, 6 schools) along with having a baby born 2016. I gave up the studio, because I was never able to spend time it in. Fast forward to now, I do one to two gigs a weekend, but I don't go hunting for them too much (unless a bit short on the dosh) This school term I've been teaching in 14 different schools. Once the half term starts, that's when I aim hitting stop, break & review. I love playing the guitar, my aim be it small was to earn a living from what I enjoyed doing. I do have one other aim, which is to get a song in the charts. From just one meeting with the company blinding talent, it's clear as you mentioned, (and essential your preparation is key) one thing I have given up by accident is the time to be creative. Not a good thing but hope to get a space where I can be again by the end of the year. Sorry to waffle on, but thank you for sharing this video, and all the best from me T 😊
Thank you, that's what I needed to hear today. One building block among several clues that brought me out of a somewhat dark mindset. I'll walk the dog and then just get on with my music. All the best!
I remember watching similar video of you back in 2019 when I first started composing solo after leaving my band of 16 years. The level of transparency and honesty and wisdom you provided back then still resontates with me today. Happy new year, glad to see you are back stronger. PS: I haven't giving up 😊
9:25 - holding the mirror up to the people that want to drag you down because they’ve given up already - that is so true. I defied my father by giving up “a good job” and going to university to study IT at the age of 24 and pursue my own path. Those uni years were financially tough but worth it and I’m still reaping the benefits of that decision 35 years later.
It's not luck. It's hard work, and finding the satisfaction in doing the work, challenging yourself, and falling in love with trying. In improving a little every day, and making your life about not giving up. After 20 years of trying and not giving up, I became a screenwriter who has written movies you have seen. . . there is a great saying about artistic success: "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't give up."
I turned 60 last year and still enjoy being creative paid and unpaid and now in 2024, I'll have the opportunity go out on tour again, the last time I did a major tour was in my late 30's so 20+ years later the old man is about to go on the road again and also compose music for an American documentary about the Glenville shootout in Cleveland, Ohio in 1968, so it's never too late.
i quit making music entirely for 17 years after a bitter band breakup. i just wasn't feeling it, and when i would, i could never find a drummer to work on songs with me. So i spent 2 years teaching myself to play drums, and newly prepared, i have been writing and recording my own material obsessively for about 2 years now. and the material is surprisingly good! the response from friends has been enthusiastic (even they seem surprised at my writing) which has been all the reward i have needed. i have utilized a lot of your instruments. thank you. glad you're back, and Vaults is quite nice. I had to learn how to map CC11 to my Launchpad in order to use it to its full potential, so you forced me to learn something new.
I am not a composer. I can play guitar and I have made music with it. I write stories. The reason that I write stories is to try and impact someone the way that I was impacted. This video is as much for me as for anyone in any creative endeavor. Preparation is everything. Thank you, Christian. You have motivated me to keep going and to not give up.
A friend of mine sent me this link recently. It resonated with me so much. I've been at a cross roads musically recently and this was such a tonic. I'm a songwriter and performer, becoming disillusioned with all of it. I've been slowly preparing to enter the world of recording music for film TV etc but floundering at the very thought of it all. Where to start. How? Oh the uphill struggle of it all! This has helped me so much to focus my mind and take it one achievable step at a time. My worth has returned. Thankyou Christian for this. I hope to shake your hand one day. All the very best. Ian.
Thank you. I’m at a all time low. And just need any motivation I can get. I’m at the point where I don’t care anymore. I have no clue how I can get off this low point in my life.
Love that idea that giving up on everything (and what are you giving u???) is just as terrifying a thought as all the effort it takes to be successful, on your own terms. Sometimes it's just about re-orienting your mind. One thing I love to do when I'm having a day, week, or even year, is to ask other people how their day is going. It's not all sunshine and rainbows all the time, and there's beauty in that. Well done to anyone who's contemplating putting the time, work and effort in :)
You are a very 'listenable' person with wise words from a place of intelligence and experience. I think we all enjoy these rambling monologues. So good I may watch it again.....
