The one thing bigger than your music
June 19, 2025
You’re focused. You’re driven. You’re dedicated to your music.
But there is something arguably more important than that.
Here is what I have discovered what that is, through a lifetime of experience.
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Totally agree, once I started looking outward and helping others things changed for my stuff too. This is a spiritual philosophy and a great design for life, thanks for the reminder. G x
Great reminder! As artists, we do what we do to make an impact. Be of service to the fans and all walks of life. Thanks Chris.
Glad you liked it, Scott.
Nobody in the music and entertainment industry ever has real and sustainable success until the work that they do is focused to making their fans and customers happy. If you are always conscious of how your efforts affect other people, then you are on the path to success.
Agreed!
Totally agree with you Chris!
But you are an exceptionally amazing person to get us to the position we are at, with all these courses you have Masterminded!!
Thank you so much, Harin!
I love what you had to say Chris…I had those rock-star dreams too…and gave up at a certain point when I was at a stand-still in my career, not knowing how to keep going. I took a 20 year hiatus… never thinking I’d be back in the music industry…and… here I am. I love how you remind us about the ‘relationships’ we’re building… with supervisors and our listeners. What I get from your video today, is also a reminder to remember the relationship we’re building with ourselves… and how we express that in our music and messages. We all want to touch other people’s lives in a beautiful way through our work. At 65, I am more driven than ever, even though I fight that ‘meanie’ on my shoulder everyday telling me I’m too old. I so want to be an advocate for older songwriters and older people in general, that it’s never too late… I do what I do because I love it, I need it and I hope that it will make a positive difference to this world… thank you for enabling us all to continue on this journey…with self-love, respect and tools to achieve our dreams!
There is no such thing as being too old. If Leonard Cohen could do it, so can you.
This video came at such a strange time for me.
I started writing and recording again about 4 months ago, and really with the intention of trying to get into sync. But upon polishing up my writing and production skills, I ended up spending a lot of time finishing my old songs. This lead me to trying to put out solo recordings, my audience was really just my kids, I wanted them to have this snapshot of their dad in once I’m gone…
But while playing and writing a couple weeks ago, my rage over the current state of government led me to write a protest song called FU. It was fun and really just for me and a few friends… well, I live in D.C., my friends started blasting it at protests and sharing the file… it was great seeing videos of people protesting and marching with my FU song blasting, so I published it, first just on SoundCloud, all the other streams will come online soon. But within days, I got my stats that my song was being played all over the Ukraine!
Back to how the audience perceives my music. Seriously, I started this project thinking, ‘I need to make some money and I don’t want to be a rock star’. But I went to the Vans Warped Tour and saw a bunch of guys my age making a huge emotional impact on people of all ages. And seeing people connecting with my FU song. I don’t know, just kinda gives me hope.
My primary focus is still on sync as a musical path, but maybe I’ll get some old guys together and try to take it on the road again?
https://kentuckyjim.com/fu
Love that story, Jim, and you found your muse in the right place. Not because of money or fame. Having both is certainly nice, but you realized it needs to start where you did by thinking of writing for people over the industry.
Chris, I want to say thank you for all that you do and your entire team. I’ve been very blessed to have songs that have charted, been with MTV and actually have one sync placement in my life. After over 40 years in this industry, I do see the importance of paying it forward. Giving back. Loving people from where you are. There’s something to be said about doing what we do for the actual reason of sharing versus running after money. I’m sure we all would like to support ourselves and just do our art, but Art generally comes before money and that’s why we do it. Thank you for the reminder. You are greatly appreciated.
You got it, Vince, thank you!
Hi Chris
I feel you in this. I believe helping people to connect with their true human spirit is the most beautiful way of living… I always feel two kind of ways at the same time. On the hand it’s not all that important what we do, even if we do the things we love and on the other hand it’s important enough to still do it and especially to do the things you love. It’s not that we have to prove anything. As human beings we are just living creatures who create and creations is from baby to an old man… It just happens the flame for me was to bring music in the world. I always feel it’s inspired by something bigger than myself. I’m not religious so I wouldn’t call it God… but you could call it God if you want to. I choose to follow your course because of my first feeling about your path in life. For me it feels like you’re a sincere guy even though I don’t know you that well. Still it seems that if we should meet eachother one day in real life, it would flow I guess. Currently I move with my family from Belgium to Sweden. If you ever pass by in Sweden. just let me know 🙂 Cheers and nice to, let’s say virtually, have some contact.
It sounds like you have your priorities in the right order, Philippe. I am glad we share the same “path in life.”
