I feel it was fitting to write this article now, as it's been a long time since my last post. I've been struggling lately with writer's block...and I wasn't sure why. There is plenty to write about, and so much trouble in the world, which of course makes for great songs. I deduced my dilemma wasn't simply a lack of page turning lyrical content, it was something much deeper.
Our lives have changed, our dreams have changed. COVID-19 has changed our world forever. Here we all are in 2021, a world uncertain. All wondering if it's safe to interact, the vast majority of us are fearing for our neighbors and loved ones as much, if not more, than we fear for ourselves. All reacting together as one to try and rid the world of this invisible menace. All wondering, now that we're here...what's next?
Like many of you, I have been uncertain on how to live my life these last months. What world do we prepare for? When will the world restart? How do we begin to face the challenges ahead? And the big one I asked myself often...do you still want the same things beginning 2021 that you wanted in 2020? Do you still have the same thoughts, desires, and points of view?
This is why I struggled to write music, or anything at all for the last several months.
We are coming into a new phase of humanity. As always, the new world is scarier, and also more exciting, than the old world. Technology, and automation shapes our world in ways thought unimaginable even just one generation ago. If we're not careful on how we choose to proceed, we might lose our humanity forever.
As an American, and a human being, I believe in freedom of personal choice. And we must choose one another. The idea of love and unity cannot simply be platitudes of a classic ballad sung at a concert, they must be felt with every fiber of your being.
The consequences are most dire, my friends. If we can't come together and love one another, then I promise this. The new world can get far darker and more lonely than the old world. It's the simple things in life that save us, and remind us of our humanity. It's the things we have in common, AS WELL AS OUR DIFFERENCES, that make this world so amazing. I'm reminded by what Roger Waters, a great personal hero of mine, once said.
Friends, Family, Community. You aren't how much money you have in the bank. You aren't harmless, and you're certainly no victim. You aren't helpless, although it's possible you're not doing enough to help. If you truly don't care for your fellow humans, I have no time for you, and I'll oppose you at every chance I get.
The truth according to Nick Aldieri is this: We make our own truth. You truly create our own reality one brick at a time. My reality might look slightly different, or vastly different than yours. But if you are on the side of love and goodness, then I am rooting for you, and I hope you're rooting for me.
So I'm "Back In The Saddle", "Back To It", "Back in Black" and "Back to Life". I'm dusting off my gear, writing music, and playing music every day. I hope you are too. Always write and play music simply because you love it, and have something to express. If you're in it for the fortune and fame, you should quit now. That's not a direct order, but take it from me personally, the other roads will only disappoint you in the end, and the walk is nowhere near as beautiful or satisfying.
Never give up my friends, and never surrender. This world is much better with you and your music in it. The world needs musicians now more than ever, not as false prophets to idolize, but as a strong force of human character and grit we can all admire. I'll be walking the path along with you, and if you've been struggling to find your voice, I'd love to meet you.
Nick
The Coach