The community spirit you instill makes things feel timeless: that we can pursue our goals knowing we’re in it together and that time really is on our side if we use it wisely and without self-imposed pressure that’s so often expected of us as a ‘norm’
Been through a lot this year. Both ups and downs, so have been doing a lot of music to get through it all. Today I was feeling down after hearing my wife had a lot of money stolen from someone we know, who has disappeared . I felt so angry and helpless. However watching this it made me feel life is always up and down. We just need to keep positive and keep doing what we love. We can't help the negative behavior of others. The main thing is to keep honourable and never fall for the dark side. Quite often the hard times made me a better person and have enabled me to actually make and finish music for once in around twenty years. Thanks Christian for this and all your vids and knowledge.
I work in tech and feel the same sentiment. Been in it for 11yrs now both as an amateur for 5yrs and 6yrs professionally, and I constantly want to quit my career, but as I look back, I noticed how much the career has improved my life. I would not be able to communicate a the level I communicate now, I would not have the funds to afford the things I have, and discipline to keep hammering away at it, and not stop.
I always enjoy these talks Christian. The scenery, cadence, humor, analogies and metaphors keep it light for when I'm not ready for another existential crisis... but when I'm ready for it they go deep and hit hard. Thank you for sharing your insights in such a well bespoked manner and giving us insight into your life and world. The ideas, concepts and 'tips' are applicable to so many aspects of what we do here on this planet.
When I was in the US military many years ago I was stationed in South Korea at Osan AB...Osan, translated to English, is Crow Hill. Subscribed for the content, too, eh ;). Cheers, Christian. I am easily frustrated and frequently in the 'give up' mindset, so it's good to have talks like this available to encourage perseverance.
Heart warming again Christian. I experienced something similar about ten years ago. I was at a point where all my leisure activities had reached a point where I wasn't learning anything new from them so I chucked them all in. Jazz band, folk session, cycling and swimming. Just wandered in the hills, literally, for two years. Then I saw Steve Lawson performing in 2015 and that lit a spark in me.
Ultimately that led to me writing the music I've been doing for 8 years now. It's not great music. It will never make me money but it's my music and I get a real sense of satisfaction when I finish a new piece and get it on You Tube.
Sometimes you have to press the refresh button and find new energy to take you forward in life. When you have cleared out some of the dead wood it creates the space in your mind which allows it to be more receptive to that new energy.
I "gave up" gigging after over 50 years of performing with others, just last January. At first I felt like a load had been lifted, I had fewer commitments, my time was my own. Now I'm in the throws of putting together a new band to go out gigging again. I have realised that I didn't want to "give up", that's too easy and final. All I really wanted was a break from the monotony (yes, ANYTHING can become monotonous). Now I have a new excitement about making music with others again.
You are so right Christian, NEVER give up .. thank you
Thank you for this. About to turn 50 this year and i feel like “giving up” a lot lateley even this morning . Then strangely enough an hour later i come across your video . Sometimes we all need a pick me up and this was just that for me . Thanks again
Me too. But he changed my negativity into positivity
Same !
Thanks Christian! Your monologues are like a trusted friend that help me during stressful and intense times 😊🙏🏻
Great monologue, Christian. I've always said that my strongest asset is my ability to be patient with myself.
74 years young, been playing guitar etc for 56 years 46 as a pro still writing and working on songs in my home studio, Give up never.
4:11 in case anyone here reading this is part of a lottery organisation: when you win the lottery in Denmark, the first thing that happens before you can receive your winnings is that a experienced, senior financial advisor comes by your house to give you a crash course in personal finance, wealth management, select negative stories about fellow lottery winners and finally to give you proven advice on how to to deal with sudden riches (spend big bucks right away on one item that will tell your brain you now have lots of money, instead of impulse buying lots and lots of smaller items) and psychological advice on getting in the right new head space
I could listen to you talk all day. For somebody who has achieved so much in your profession, your honesty and humility speak volumes about the person you truly are.
On behalf of everyone, thank you so much for all you do and please don't ever change.
Love Actually's Colin Frizzel never gave up despite his best friend saying he was mad. Advice for life, here, not just for composers. Wise words indeed. I gave up for 5 years and it was the most miserable time I have ever existed in. I was reminded by my wife music is part of my DNA. I learned the hard way, and nearly got lost in the blizzard of corporate management. Makes me shiver thinking about it. Getting back in was even harder than the first time around but it paid off with a game score last year. The most satisfying moment I have had in decades.
