(Graphic artwork by McKenzi Matsick)

The Art of Remembering

By McKenzi Matasick

If you decided to click in the “Arts” section to read this article, let me be the first to tell you, Happy New Year!

Now I know we are already in February and starting to dive deeper and deeper into 2021, but I want to rewind to 2020 for a few minutes if you’re up for the journey. Don’t worry, this won’t take long.

When I think back to last year and how life was affected in the arts industry, I can’t help but reflect on all of the jobs that were lost and the creativity that rose up out of the ashes for musicians to continue making a living.

Touring widespread was put to a halt. However, Zoom became the new virtual arena. Drive-In venues came back to life from the 1950s and ‘60s to allow some artists and bands the option to perform in a socially distanced setting. Several songs became huge hits that may have not came to that place if extra time wasn’t taken to write them. Music continued to live on and impact so many in such a crucial time.

I truly believe 2020 was the year that really caused a lot of creatives to go back to their roots and basics in order to grow and find new ways to express their creativity.

On a personal note, I stepped into the music industry in the midst of the pandemic. It took me getting back to the basics of who I was with God in order to take a step of obedience of moving to Nashville, Tennessee.

I waited about two or three years until God finally said I was prepared enough in Him to step through a new chapter of my life, and you know what? I’m grateful for the process it took for me to get to where I am today.

Getting back to the basics means remembering where you came from in order to be equipped for where you’re going.

For a musician, maybe that means going back to humble beginnings. Maybe it means feeling led to switch gears with the music that is being written in order to reach more people with light in the midst of a dark world. Perhaps it’s taking advantage of the time being home with family before life gets busy again when touring opens back up. Whatever “back to the basics” means for you, do it.

For me, it’s getting back to the basics of my God-given, creative mind. Before I moved to Nashville, I was in a dry, rough patch of life. I wasn’t happy. My college experience was awful, and I doubted whether God wanted me to even pursue music anymore.

The moment I got back to my roots and obeyed His calling was the moment He opened up my heart and mind to a world full of creativity again. I began to write after quite a while and have a goal of writing and publishing a book this year (so stay tuned!). I also have been able to work with incredible music artists who have immense talent, and with that has come many opportunities that have allowed me to enhance my creativity with social media marketing for them.

We must “die” to self daily in order to really understand and know what God wants us to do for His glory.

So, for 2021, what is it going to take for you to get back to the basics, grow a little, and rise up even stronger for what sets your heart on fire? Think about it. Ready, set, GO!

P.S.: I want to leave you with one more thing. In every aspect of going back to the basics, always trust in and lean on God, not your own will and way for your life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)