I love your inner journey. Mine is similar. I’ve written songs since I was little and didn’t know what I wanted from it at the time other than an outlet for my emotions but as I had some success it became clear how my music could impact people. I had a single (one stop song) recorded by Reba McEntire in the 90’s, the last decade you could make serious royalty money. It occurred to me that I was one of the rare musicians who could afford
independent health insurance. I established a 501c3 non profit, Triad Musicians Matter, where I could give financial grants to triad NC musicians who couldn’t earn money gigging because of Illness, accident, natural disaster, etc. After 9/11, I wrote a song called Little Did She Know (She’d Kissed A Hero) and my work tape was played by a local radio station in Greensboro, NC and ended up going viral before viral was a thing. It was by word of mouth. My friend suggested 8 press a CD single and I ended up selling singles in every state in the US and 17 countries. It was a miraculous phenomenon! Through the success of that song, I was able to give 10k to the 9/11 fund, 10k to The Twin Towers Fund and 10k to the The Jeremy Glick Foundation. Jeremy had been on Fl. 93 and that’s where the song came from, the heroes of Fl. 93. has been my reward from writing songs….not at all what I imagined when I was little but so much more rewarding.
I love your inspiration, and hearing about your donations. It all came from the right place.
This frames the conundrum of creating authentic music from our own points of view, while considering the needs of production companies and their final consumers. I’m picking up some tips – occasionally contradictory tips! – from music supervisors about how to “massage” the audio I produce to make it more sync friendly. Fortunately, this has not required a radical overhaul of how I write or produce 🙂
Yes, it is most important that the music comes from the heart first. The other things come second.
Chris,
You are such a breath of fresh air! Thank you for being your authentic self.
Yes, I agree 100% with what you share in this video.
It is all about connections with our music, anyone who listens to it, and in our case, connections with the Music Supervisors you have linked us up with.
Kudos to you and your Great Team!!
Thanks Ron!
Thank you Chris for sharing this! You inspire me everytime I watch your videos!
Love hearing that, Jade.
Great message Chris. I was fortunate to have success in another field, so I never had to struggle as a writer/musician. I just shared my work with everyone I cared about and they helped me vet my stuff – before I knew what vetting was lol. You’re a good man. I’ve learned a ton since starting the course. All the best.
Really great to hear, Mark! Thanks so much.
Chris,
Once again, I appreciate your thoughtful and philosophical view of music and life. It is so easy to forget the larger picture and keep our blinders on after we create our music. I have discovered that results do not matter as much as simply finding and remembering the joy and satisfaction in those moments of creating something or sharing our creation. That’s how it began with all of us and that is where the magic resides!
Love it, Todd.
Wow. What a wash of positivity that this posting, from Chris, as well as inspired responses, led us to. I feel so much compassion and encouragement right now. I wish our precious world family could feel more like this. Thank you, all.
Thanks so much, Cassandra!
Your point about service is right-on. That’s where the true Powell’s, when you’re serving others with your music. Then the universe and Law of Attraction supports your vision and kicks in. And it is not a struggle – what you need flows to you effortlessly. That’s what I’m finding, although I’m just at the starting phase. Today, I got an email with the exact platform I need to execute my visions am an award-winning poet and peace activist turned recent songwriter. I have a completed album of 10 socially conscious Songs, and reggae EP in p Production and my first Hip Hop Peace song in production. I’m the lyricist and work with a fantastic producer who brings my vision to life. I did not have a sample track since I hadn’t followed Hip Hop. But again LOA lead me to the perfect Emoji nem song and beat to use as a sample – not copied but the vibe I was looking for. I can’t tell you all the things that have just flowed to me effortlessly since I put my pure intention out.LOA has been flowing me whatever I need. I’m 85 and my mission is to spread messages of peace and love through music. With the global wars, this is what the people need now. I hope to have my songs start a global movement with people in different countries around the world spreading the message. Thanks for what you do to help independent artists build sync relationships and get their music in movies, T.V. and more.
So inspiring to hear, Leslie, and keep your mission strong.
Well-said Chris & well-received.
Great to hear, Doug.
Yes, of course, you are right as others replying before me have noted. I think money serves as an obvious statement of impact, but, when there really isn’t all that much money, it can be hard to recognize where the real pay is. And that is, and what I believe you are saying, the impact on others that you don’t always have an insight into but it happens. For me, it’s things like how a supervisor cried while listening to one of my songs recently, or the notice that someone in France Shazamed a song, or that a person at a show told me after the show that they’d driven 2 hours to hear the music because that music had helped then through a rough time in their life. I know what I would say about getting money; I don’t fully know what to say about those unexpected impact statements other than I am humbled, surprised, and will continue to write for *that* rather than the paycheck.