You're a good man Christian, and very wise words indeed! the biggest success in life is finding inner peace, contentment, and enjoying all that you do. top man Happy new year to you!
I'm glad you're back, Christian! You've inspired me in the past, and this is not different. And I do think it's fantastic how in your current endeavor, and in previous ones, you have 'open-sourced' some fantastic musical tools. And you've always been very graceful in making more than just tutorials, but also truths about life 🙂
Thank you very much, Christian.
All the best to you and your family in 2024.
I use the term, "Shifting Gears" to describe transitioning to a new chapter in your life. I had fun w/ the electric bass. Now I'm exploring synthesizers.
You rock, Christian. Excellent advice, inspiring insights. I am safely here at Crow Hill for the long haul
Thank you Christian. Your talks are always uplifting and encouraging! Unconditional Sacrifice. That's what it's all about...
Wonderful words, Christian. "Last man standing" has been a motto of mine for a long while. It's always nice to be reminded though!
Thank you for the encouragement, Christian, and for the perspective.
I’m 67, and never given up.
Me too…
60 here, and definitely not giving up! I'm learning amazing new skills and doing things I've never done before! :)
Me too... I'm 67... never too old...
Same here. I’m in my 76th year and still learning every day. I’m fortunate to be able to compose and visualise with all the skills I’ve learnt since I retired in 2019
I'm about to turn 58 and started trying composition for stockmusic and some ambient stuff here on UA-cam just a few months ago. I alternate between states of excitement and feeling too old.
Insightful, true and honest … thank you, sincerely, for sharing and being so open 🙏
Dear Christian, I love hearing you talk about almost anything especially during your walks up the hill and your thoughts about a life dedicated to the creative journey many of us are on. I decided 50 + years ago to make music my life and have been a pauper ever since. Music is food for my soul. I know I am happier than many folks who've spent a lifetime just working for a big paycheck. Anyway, I really appreciate you. I need to come back to your channel more often. Thank you for your openness and honesty! Take care.
Truly incredible advice. Wish I had this video when I was 21 so anyone watching at that age, take note. 4 hours a day consistently is all you need.
Thank you, Christian Henson, for this reflexion.
I never comment but this so deserves love! Lots of love back at you!
Love this. I was at year 10 of a project about to give up, then suddenly blew up on Social Media and got loads of opportunities in 2023
Really well said!! Following you, Christian, for years, and everytime you bring all the right words together. Thanks for your inspiration! I'll never give up!!
The immortal words 'Happy New Year', the endless recant of what resolutions you have made for this year (like we have any control) and then a light... Thank you Christian... I return the light and wish you an easier journey....
Thank you. You seem like a very nice guy. I'll pass this along to a couple of friends who will appreciate your experience and insight
Writing as someone who has given up on a regular basis over the last 34 years, I would like to make this observation: Giving up comes from fear, a fear of the unknown, and a fear that what happens in reality will not match what is a long-formed fantasy of being wealthy and successful in the media business. I write books, songs, albums and even musicals but always stop short before the very end because of fear. When I did finish a novel, I took it to an agent, a well respected one, he was working with Lauren Bacall at the time, he rejected my book, and I used that as an excuse forever after so that I didn't have to pursue any more agents or publishers. As I write this now, after all these years, I wonder exactly what the benefits are of living the lifestyle I have chosen, because I believe my songs are as good as any pop writer I have ever heard; but what is the point of believing that if nobody else has heard them, through my own design? My songs are on Spotify, but again I use the fact that they've had two plays in three years as a reason why I am a failure but in truth the reason why I am a failure starts well before they even got onto Spotify in the first instance. It's also a deep inbuilt fear of hard work. You mentioned Elton John, and after almost 60 years it seems today that success fell into Sir Elton's lap, and that's the kind of success I feel I deserve because I don't want to do all the hard work and face the many rejections that will inevitably come, just as they came to Sir Elton if one cares to analysis his career in any great detail. Success did NOT just drop into his lap. I enjoy the DREAM of success because I can control those; the actual, real-life trappings of success - and they are trappings - are frightening, scary and uncontrollable. And hard work. x
Thank you so much mate. This has genuinely inspired me. I find your rants to be just awesome and so thought-provoking. So much to take away and I'll probably watch this one a few more times ❤
‘Music is my life, it’s not my livelihood, it makes me feel so happy, and it makes me feel so good.’ (From Mr. Tanner by Harry Chapin)
I was a freelance photographer when I lived in America. Six years ago my wife and I retired and moved to the UK. Music has always been a huge part of my life. So much so that a song that I heard on the radio when I was 10 got me interested in an artist named Vincent. Discovering more about that artist led me to an interest in art and then photography.
