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One of the most powerful life lessons I’ve learned so far came to me when I least expected it—while shooting a music video for my song “Amazing”.
The original idea for the video was nothing at all unique. It was going to be set at a club in the Boston area with my band, My Silent Bravery, playing for all the partygoers. Then, a typical “boy meets girl” scene would follow, and they would end up together. The boy was me and the girl was Cara Maria (MTV Real World Road Rules Challenge).
There was a really bad ice storm on the night of the shoot, and no one could make it to the club. We thought about rescheduling the shoot and inviting out some more friends and fans to shoot the club scene another night. But in the end, we decided to stay in the moment and play the hand the Universe had dealt us.
In making the decision to stay in the moment and play the hand we had been given, we decided to include the footage of the people who did not accept our flyers when we were out on the street promoting the club performance, rather than focusing attention on all those who did accept them. In changing our perspective, we were less interested in producing the “perfect” video and instead made it very real based on what was happening to us and around us.
For the club scene, we ended up filming the band performing just for Cara, rather than performing for a full audience as we had originally intended. I think this gave the video a little more of a romantic vibe, which I feel many women might appreciate. What girl wouldn’t want a personal concert just for her? Maybe not from me, (haha), but perhaps from Adam Levine or whoever—fill in the blank with your favorite artist.
The idea became more about making the moment amazing. Some might say if life gives you lemons make lemonade, while others might say go find some tequila. Either way, I think we ended up with a much more unique and cool video that also embodied me as an artist. Ultimately, I am much happier with how the Universe turned this around because I didn’t really want a video just about partying. I like to have substance in my music and videos and now there was a much bigger meaning, which I hope is translated in the video.
This experience changed the entire meaning of the song, “Amazing” for me. The song is about making the most of what you’ve been given. It’s about embracing whatever comes your way and enjoying the moment without pre-conceived expectations that may have been playing in your mind. When things don’t go the way you had expected or hoped they would; try to trust that everything is happening the way it is meant to, and ultimately it is for your benefit. Take on the thinking, “The Universe has my back, and everything is happening the way it is for my highest good.”
Change the prescription of your Oakleys and see everything as being amazing. Make the best of each situation that comes your way. Moment by moment…make it amazing! You may just find that in the end, you will be happier and better off for it. I am!
View “Amazing” here:
“Amazing” is from the album “Diamond from Coal” and features 12 tracks, produced by Anthony Resta (Collective Soul, Elton John, Guster) and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray, James Blunt).
Lyrics for “Amazing” by My Silent Bravery
You’re feeling alright, it’s a sunny day
Got the radio loud, going to let it play
Got your Oakleys on to provide the shade
Still can’t hide the smile on your face
Ain’t it funny
No one’s mind is on their money
But no one minds if that makes you happy
But all we need is some good company
And we’re really carefree
We’re alive and loud
Like a crowd going crazy
Alive and wild
Let’s make tonight
Amazing
You’re feeling so high that you can’t sustain
Every plane has always got to land
You close your eyes to embrace the change
Still can’t hide the smile on your face
Ain’t it funny
Life’s always brighter when it’s sunny
But after dark we’re a little more naughty
Because we’re getting sexy
So, come on over
When the sun turns over
Then we going to get this party lively
Shoulder to shoulder
Hands up towards heaven
Our time is short let’s use it wisely
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Photos provided by author