A Year of Reflection, Gratitude, and Moving Forward
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to listen to my music, read my thoughts, and share their perspectives — whether supportive, critical, or somewhere in between. Every interaction matters, and none of it is taken for granted.
This journey truly began around May 2024, and only recently have I started to see small but meaningful signs of progress. Engagement has grown slowly, conversations have deepened, and the music is beginning to find the people it was meant to reach. I’ll be honest — at one point, I thought I might be approaching 1,000 subscribers by now. In reality, I’m currently around 340, after roughly a year and seven months of consistent effort. That alone speaks to how challenging this path can be.
That said, this project has always been a creative hobby, not a race. Growth that comes slowly but honestly feels more meaningful than numbers alone. The music I create is entirely original, with AI serving as a tool to help transform ideas into finished songs. Each piece is rooted in personal experience, observation, and reflection. If the goal were volume, I could have released hundreds — even thousands — of tracks by now. But writing something that carries intention and emotional weight takes time.
If even a small number of listeners find comfort, clarity, or a sense of companionship in these songs, I already consider that a success.
On AI and Creative Freedom
I know that AI in music is controversial. I’ve written about this before here on soundomachine.com, and I’ll say it again clearly: for me, AI represents creative freedom. It removes gatekeepers, eliminates the need for permission, and allows anyone — regardless of resources or location — to create and share their voice. It gives me the space to make non-commercial music, social commentary, and deeply personal reflections simply because they feel important to express.
At the same time, I continue to value the human element. I’m always open to collaboration, and if any artists wish to bring their own voice or interpretation through a cover or performance, I would genuinely welcome it.
Music, Loss, and Meaning
On a personal level, the passing of my father reshaped everything. It led to writing Goodbye Dad first for my family — a song we could share privately before it ever reached the public. That moment opened the door to other deeply personal songs, including Goodbye Mom, Goodbye My Love, and Hey Now (Letter from Heaven). Seeing Goodbye Dad resonate with others, and later Goodbye Mom, has been humbling and deeply meaningful.
For those discovering the music now, the catalog reflects different chapters of this journey — from introspective moments like Winter Blues and What About Me, to forward-looking steps like New. Each song captures a moment in time, and together they tell an ongoing story of reflection, resilience, and growth.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for being here — for listening, reflecting, and walking this path alongside me, even quietly. Your time and attention mean more than metrics can ever show.
I wish you good health, happiness, and success, now and into 2026.
With gratitude,
Sound-O-Machine
