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Answers by Sarah McLachlan, Singer/Songwriter
Music is a gift, it is a universal emotional language that allows us to feel, it brings us closer to ourselves and others in that it creates an avenue for empathy and understanding. It can often communicate something that cannot be put into words, a resonance of the spirit and a recognition that another feels what you feel and understands.
I think the greatest validation for me as a musician is having people I don't know come up to me and tell me that something I've created has come into their lives and impacted them in a positive way. It's wonderful because songwriting is a lonely isolating process so to put it out there when you are done and have that kind of response is amazing.
I think any musician who can take a piece of music and not just play it but can put themselves and all their passion into it becomes an artist even if it's only them hearing it. The artistry is in creating something new and communicating a deeper level of understanding. Three people can tell you the same story but the one who puts their passion into it is the one you remember an feel.
I think they are two different things although I know some would argue. A lyric typically needs the music and melody to lift it and bring it to life, they need and support each other.
"Flesh and Blood" lyrically was the hardest to finish. I recorded the vocal on the last days of mixing and I think Monsters was the easiest.
I think the greatest validation for me as a musician is having people I don't know come up to me and tell me that something I've created has come into their lives and impacted them in a positive way. It's wonderful because songwriting is a lonely isolating process so to put it out there when you are done and have that kind of response is amazing.
It's flattering and I do enjoy winning in the moment but it does not define success to me.
That's the big question, I doubt there will be record labels as I don't know how they can make money anymore, streaming is the way music is being heard these days, immediate access to whatever and whenever you want. People will always want new music so I know it will continue to be created, but the old model is dying on the vine.
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