Wow! A song that makes a supervisor crying is pretty intense. You are obviously putting the right thing first.
I couldn’t agree more regarding the comments that my fellow musicians have already left above. I do feel blessed that my brother and I can create original music together. We have been a band since 1994 and have never played a cover. It has all come from within. We grew up poor and had some family struggles early on, but I think we have been able to channel that energy into a positive force that has propelled us over the years. Our new album is probably our proudest moment yet and of course we would like the world to hear us both on a stream as well as live, as we will be on stage soon enough, but as my brother Matt likes to point out, the process of creation is really where the mind should rest. Cheers Chris for all you do. -Will
Love your story, Will. Keep rollin’!
Jon here. What you say makes sense, Chris! And these days I find that Rob and I are far less self-conscious about every word and every note and much more about if it feels right and sounds right. Because that’s really what it takes to reach people and connect with people who enjoy our music. It’s definitely a pouring out thing, trying to add value to other people’s lives with what we do. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
You got it, Jon!
Fantastic Chris, sensational advice and perspective. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for posting.
Ray J
Thanks Ray!
Hi Chris, your thoughts on having an impact, is very important when we write songs. Our music should uplift someone’s well-being. Thank you for sharing your thoughts>
I appreciate that, Tyrone.
Thanks, Chris. Self-reflection is always good. So glad I have been in the Sync club meeting relevant music supervisors and getting lots of great feedback. I know building relationships is as important.
I am faced with wanting to branch out into new higher paying industries that can support my family while I continue pursuing my music but I also know that my time is limited and priceless. I’ll end up with even less time for my music business. Ironically, if I focus on how I can serve music clients I may get the success I am looking for.
Thanks as always for being our Yoda.
Amber
Thanks Amber.
Hey Chris,
Thank you for sharing this short sweet video with us,
I think all of us musicians & artists are better served & reach our potential better when our goal is to reach out & touch someone, share our emotion, share our love through a song, then we are when we’re all up in our heads about our perfect performance or our value as an artist, based on what we can get paid. I will do my best to share my heart & remember that that is what we’re really getting paid for. Thank you for your kind & warm advice.
You got it, Marlo.
I love what you say here! It is such a blessing to be able to connect with other like minded artists and creators that create out of the sheer love, passion and need to express themselves. Appreciate your help in connecting us all. So glad i joined your course, I’ve learned so much. 🙂
Thank you for coming into the Sync Songwriter world, Suzka. I appreciate your comment.
Thank you so, so much, Chris. This resonates, FULLY. Though, yes, I worry about what I’m doing, how I’m doing it, whether I’m doing enough, I never worry about WHY I’m doing it. That’s crystal clear – expression, whether artistic, scientific or any other, is a deeply rooted human trait. I can no sooner give up writing, playing, singing and (hopefully!) performing than I can breathing. And it’s not for the mememe thing, it’s because I want to SHARE that expression with others. In whatever ways work. Thank you for the nudge, it’s important to keep this front and center at all times – the WHY. – Beth
You got it, Beth.
That sounds exactly like me, Chris. Even so, with 1 million songs coming out on Spotify a month, I think I would’ve had a better chance of getting a record deal back in the day. Lol. I decided a long time ago to make music for God, myself, and anybody else that would like to listen, more the merrier! Thanks again, my friend!
Good goin’, Paul!
Thanks, Chris. After spending the past week and a half back “home”, this was a great reminder of why we have all chosen this path in life. It is NOT for the money, and anyone who has been in this industry for any amount of time will attest to that. It is hard to get my family to understand why we (my husband and myself) have chosen this path, as we both have degrees and could pursue way more lucrative career paths, but as I watch them stress out about their careers and see how it has affected their health, I know my happiness (and health) is way more important than money. We love our jobs everyday and are so blessed to be chasing this dream together, and you can’t put a dollar sign on that. Thanks so much, for all you.
Totally agree!
Love your out look and ofcourse it’s always more than just about us and our music . Regards fans , just making a song that they really relate too or touched their heart. That matters . Maybe in the end if your lucky enough for your music to remind them of a time and place in their life .
Thankyou for always wanting to help those that haven’t had that break 🙏❤️
Thanks, Levi, and I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks Chris – yep it’s all about making music that connects somehow. And, i appreciate the opportunity to make new friends here in sync club and also with the music supervisors we meet – thanks for making it happen 🙂
That is great hear, Jim. I am glad you have found something you were looking for.
