Intuitively, we know that music inspires us, motivates us, brings us together. A mother's lullaby, our school's song, the music played at a political rally or sporting event.

The music that we work out to, that gets our blood flowing and our heart beating faster. The playlist that we listen to when we are in a great mood. Or those songs that we turn to when we are sad and want to feel better.

Music can bridge language barriers and cultural divides. How many of us have been to a dance or a concert and have bonded with complete strangers, connected only through music?  This was the more intuitive part of my research.

My initial research showed many anecdotal and scientific connections between music and mental health & well being.

Music has been a form of connection and communication throughout history and across the world.

Music has been used to bring tribes together for celebrations and certain sounds used to ward off evil spirits or warn others of danger.

There are many studies that show how music can impact one’s mood. Some music can have the same effect on people, example classical music can be soothing for most. For others, it can depend on what they like or show a reaction to.

Music has been shown to have an impact on the brain, on physical behavior, on cognitive abilities. This has been shown through scientific research and studies.

Music therapy has become a practice, helping those being treated to better understand and communicate emotions.  By listening to or playing music, writing or changing lyrics to songs, 

I reached out to artists initially here in the US and eventually around the globe and asked them if they would be willing to answer five questions, ranging from their creative process, to how they have overcome their own challenges, to how they interact and are inspired by their fans.  

I was quite surprised with how many not only reached back out to me but very willingly opened up about their own struggles and challenges the difference music has made in their lives.

Some artists used music as a cathartic way of expressing their emotions and working through challenges for themselves, while others more simply wrote what felt right for them, but found their fans connecting with certain songs.

I also discovered that for each artist, their creative process, their challenges and overcoming obstacles was a journey.  One that never really ends, it simply evolves.

After interviewing so many artists via email and social media, it was nice to be able to interview an artist in person. Beth Turner, who is currently on tour, was in Virginia Beach and agreed to meet me for coffee.  

It was supposed to be just an informal chat so I could ask her a few questions and get to know her, but we decided to let the camera roll and this is what we were able to get. It felt far more comfortable than I thought it would and Beth was amazingly open and sincere.

This interview helped me to better understand what the artists were telling me, why they were opening up, and how important music is both to the artists and their fans.