Next month will mark our three year anniversary of meeting David Leonard. When I think of all the things that have happened in our lives over the past three years, arguably, NONE of them would have happened if we hadn’t met David. He was the catalyst for a myriad of chain reactions that have led us to where we are today.
First, and probably most importantly, David and the guys at The Creak Music (Seth and Brad), have been instrumental in restoring Sydney’s confidence in both her God-given abilities and her unlimited potential; but also her faith in the church. He has also introduced her to people in the industry that have helped her grow as a writer, musician, and as a person.
David and his wife have taken Sydney into their home when we couldn’t travel with her to Nashville, shuttling her to the airport and providing her with a family as she enters into this awkward phase of young adulthood. But, it’s more than that. When I got sick a few months ago, David was one of the first people to reach out, making sure we were okay and seeing if we needed anything. There aren’t many people I would trust with my children, but he is most definitely one of the few.
Our original plans for this short three-day stop in Nashville were to record three songs at the studio: One for Be The Change Collective and two new songs for Sydney. Over the past six months, Sydney’s style had evolved, matured, becoming more folky. But, her lyrics were also becoming more powerful. She was excited to move into a new direction and start something on her own, apart from Be The Change Collective.
This also marked Brayden’s first time recording at the studio and because he was so excited, Sydney decided to work on the the next Be The Change Collective song first. Conscience, written by Brayden, gives you a glimpse into some of the darkest moments of his life. During their shows on the road, Brayden shares how he struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for years. There is such a stigma around mental health, ESPECIALLY in the church, and Sydney and Brayden are trying to use their music to break down some of those walls.
This also marked the first time another teen would be in the studio recording with Sydney. For this song, she actually had two joining her. At a show in April, we met an extremely talented musician named Zion Goins. The kids hit it off with Zion and invited him to be a part of the process. So, for the first time, Sydney’s vision of creating a place for teens, like herself, to create music with industry professionals, was becoming a reality!
But, unfortunately, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Something we didn’t anticipate… but we MOST DEFINITELY should have… was Brayden’s creative mind going into hyper-drive. Add to that three professional musicians/producers who LOVE to experiment with new sounds… and what was suppose to be a one-day project became a THREE day project! (And to be fair, the song sounds AMAZING!)
Our take-aways six months ago: Sydney, despite being incredibly disappointed about not recording her new music, was so incredibly gracious to her brother. She was maturing in ways that would serve her well in the months to come. For Brayden, we often joke that getting him to graduate high school will be a miracle. The kid creates music morning, noon, and night. But, during those three days, at different times during the process, the guys separately pulled Jamie and I aside to tell us that Brayden has what it takes to “make it” in the music industry. We’ve always known our kids are talented, but actually creating a career in an industry known for killing people’s dreams… it’s not the road we would choose for them. But, if it’s the road they feel the Lord is calling them to… it helps (a little) to know that others in the industry see their talent and potential, too.
What we’ve learned over the past six months: SO MUCH. The Lord is still writing this story, so I can’t share everything. But, I will say this: The Lord had different plans for Sydney when it came to recording her new music. A new plan. A new producer. A new direction. And it was ALL the LORD. (Seriously. It’s a crazy story.) Also, making the decision for our kids to focus on, and grow in, their faith before taking the “next steps” with their musical aspirations was the BEST decision we could have made. Our kids have been forever changed by the people they have met over the past eight months. Their music has changed. Their goals and aspirations have changed. Their love for others has changed. Their dreams have changed.
Truth be told: EVERYTHING has changed.
Searching for Jesus in America 