Almost two years ago I purchased my first midi keyboard, a DAW and I started plucking away at it. I don’t think I will ever consider myself a musician. I am just having fun creating with sound waves instead of light waves. I still get creative with lightwaves and soon I hope to combine the two. I have been through the struggles of working in a creative industry. This time I am working for the pure love of it and my creative wellbeing. I did not give up when almost everyone was against me becoming a photographer 40 years ago, and I won’t give up on this. You never know what the future will bring.
Thanks for all your inspiration, Christian!
I must say, this fellow truly is a delight and a lovely message at the beginning of the year.
Integrity wins. Thank you for you. Be Blessed and thank you for not giving up.
Thanks Christian ! Fully resonate with your Verbs 😊
This isn't just invaluable advice for those in the creative industries. It is invaluable advice for anyone. Thank you
You have no idea how much I needed this. Thank you man.
35 year music veteran here. I spent the early part of my twenties in medical school 2 years, took a leave of absence, and never looked back. You have to realize that music is like being in the mob and you never are free of it. there is no plan B and you have to find a way to manage yourself into carving out some sort of niche. I've had ups and downs in this business and now I have a young family which puts a whole nother level of pressure but I will not give up because there's always another way of thinking through the issue which is what truly are your goals. When I feel like giving up, which sometimes feel like every other day, I remind myself there is nothing else I could do and enjoy as much. Thank you and Bravo Christian❤
Seriously grateful for what you are doing! You have no idea how timely and encouraging this was!
I have absolutely no plans to give up - I love creating music and plan to continue with that. I’ve felt like giving up a number of times but often taking a break has helped recharge my energy - good to have these Vlogs back Christian - happy new year and health & happiness for 2024 🥃
Thank you Christian, happy new year to you and the whole team at Crow Hill, I hope 2024 will bring you guys the success you deserve
This video has come at exactly the right time for me. I'm in the middle of a huge anxiety attack attack with imposter syndrome because I have my first major mixing session to a proper movie coming on Monday and I was given carte blanche after a greenlit demo 6 months ago. The director loves it but I've never worked outside of my studio and I'm so worried I'll be pointed at and laughed at with my weird Microtonal synth stuff. But yeah. This video helped me breathe after almost doing a runner!
Trust your taste! That's what brought you, and not those who might laugh, into that session in the first place. You already earned it, so you might as well own it!
It went freaking awesome! What a fun experience I actually felt totally at home.. it's everyone else in the world that I don't know what to talk about because music stuff is just there 247
3 nippy p’s Perfection, Possesiveness, and Paranoia. Fight them all, one good P is Persevere. I like you took out 18 months. These things too are very important.
..what a way to start the year!, this was simply, AMAZING!!. Thank YOU Christian!!
The recent, reflective content on your channel, after years of familiarity and enjoying your content is lovely and refreshing. In the constant churn and pressure of productivity and achievement, the inner life of doubts and projection, developing tools to combat and stay aware of these tendencies is beautifully addressed here and elsewhere in your vlogs. Thank you for your lucid and honest voice, and then sharing it, honestly and transparently 🙏
You sound like a life coach,Christian but i think your advices are very useful for every composer.Thanks.
Dear Christian, the best of year to you and all around you. you do turn intelligence into wisdom, the more you do that the better you get at it and the better you do to lucky us.
God used you to talk to me directly. This couldn't have been a more timely message... Thank you brother
Thank you and I wish you all the best in the new year!
