Soundtrack of Life

Storyhill, better known to the longtime followers as Chris and Johnny, stole my vulnerable heart years ago. There is something about the acoustic guitar that makes me fall deeper in love with each strum. I don't play, but I admire those who do. This year, my Christmas present to myself is going to be a brand spankin' new acoustic guitar. Hopefully the guys at the Podium won't think I'm too crazy.

Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson have almost 20 years of creative genius together. I love their harmony, their lyrics, their simplicity...
Folk music, from its genuine roots to contemporary singer-songwriters, has always been my favorite genre of music. I really have a variety of interests but I'd say that I gravitate towards folk the most. If I were to list some of my favorite musicians (not necessarily folk), they would be, in no particular order: Storyhill, John Gorka, Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Richard Shindell, Michael Penn, Bruce Cockburn, Greg Brown, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Ben Lee, REM, Amos Lee, the Frames, Ryan Adams, Ben Taylor, Coldplay, Counting Crows, Howie Day, John Mayer (and Trio), Pete Yorn, Jem, Tracy Chapman, Ben Folds, Beck, Bob Schneider, Justin Roth, David Wilcox, Rosie Thomas, Jack Johnson, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Damien Rice, Van Morrison, Train, Neil Young, Mike Doughty, Cake, Teddy Thompson, John Butler Trio...

One song? I can only pick one song?

Spaces by Storyhill

I'm thankful for the engine and all the sound it steals
It's not silence, but it's like it -- its constant rhythm heals
My heart like the rumble that nothing can conceal
I know it's not empty, that's only how it feels

And I know I need the spaces
The uncertain places in between
The empty, the unspoken, the silence unbroken
And I know you know what I mean

You ask me why I'm leaving, I ask you why you always stay
With nothing here you can believe in that will carry you away

There's nothing between where I am and the edge of this broad day
(And I know I need the spaces)
It's only wide open and I know I'll find my way
(The uncertain places in between)

'Cuz I know I need the spaces
The uncertain places in between
The empty, the unspoken, the silence unbroken
And I know you know what I mean
I know you know what I mean

This song has always had a special place with me. Perhaps it's because I have lived in an in-between place for so long and experienced challenges at every turn. The confusion about finding your way speaks to me. I still don't know which direction I'm running in. I believe there is a great purpose for me and my big heart, but I don't know what it is. The more I think about it, the less confident I am in my career convictions. I want to help in Darfur. I want to volunteer at the orphanage in South Africa. I want to meditate in Nepal (and maybe climb a mountain). I want to see the Amazon rainforest before I die.

This song has amazing harmonizing vocals. I love to replay it over and over, singing along with the lyrics. It reminds me of the purity of truth and honesty. It reminds me of the things that inspire me. And it reminds me that its okay to be both simplistic and complex.