Someone, Somewhere

I had the pleasure of spending time last month with someone I met many years ago while I was head of music at MTV. It was 2017 or 2018 and I'll never forget the moment when singer-songwriter Samm Henshaw walked into our music lounge and shared his musical journey with me. I knew right then that he was something special, and the world needed to know him. As he played one of the guitars hanging on the walls of the music lounge—a favorite among visiting musicians—I felt a deep connection to his artistry. He picked up a Martin Guitar acoustic, and it was clear that this guitar was meant for him, so I gifted it to him. Beautiful instruments are meant to be played and loved by beautiful artists. For me, it's just the natural order of things. If you don't know Samm, I highly encourage you to look him up and listen to his music—you will be transformed, just as I was all those years ago and continue to be.

Samm invited me to be a part of his EP project called "Someone, Somewhere, That's Not Us." During the filming process, he asked me a series of questions about my journey and the creative process. We concluded the interview with a simple yet profound question: "What would you tell someone, somewhere, who isn't us?"

My response was equally simple: "Have faith as small as a mustard seed, because more often than not, we're trying to make the impossible possible. That requires a deep belief in the unseen, the untested, and the unproven. So, my friends, have faith, and you will see mountains moved in your favor."

Recently, my friend shared his frustrations and anxieties about his job search. His energy was palpable, like running into a brick wall. As I encouraged him and offered advice, I realized that the words I was sharing were ones I needed to hear myself. Often, people think that those in leadership positions have it all together or that your "strong friends" don't need encouragement and support like others do. But the reality is, we're all human, flawed, and full of imperfections. Even your strong and capable friends have voices in their heads telling them they're not enough or that they're lacking something. For me, the only way to silence those voices is by standing firm in my faith and believing in the possibility of making the impossible possible. I know that there are good plans being made for me and my life; I see it daily.

Faith is my North Star, guiding me through life's challenges and triumphs. One of the reasons I started this newsletter was to create a community where we can learn and grow from our shared experiences. My hope is that "someone somewhere that's not us" will find encouragement here, fostering a steadfast faith to remain strong and resilient. No matter how steep the mountain seems, keep climbing, and know that you're not alone on this journey.

So be encouraged, my Muse, and be the way. I am rooting for you, always.

Please support my friend and buy Samm Henshaw's new EP, "Someone, Somewhere, That Isn't Us". Put it on repeat. You will be transformed. Then pay it forward...

Musically yours,

Amani D.