Hi Christian, just found your channel wow,, it's great. As for this video, thank you. I gave up an office job in 2011 to make a living out of music. I started with solo gigs, band gigs, recording other artists. Then teaching guitar in schools followed. It all got a bit too much in 2017 (195 gigs in one year, 6 schools) along with having a baby born 2016. I gave up the studio, because I was never able to spend time it in. Fast forward to now, I do one to two gigs a weekend, but I don't go hunting for them too much (unless a bit short on the dosh) This school term I've been teaching in 14 different schools. Once the half term starts, that's when I aim hitting stop, break & review. I love playing the guitar, my aim be it small was to earn a living from what I enjoyed doing. I do have one other aim, which is to get a song in the charts. From just one meeting with the company blinding talent, it's clear as you mentioned, (and essential your preparation is key) one thing I have given up by accident is the time to be creative. Not a good thing but hope to get a space where I can be again by the end of the year.
Sorry to waffle on, but thank you for sharing this video, and all the best from me T 😊
It's vlogs like this, from you, that got me started in the first place. Thank you.
My god you are a enormous river of generosity, thanks to your soul for it!
Once again, a truly inspiring video. Thank you Christian. This is why we follow you.
Thank you for sharing your experience, wisdom and sincerity.
Thank you, that's what I needed to hear today. One building block among several clues that brought me out of a somewhat dark mindset.
I'll walk the dog and then just get on with my music.
All the best!
Thank you Christian. I needed a good talking to. I appreciate you and your words of wisdom.
Wow! Thank you Christian!
Thank you for this, Christian! Lots of love!
Very inspirational. Thank you. 🙏
Thanks Christin, I needed that.
I remember watching similar video of you back in 2019 when I first started composing solo after leaving my band of 16 years. The level of transparency and honesty and wisdom you provided back then still resontates with me today. Happy new year, glad to see you are back stronger. PS: I haven't giving up 😊
9:25 - holding the mirror up to the people that want to drag you down because they’ve given up already - that is so true. I defied my father by giving up “a good job” and going to university to study IT at the age of 24 and pursue my own path. Those uni years were financially tough but worth it and I’m still reaping the benefits of that decision 35 years later.
Wow!!!! I'm so glad I 'found' you. I'm 61, I'm not a musician or composer, but work in 3D visualisation. This is life changing advice. Thank you :)
A very sincere chat..many thanks.
That was essential for me to hear today. Respect and gratitude for you taking the time to make this.
Thank you
Seriously, I just finished reading Rick Rubin's "the creative act" and YOU NEED TO WRITE A BOOK. You have it. These videos are soooooooo good.
It's not luck. It's hard work, and finding the satisfaction in doing the work, challenging yourself, and falling in love with trying. In improving a little every day, and making your life about not giving up. After 20 years of trying and not giving up, I became a screenwriter who has written movies you have seen. . . there is a great saying about artistic success: "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't give up."
Looking forward to this
Thank you, just what I need to hear at the moment.
This has to be one of the best YouTuve videos I've watched. Christian, please condense your wisdom into a book - I would buy it for sure.
I turned 60 last year and still enjoy being creative paid and unpaid and now in 2024, I'll have the opportunity go out on tour again, the last time I did a major tour was in my late 30's so 20+ years later the old man is about to go on the road again and also compose music for an American documentary about the Glenville shootout in Cleveland, Ohio in 1968, so it's never too late.
Thanks Christian, I think it is fair to say that anyone in this business has felt like this.
Amen. Amazing amount of wisdom here.
Great , amazing talk.When i get my P.C fixed i will be downloading all the free stuff i can get. I am also a musician in Scotland
i quit making music entirely for 17 years after a bitter band breakup. i just wasn't feeling it, and when i would, i could never find a drummer to work on songs with me. So i spent 2 years teaching myself to play drums, and newly prepared, i have been writing and recording my own material obsessively for about 2 years now. and the material is surprisingly good! the response from friends has been enthusiastic (even they seem surprised at my writing) which has been all the reward i have needed.
i have utilized a lot of your instruments. thank you. glad you're back, and Vaults is quite nice. I had to learn how to map CC11 to my Launchpad in order to use it to its full potential, so you forced me to learn something new.
