There's only ONE Rule.....

After today's recording session, I've come to the conclusion that there is only ONE rule in life....and that is that there are absolutely  NO rules!!

This new album is absolutely pushing me way 'outside the box' creatively, not to mention way outside of my comfort zone personally. It's challenging me to think BIG and be open to brand new possibilities that I never would have considered before.  I'm being given to the opportunity to work with world-class musicians who have a heart and spirit for music (and life in general) that inspires me each and every session. I'm surrounded by some of the most humble, down-to-earth, people who unconditionally support both me and my music. I couldn't be more blessed - or grateful.

All of this is giving me a safe environment in which I find myself taking all kinds of 'risks' - which, as it turns out, aren't really risks at all. If I've learned one thing throughout all my years of writing and recording thus far, it's this - there really are no rules when it comes to making 'good' music. Everyone has a different opinion as to what 'good' music is anyway - so, really, how can there be rules to follow when it comes to something so subjective?

Sure, I can take all kinds of classes on songwriting and music composition, I can take lessons on any instrument and learn to play 'better', I can keep my voice healthy and strong by studying with a great teacher and learning how to sing 'properly' in a healthy way, etc, etc. I can do ALL of this and become the 'best' singer/musician possible.....I can spent countless house practicing and perfecting my playing or singing technique and the bottom line is this....

If I don't play, sing or write, with my entire heart and soul, there is little to no chance that the music I'm creating is going to impact or uplift anyone. And that's not why I, personally, got into music and songwriting in the first place. I started writing and singing because I've always had something to say. Thankfully, music and songwriting have always given me a safe place to go to express whatever it is I've needed to say.

Each album that I've written and released (and there have been 4 thus far - please go to http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/JenStackpole to listen to and/or buy/download them all), has been a snapshot of my life at that time. All the songs I write are autobiographical and capture where I've been and how I've been feeling at any one given time. This new album is no different - and, in many ways, it's challenging me to dig deeper and open my mind and heart more than I ever have before.

All that being said, my entire point to this blog is this - just like in music, there are no rules in life. Please don't ever try to fit yourself neatly into someone else's definition of who he/she thinks you are, or should be. Just be YOU. This world needs you to be your own wonderful, glorious self!

So, don't worry that you're going to be breaking any rules by living your life the way you're guided to live it...there are no rules, so you're off the hook.

Much love always,
~Jen