Where the Past Meets the Present and Beyond!

I’m at a point in life where my past is meeting my present and leading into my future. It’s kinda a strange feeling. I often say to people, I’m so glad that I play music. I couldn’t image having any other job—and I can’t do what others can do. I’m inspired by people who heal in their way, the ones who help others on their way of becoming strong, and the humans that make our lives easier by doing things I could never imagine doing. I’m amazed by them. My life has changed so much in the last 2 1/2 years and it’s even changed in the last three weeks! I’m amazed and sometimes it feels like I’m on this incredible roller coaster—it has bumps but the beauty overrides those rough times. I know the holidays can be difficult for many people. For musicians, we work a lot. It’s one of our busiest times of the year. Sometimes we work on Christmas and definitely on New Years Eve. I can’t speak for every musician but I’m extremely grateful to all the people who trust me for their musical needs year-round but especially for the holidays. Being part of the first-ever GLOW Holiday in Nashville has been amazing! Seeing the light in children’s eyes when they see musical/dancing elves, Mrs Claus, and of course-Santa! It’s been magical! I think the most important musical thing I had the honor of doing is writing a song for Integrative Pediatric/Concussion Therapy. Working with owner/PT extraordinaire, Sally Fryer Dietz for a few weeks on what she wanted the song to say to her amazing staff, really brought me closer to the reason why I make music. I normally don’t have the opportunity to perform a commissioned song to the people it’s going to—this time, I did. It was so powerful. To meet the therapists that I’ve heard so much about-wow! It was quite emotional. To be given the honor of writing a song from one person to a group of people as their holiday gift was extremely fulfilling and life-changing for me. Most commissioned pieces are sent-in and I never hear if the people liked it or not. This time it was totally different. I’m in awe of these incredible humans that have such an important job. Just meeting them once made a great impact on me. This is the main reason why I say, I’m so glad I play music. I could never do what these beautiful people do. With commissions, I ask a lot of question to get to the heart of the matter. This song to people who do such meaningful work. I will never forget the journey this song took me on. If you’d like to see the video of “More Than My Imagination” please click on this link: https://youtu.be/9oU9SxHctg8 and be sure to check out Integrative Pediatric Therapy at this website: https://iptkids.com/. To read about the founder of IPT: https://sallyfryerdietz.com. If you’d like to order her book, “When Kids Fly”: https://whenkidsfly.com. This year, I also performed at two 30th anniversary parties for the World Craniofacial Foundation. Extremely proud to have been part of this foundation for many years. Such an honor be an ambassador, musician, and speaker for the WCF. They are an incredible team of people who work wonders for children, adults, and entire families that have Craniofacial challenges. My song, “Back Together” has travelled more places with the WCF than I ever thought possible. Here is the link to listen to “Back Together”: https://youtu.be/BxHth-Pnak4 (live version) https://youtu.be/ggLeADMoQwg (album version). If you’d like to give to the WCF, please do so through: https://worldcf.org/ The book, “A Life That Matters” is out everywhere. Both versions can be ordered here: https://www.kennethesalyermd.com. 50% of the proceeds of each book goes to the WCF to help families. It seems like miracles found me this year. Just when I felt like I was at a loss, God picked me back up and threw a new opportunity my way. I’m so grateful and blessed. I couldn’t do anything without the people in life. A support system is key for anyone...especially for creatives. They deal my emotions, my challenges, my obstacles, my wild thinking, and my crazy dreams—especially my mom! THANK YOU!! I don’t know how you deal with me! Haha! You’re the BEST! ❤️❤️ I didn’t know such amazing things were coming my way and it leads me to believe, wholeheartedly, that my future will be stunning. There will always be bumps and I, no doubt, will get bruised—but the destination is going to be beautiful because the journey is enthralling. Everyone’s fingerprint is different-so is everyone’s musical voice. We don’t have to be like someone else or try to make music that would turn into “flavor of the month”. We want longevity. My debut album, “Nothing is Real” received a Grammy nod. To some, that’s not big deal, to me—its everything. It’s one step closer to a true nomination. I’m on my way. It tells me “don’t give up!” It says “you got this!” I’m perfectly happy when I have the chance to make music. It is my passion. I don’t try to be like anyone else because I can’t be. China changed my life. I met people whom I have the chance to work with in Nashville and in China. Speaking at the Music Cities Convention was nothing short of overwhelming. So many great brains coming together and speaking on music and how we can globalize music in education, on the streets, and in healthcare. To be included—WOW! The book I co-wrote, “Profile of a Hit Songwriter” came out and it is doing well! Please click here to purchase: https://www.halleonard.com/product/299907/profile-of-a-hit-songwriter We thank you for you purchase!! There is so much I can say about this writing process and the people whom we had the chance to interview. Burt Bacharach!!! Whoa! 25+ hit songwriters, producers, pediatricians, and a famed psychotherapist. Geez! What a brilliant group! Please check out my co-writers website: http://thorntoncline.com. Also, please check out Edy Nathan’s website: https://edynathan.com and purchase her book, “It’s Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery Through Trauma and Loss”. There are so many more people I should give a shout-out to and I should send you to their websites but that will come in another blog. (No, I’m not getting paid to promote these people or their products)! I know it’s a digital world but please consider purchasing physical products from artists of all kinds. It’s by your support that we can do what we love the most! We all have highs and lows in our life. Things happen-but I’m always thankful to be alive. I get to make music. Make people dance, smile...feel deeper emotions—This Holiday Season especially. I hope everyone has a wonder Holiday Season and a Happy 2020! Fiddle on always! Lacie