Lessons from a Year of Listening
By Mattea Noelle
When I look back on this year of conversations with local musicians, each interview peeled back another layer of what it means to create, endure, and commit to an unpredictable artistic path. This year in Songwriter View was dedicated to uplifting local artists, but what emerged is more than a collection of profiles. Together, these musicians have given us a window into their world, offering perspectives that keep listeners curious and waiting to be inspired by the next song.
Each musician told their own story of passion and discipline. Young artists shared stories of discovering their creative spark, gaining momentum, and learning how to balance school, jobs, and families while finding time to nurture the gift that set everything in motion. It became clear that the creative flame often requires sacrifice to keep burning.
In our conversations, these artists taught me what it looks like to explore different musical outlets and how they challenge themselves to expand in their creative work. Many talked about techniques learned in one space becoming tools they pull out in another, proving that a creative identity isn’t built from staying in one lane, but from exploring many.
We leaned into the realities of burnout, imposter syndrome, and what keeps us going. Everyone shared part of their journey where the pace caught up to them. But every story of slowing down was paired with a story of returning. What brought them back was a deeper understanding of why they started. Every artist has a unique and personal experience with resilience, and yet they diligently shape that vulnerability into profound works of art and music.
Together, we reflected on the meaning of success and the road to recognition: festival stages, awards, and unexpected dream opportunities that punctuate the journey. Accolades are not the motivation to create, but on the rollercoaster of creative highs and lows, they become markers of time, milestones of growth, or quiet anchors that remind us of our best moments. Artists will always be looking for the affirmation that someone, somewhere, has noticed. We all want proof that our message is reaching our audience.
Taken together, these stories portray a roadmap that can inspire us to stay in motion. Evolving passion and identity, setbacks and triumphs, breakthroughs, and a continued commitment to growth.
As winter arrives and the gig calendar quiets, I’m reminded that this rhythm is essential. Explore, expand, express, reflect, and rest. This year taught me that listening is an art of its own, and our community is full of voices, songs, and stories worth hearing. Thank you for reading in 2025!
