The Infancy of My Most Popular Song

Inspiration seems to hit at the worst times.

You’re sitting there minding your own business, but then you have a thought and a feeling, and a moment to react before continuing to, let’s say, brush your teeth.

For the past several years I’ve made a habit of at least trying to grab inspiration by its sleeve with my iPhone. Here’s an example (thankfully I was near a guitar).

What you’re hearing is the exact moment right after I had the idea for what would eventually become “Making All Things New,” my most popular song.

As of right now, it has been streamed on Spotify over 30 million times. I don’t say that to brag; I say that because, based on the iPhone recording, you wouldn’t have predicted that.

What would have happened if I hadn’t recorded that snippet of gibberish?

Nothing. Certainly not 30 million listens.

I’m hoping that knowing this encourages you to tag inspiration in your own way the next time you brush up against it. Whether for a song, novel, dessert recipe, business — whatever it is, write it down, record it on your phone. Just somehow get it out of your head onto something tangible, so you can take a look at it and figure out the next step.

Love,
Aaron