Thanks, Chris. Great insight. I have always thought that enjoying the journey is more important than the endpoint, because sometimes the endpoint changes, and sometimes you may not reach it. It really is enjoying the journey along the way because even if you do not achieve all your goals, you have a life experience that no one can take away from you.
Well said, Edward.
Hoping I will reach one soul
You just did.
Hey Chris – thanks for this video. I think when we are young we can tend to be self-centered and focused on “success” without seeing the broader view. With age comes wisdom, and I certainly am not of the same frame of mind that I was 40 years ago. I’ve been moderately “successful” in my career (which has nothing to do with music), but success is not necessarily about making money, but finding the joy in the whatever it is you do. I think the more you give (in whatever format that is) to other people you get back in some way. Good will is always rewarded whether it is feeling in your soul or creating a new friendship, etc. I’ve tried too teach my sons these things and I think they get it because they are both such great humans. You mentioned telling your parents what you wanted to do. Similarly, I remember telling my parents at the dinner table one night (I was maybe 15) that “I feel I’m going to do something important someday, I don’t know what it is but I feel it”….and I still don’t know if I have done that yet….I hope I know it when I reach it. It may already be behind me, but we can always strive for greatness in all things.
Yes, well said “…we can always strive for greatness in all things.”
Yeah Chris I really liked what you had to say and share. Our lives tend to work better and have more lasting joy when we can help others find some success and not be only concerned about ourselves. In the larger scheme of things we are all learning to be helpers and givers of what we have learned and found in our journeys thru this thing we call life. We truly are all brothers and sisters spawned from the same infinite source. Developing our creativity is far more important than most of us presently understand. Learning to collaborate and create beautiful music is all part of a wonderful plan for us to eventually be apart of creating in an unlimited way. Keep doing what you are doing Chris. You are helping a lot of musicians in ways you may not fully understand until you can see things more clearly from the otherside of life. I can truly say you are on a positive and progressive path.
Thank you, Dan. Just doing the best I can.
I live by “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” Treat people like you wanna be treated and we will all live happy lives. Well, you are the one that convinced me to join syncsongwriters. As you mentioned helping others get in the music game and get the knowledge of the music game to prosper with better music, better understanding of what music works in the sync game. And yes, it’s in the game of life, encompassing all we do within our own life. And we have to learn this game of life, this sync licensing game, because all games have RULES. I’m saying this because I think you are comfortable in comparison to some of your students who are not as comfortable financially or otherwise but, our heart beats music, darn near 24/7. And by you doing what you do, paying it forward and making it possible to get the vital information that would take a whole lot more energy, time and money to get doing it on our own, without being a member of an organization like this, I would continue to be a big problem hunting down people, places and things to get the job done. So, keep being the great guy that you are and know that I and the rest of my classmate appreciate your keeping it real. Stay blessed my friend.
Thanks, Vance. Greatly appreciated.
Apart from your presentation which was much appreciated, I loved your choice of scenery.
Thanks Bonny, I love the forest.
I was having this same conversation today with my sister, about contributing and being able to really give value.
Being in Nashville for the past year has given me some perspective on what my goals are for my music, seeing so many talented artists pushing through the hustle, and I respect it! The first songwriter night I attended here, a song that said “it was a one hit wonder 10 years in the making” summed it up the Nashville experience quite well. Sometimes I feel like musicians are so focused on “does this serve my ambition?” that the purpose of connections gets lost. Of course we want to achieve our dreams, and meanwhile we’ve got to survive, but it’s nothing without the ability to stay present and sincere. I appreciate you for sharing this Chris!
Yes, agreed, you need to do both, but many musicians just do the former and are missing out.
Thanks Chris- good to see you. Finding and doing the thing you love is what makes it happen 😊
Btw a song came to me recently titled
I had a good time down in Texas. Going to the studio in a couple of weeks and excited
Chris,
I agree with you, however at my age you learn how to help others , if you are able. See , some Songwriters are in a funk & not (49) . So I believe if you can help them move forward it would give them and the world joy then it’s a good thing , a mentor of mine , who would be great for SYNC Club, just needs space, but this man can write songs 🎵, a am blessed to know him , he lit the fire under me in 2018, and forever greatful. A East Coast warrior,,, my time invested with him is never selfish, helping others get out the way of themselves to find joy. ( never gets old )
Lenny
Lennyoka.com
I
Nice! It sounds like you are on my side of the fence.
Great to hear!
