Why I Quit Music… And Why I Might Start Again
I don't talk about it enough, but music is everything to me.
Last month (June 2025), I listened to 7,284 minutes of music; last year, I listened to 61,507 minutes of music--my top genres: Pop, Country, Alternative, Hip-Hop, and R&B & Soul.
Fourteen years ago, in 2011, I produced my first song:
I remember feeling like it wasn't very good, but I was so excited that I had created something from an idea in my head that the other part didn't matter much.
Looking back, I loved that little snippet because it was honest and real. I didn't have a fancy computer or gear, unless you consider a baseline MacBook Pro 13-inch fancy.
For much of my earlier work, I used an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook Pro. I've had a vast library of plug-ins and some of the best sounds, and I've also had nothing but the stock plug-ins that come with Logic Pro.
No matter what I had at my disposal, I was able to create some decent music.
Like this song titled Breaking Ends (Summer 2012 Demo):
For the last couple of years, since I stopped writing and producing music in 2022, I've had it in my head that I will start writing music again when I move into my place and have the money to finance my Studio 2.0 concept.
Studio 1.0 was brilliant, but I struggled to reach the heights I wanted because I felt I was lacking in the equipment department. My computer just couldn't handle the workload, and my skills didn't match my expectations.
So I quit.
The Itch Is Back Full Force
In 2028, I would like to release an album written and produced by yours truly.
I've always thought the best way to reach someone is through music.
Thirteen years ago, that's 2012, I fell in love for the first time, and I didn't know it.
The feelings I was feeling, the things I was hearing, just became too much, and I acted selfishly. There's a lot I didn't do. A lot I did do. At the end of the day, I betrayed someone I loved.
I didn't know what to do with what I was feeling.
He didn't know what to do with what he was feeling.
But I made promises I clearly couldn't keep, ruining the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I figured the only way I'd be able to get through to him and explain everything was through this concept I had for an album.
I concocted this massive scheme.
I'd write this amazing album--an apology letter to this guy--release it, and send him a link. Show up a few months later, wanting to buy a house (he was in Real Estate) and take it from there.
Crazy, right?
And then he dies on me.
I put off writing this album for so long that my subject matter dies on me.
Now, I figure I could still release it into the universe and just maybe he'll hear it and know.
Lately, I catch myself humming melodies and playing with lyrical phrasing. I still think the final product will be crafted in Studio 2.0, but for now, what's stopping me from practicing the craft of writing and producing music?
For far too long, I've been creating in a blackhole.
Rarely sharing or posting.
A year ago, that changed when I hit publish on my first meaningful piece of content. Five months later, I launched the Potential Paradox. A year later, and here we are.
The point is, I've got that itch to write music again.
Not full-on productions ready for the radio.
I just have this desire and curiosity to create underlicks and stripped-down demos. To play with the things I've learned since 2022.
Most of all, to keep it dead simple this time.
I don't need a studio.
Not in 2025.
So I want to challenge myself. I want to make music with nothing more than Logic Pro for iPad and my AirPods. I want to reaffirm that you can create music with a bare-bones setup. You don't need Studio 2.0 to create art and build up your craft.
What You Can Learn From This
We all have our reasons for the things we aught to do, but for some damn reason we refuse to do them.
When I realized what I was experiencing all those years ago was love, make no mistake, I need to get this shit off my chest pronto so I can move on.
After that, there's nothing else I can do.
Don't be like me and wait to do that thing inspired by love and lose out on an opportunity of a lifetime.
Take action now!
Tomorrow is never promised.
It's stupid and cliche, I know, but there is so much truth to these words.
No matter if you want to be a writer, developer, songwriter, filmmaker, or business owner, you can learn something here.
Life is an interconnected pool of possibilities, and the Polymath life is the future.
Now is the time to step into your many interests. Share them with the world. Mix and combine them. Share that with the world. Do the very things you were put on this earth to do. One by one, two by two, whatever you think suits you.
All this boils down to habits.
The things you do regularly.
If you feel like you don't have enough time in a day, it's time for a time audit. What are you doing with your time? What's your excuse for not making time for creativity? Dig deep, and make the changes you desire. Nothing is stopping you but your own hubris.
If you want to start something on the side to make extra money and one day do it full-time anywhere in the world, you have to start experimenting with business models.
For me, I have way too many interests to be locked down to one for the rest of my life.
So I typically am focused on 2 to 3 projects at a time since I don't like doing the same shit every day. Sure, it might take me longer to complete projects. But I prefer the scenic route. Taking my time, enjoying the sights, creating with purpose.
I don't share much of that stuff.
That's going to change.
All you need is 2 minutes. Do your most meaningful task (habit) for at least 2 minutes regularly. More than 3 times a week. Then increase the time gradually until you can reliably perform your chosen habit for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Then keep that as your baseline for a while.
Naturally, you'll start to perform the habit longer as it becomes a part of your regular life.
However, it starts with those 2 minutes.
Quick Takeaways: Don't Wait, Create
It's cliche, but tomorrow is never promised, so the best time to do something is now, while it's on your mind.
Figure out the one the you need to do to push this endeavor forward.
This might include watching some introductory tutorials, reading dummy guides, and putting some of those basic ideas into practice.
When you have a single task (habit) in mind, you can focus on and start building reps.
Closing that gap between idea and action will put you miles ahead of your peers.
Start now!
P.S.
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You know I’m a mom with a demanding job so it’s easy to put my creative dreams on hold until the timing feels right. I like how you reminded me that the spark doesn’t wait. It just asks for us to listen. Music is huge in our house too. It’s how we connect, decompress and express joy. I’ve been thinking about creating music again, not just for myself but for my daughter to see what it looks like to follow your dreams. Thank you for sharing your dreams and your really cool song Idris Elijah! Happy 4th of July to you!
I love how you frame creativity not just as art but as a way to heal, release and reach people. Even those we’ve lost. This made me want to I pick up my guitar and write a song! I enjoyed listening to what you shared too. My favorite part of this issue is the “Don’t Wait, Create” mantra. I can remember last July Fourth like it was yesterday. A year goes by so fast! No more waiting for the perfect moment. Thank you for the encouraging and insightful read today Idris Elijah!