I am not a composer. I can play guitar and I have made music with it. I write stories. The reason that I write stories is to try and impact someone the way that I was impacted. This video is as much for me as for anyone in any creative endeavor. Preparation is everything. Thank you, Christian. You have motivated me to keep going and to not give up.
BOOM! Perfect! Thank you.
Thanks Christian. Inspiring reminder.
Excellent advice, thank you for sharing.
A friend of mine sent me this link recently. It resonated with me so much. I've been at a cross roads musically recently and this was such a tonic. I'm a songwriter and performer, becoming disillusioned with all of it. I've been slowly preparing to enter the world of recording music for film TV etc but floundering at the very thought of it all. Where to start. How? Oh the uphill struggle of it all! This has helped me so much to focus my mind and take it one achievable step at a time. My worth has returned. Thankyou Christian for this. I hope to shake your hand one day. All the very best. Ian.
Thank you. I’m at a all time low. And just need any motivation I can get. I’m at the point where I don’t care anymore. I have no clue how I can get off this low point in my life.
Love that idea that giving up on everything (and what are you giving u???) is just as terrifying a thought as all the effort it takes to be successful, on your own terms. Sometimes it's just about re-orienting your mind. One thing I love to do when I'm having a day, week, or even year, is to ask other people how their day is going. It's not all sunshine and rainbows all the time, and there's beauty in that. Well done to anyone who's contemplating putting the time, work and effort in :)
Simply: Thank you so much!
You are a very 'listenable' person with wise words from a place of intelligence and experience. I think we all enjoy these rambling monologues. So good I may watch it again.....
Thanks for starting my new year off with this positive advice. I’m so glad you didn’t give up.
Wonderful message. It was like a warm hug. Thank you sir!
The community spirit you instill makes things feel timeless: that we can pursue our goals knowing we’re in it together and that time really is on our side if we use it wisely and without self-imposed pressure that’s so often expected of us as a ‘norm’
Thank you so much. Your sincere advice could not have come at a better time. So I really appreciate you talk. Happy new year.🎹🔑❤
Man, is it good to see you back.
I stumbled into this video in such a critical time because I was almost giving up, thank you!
Thank you for this well structured talk. I read many of the comments from other viewers and I found it to be profound and helpful. ❤
Brilliant video, thank you!
Been through a lot this year. Both ups and downs, so have been doing a lot of music to get through it all. Today I was feeling down after hearing my wife had a lot of money stolen from someone we know, who has disappeared . I felt so angry and helpless. However watching this it made me feel life is always up and down. We just need to keep positive and keep doing what we love. We can't help the negative behavior of others. The main thing is to keep honourable and never fall for the dark side. Quite often the hard times made me a better person and have enabled me to actually make and finish music for once in around twenty years. Thanks Christian for this and all your vids and knowledge.
Wise words, Thank you very much Christian!
I work in tech and feel the same sentiment. Been in it for 11yrs now both as an amateur for 5yrs and 6yrs professionally, and I constantly want to quit my career, but as I look back, I noticed how much the career has improved my life.
I would not be able to communicate a the level I communicate now, I would not have the funds to afford the things I have, and discipline to keep hammering away at it, and not stop.
I always learn something from your experiences to add to my experiences. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this wisdom!
I always enjoy these talks Christian. The scenery, cadence, humor, analogies and metaphors keep it light for when I'm not ready for another existential crisis... but when I'm ready for it they go deep and hit hard. Thank you for sharing your insights in such a well bespoked manner and giving us insight into your life and world. The ideas, concepts and 'tips' are applicable to so many aspects of what we do here on this planet.
This is exactly what I needed to hear at this time. Thank you Christian.
When I was in the US military many years ago I was stationed in South Korea at Osan AB...Osan, translated to English, is Crow Hill. Subscribed for the content, too, eh ;). Cheers, Christian. I am easily frustrated and frequently in the 'give up' mindset, so it's good to have talks like this available to encourage perseverance.
All the very best all @crowhill and Christian always found your inspirational walk chats very hopeful happy new year