I love playing as many live gigs as possible, for the very reason you mention, Chris, which is connection with others. When I have my eyes open, and I am seeing individuals in the audience, and realise they are seeing me through my music too, then a community is forged and unique moments created. Thank you for your support on the journey. Best wishes, Ian.
Perfect! Love your analogy.
Thank you for the personal share Chris – it resonates . I chose that path of doing the high work and it made me so miserable. Family responsibilities have subsided and I whilst it is a somewhat wobbly walk into the music industry I absolutely love it. The days of hiding the musical light are over – come what may. I suppose in a way there is my service – I
recognise it’s purpose to others in how it is received and this brings confidence to continue. Networks are not always the most comfortable places I find them overwhelming at best and being Neuro divergent I can get very confused. I love the woodland walk you have going on there – I have one on my doorstep and there is my second home – green makes for happy.
Green is good. 🙂 Btw focus on your fans first and networks second.
Thanks so much for inspiration, information and the support, Chris. Well done!
Thanks, Jenn!
Hi Chris,
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Yes as we grow we change and our priorities change. We find ourselves caring about things that as young people we didn’t so much. It’s wonderful to be able to reach fans more directly now, and learn about them and correspond with them. It becomes a real relationship as opposed to a sort of amorphous void. (The audience I mean). And its so good not to be so self obsessed! lol!
Yes, it does become like a relationship and less like staring in the mirror. Thanks for your comment.
Hey Chris, thank you for your impactful and the full of wisdom knowledge you provided for us on this video. We certainly have things in common when it comes to this subject. I’ve always felt ever since I started writing and performing that it’s about moving peoples hearts in some manner or form… that I was given a gift and must give it away. And that is exactly why I joined sync songwriter not for the money, but for moving hearts in a grandiose way thru Film and Television while retaining originality.
Truly grateful –
Sounds like we are on the same page, Peter!
Hi Chris:
Love your country road musings!
Such a good point you make; what is our music without the audience connection?
As Martin Sutton says:
“Write from your truth and think like the listener”
Thanks,
Alex Kydd
You got it, Alex.
Thank you, Chris! For all you do, are and offer to all you encounter! Your course was definitely placed on my path. I’m grateful I had the good sense to follow that inner nudge, sign up and take the journey with you, your team and the whole Sync Songwriter family past and present. I love reading all the comments here and am feeling such a beautiful sense of unity of purpose of a higher order. I’m super psyched about all the opportunities that you have opened the doors for and continue to teach us to walk through. And it makes me so happy that you find such joy in what you continue to create in service to all.
Thank you so much Ellen. It is great to have you in the Sync Songwriter world!
Hi Chris,
There is a song in there somewhere. Write it!!
Regards
H
Haha, if I had time I would. In the meantime, go for it! 🙂
Hi Chris,
Thank you for all you do to help musicians succeed while keeping their bearings. Alex is increasingly getting comments after his performances about how he and his music serve as inspiration for others. He’s even being nominated as a NextGen person (ages 25-45) whose cultural activities help to make Memphis a great city. —Valeria
Great news, Valeria!
Indeed Chris – it is an ancient spiritual adage and truth that we feel best about our lives and ourselves whenever we give something to others.
As an artist in multiple disciplines, I consistently feel that the most successful expression is always what we are confident is the best representation of the honest impression we’ve chosen to convey. That alone is enough to define success in art.
However, its heartfelt reception by a sincerely appreciative audience is what makes art ‘complete’!! The sharing – connecting with others, bonding over the impression and its expression.
Thanks for saying it out loud.
peace love
Love that, Malcolm.
Giving is much better than receiving, helping others is its own reward. These might be cliches, but they’re true. I’ve always thought you were very generous, and over the last 12 months or so I’ve seen that you are totally genuine. Which is great role modelling for us all. I’m only at the beginning of my synch songwriter journey, but I feel that working with you will be a great experience as you’re someone I feel I can trust. Which is the key element, especially as we will probably never meet in person.
Thanks for this wonderfully honest video – these thoughts very much resonate with my experience. The most powerful moments for me as an artist have nothing to do with the size of the crowd or the prestige of the venue, and certainly nothing to do with how much money is involved (which has never been a lot!) 🙂 – and it’s never been about ‘me’, it’s been about a connection. The snapshots of beauty throughout the years are filled with tiny, unexpected connections with people, people I reached with music. Someone coming up after a show with tears in their eyes sharing a story about how my song moved them, or the joy shared with a student when they have a performance that empowers them as an artist – that’s what keeps me going <3