Music Is Guest Blog Series: Lyra Star

Have you ever come across that gem of wisdom from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "Without music, life would be a mistake"? We can identify with that pretty strongly here at Musical Notes Global.

We started wondering what music means to people in the industry and that sparked the idea for a new guest blog series. "Music Is" is an open-ended topic for artists to share their thoughts on music and the impact it has had on their lives with Musical Notes Global readers. Today we kick off the series with a guest blog from Lyra Star, a fearless and creative singer-songwriter who whisks listeners away into her magical musical world. Check out her thoughts below.

What Music Means to Me

Starting in the third grade, my mom made me take piano lessons, and I have to say that I am forever grateful for that. Even though I took lessons for a few years and eventually decided to quit, I have always had a passion for music.

I loved singing when I was a child, and I played clarinet in the band all throughout middle school and high school simply because I liked being a part of a group of musicians. I wasn't even that passionate about the clarinet as an instrument, but I wanted to be a part of a musical group.

I didn't really start listening to a lot of music that much until 8th grade, and I picked up a copy of the album "Little Earthquakes" by Tori Amos. That album was life changing for me...the beauty of the lyrics and the songs and the unique way that she was using the piano re-inspired me to connect with music.

I began using my ear and sounding out the songs on the piano and discovered that I loved to play freely...reading music was never my strong point, and playing classical music at recitals caused a lot of anxiety for me. However, sitting down and sounding out songs that I knew I loved really appealed to me. I began to create my own instrumental compositions, and I started listening to all kinds of music. I realized how cathartic it was not only to compose songs but to listen and be surrounded by the words and sounds that others were creating. I fell in love with Radiohead when I was in high school, and I started really listening to classic rock bands more (I had so many Led Zeppelin albums). Music that my parents grew up with really appealed to me, and I continued to expand from there. I loved making mixes for people as well because I found that to be an art of its own in how to order songs according to their mood/vibe. I eventually picked up the guitar, inspired by Jewel's album, 'Pieces of You', and acoustic folk songs from artists like Joni Mitchell. I knew I would never be a Jimmy Page, but I wanted to pick up a new instrument that was not piano. I found the guitar to be challenging, and, musically speaking in regards to theory, fretted instruments have never made sense to me, but I loved my teacher and continued to play to the best of my ability.

Having grown up in a music town, Nashville, I was lucky to have the opportunity to see a variety of amazing concerts and also hear a number of talented musicians at my own school. I grew up surrounded by amazing music and would regularly go out to live shows with friends. It has been, and always will be, a big part of my life. Music is healing for me...it can make me cry, laugh, and just be immersed in something so beautiful and magical that I lose the rest of the world.

I dabbled in songwriting a bit in college, but it was about four years ago that something inside of me felt the need to create my own songs. I used to be completely terrified when I would get onstage, and it has taken me all of these years to even find my voice and range as a singer and to improve as a songwriter. I have stumbled and fallen over again and again so many times, and I have learned that the music world is a challenging place. However, my passion is so great that I will continue on my path because I cannot imagine a life without music and putting myself out there through song.

Lyra Star is fresh off the release of her debut album A Thousand Dreams (check it out on Spotify here), and she also recently curated a super awesome playlist for Musical Notes Global's Women's History Month celebration. Listen here.

For all of Lyra Star's latest news and updates, follow her on social media:

Facebook: facebook.com/lyrastarmusic

Instagram: @lyrastarmusic

Website: lyra-star.com

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