Music has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has colored my life. I don't want to say it has defined me because I think there is more to life. But it has taken me places, from Santequin to Scandinavia. And it has taken me places emotionally and spiritually. All the feels.

While I enjoy music itself, the notes and chords and rhythms and lyrics, the best thing about music, it's hidden superpower, is the way it brings people together. Whether it's forming a high school rock band, singing in a choir, singing with kids in primary, going to a dance, getting together in a studio, performing on a stage, or just listening to music together on a road trip, music is social and fun. I am thankful for music because it brings me closer to people. I think the same is true of most hobbies and interests.

I like all kinds of music. Unruly rock and roll. Perfectly ordered J.S. Bach. Funny country songs. Crazy electronic experiments. Bubble gum pop on the radio. But I think I have a soft spot in my heart for traditional folk music. This is the music that has been enjoyed by countless ordinary people for generations in the pubs, on the streets, in homes, at community festivals and barn dances. This is the kind of music that connects us to our ancestors and beautiful cultures across the world.

To all you fellow musicians out there, I have a tip for you. A way to become a better musician. Something I learned a long time ago: You don't need to practice more. You don't need to do anything. You just need to surround yourself with the very best musicians. They will make you sound much better than you really are.

Again, the same thing is true of almost any other pursuit in life.

Here's a recording I made with Mark Geslison and Lindsay Davis just this past Monday in my messy basement studio.