Hey friends,
It’s late. My son is asleep. The house is quiet. And I’m sitting here thinking about what I’m actually doing with all of this – the albums, the singles, the blogs, the constant creating.
What’s the dream? What am I chasing?
Let me tell you.
The Big Dreams (The Ones That Feel Impossible)
I want my songs in movies and TV shows. I want someone to be watching their favorite show and hear “Bloom Where You’re Planted” during a character’s breakthrough moment, and I want that song to become part of their story too.
I want to perform live. Not just in my living room. I want to stand on a stage and see people singing “The Irish Goodbye” back to me. I want to belt “Bloom Where You’re Planted” and feel the energy of a crowd who GETS IT.
I want to make a living doing this. Not millions. Not fame. Just… enough. Enough to keep creating. Enough to support my family. Enough to prove that authentic storytelling still matters in an industry that often feels like it’s optimized the soul right out of music.
I want sync licensing deals. I want music supervisors to hear my songs and think “THIS. This is perfect for this scene.” I want my music in commercials, in indie films, in streaming shows, in moments that matter.
I want to release 12 albums in 2026. One for every month. Is it crazy? Yes. Am I doing it anyway? Also yes. Because I have stories to tell and I’m not waiting for permission.
The Medium Dreams (The Ones That Feel Achievable)
I want to build a community. I want people who follow my journey. Who care about the stories behind the songs. Who show up for each release because they’re invested in what I’m creating.
I want other independent artists to see what I’m doing and think “I could do that too.” I want to prove that you don’t need a label. You don’t need millions of dollars. You need good stories, hard work, and the courage to put yourself out there.
I want my kids to see their mom pursuing her dreams. I want them to grow up knowing that it’s never too late. That you don’t have to choose between being a parent and being an artist. That you can bloom where you’re planted while still reaching for more.
I want to connect with my Irish heritage through music. These folklore singles, these Irish-themed songs – they’re not just content. They’re me exploring where I come from. They’re me passing down stories to my children. They’re me claiming a part of my identity that matters.
The Small Dreams (The Ones That Make My Heart Happy)
I want someone to walk down the aisle to “The Claddagh Ring.”
I want a new parent to hear “March Eighteenth” and cry because they GET IT.
I want someone having a terrible day to put on “First Thaw” and feel hope again.
I want introverts everywhere to adopt “The Irish Goodbye” as their anthem.
I want someone to hear “It Runs on Both Sides of the Family” and feel less alone in their family struggles.
I want people to blast “The Day We’re All Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day and FEEL the chaos and joy.
What Success Actually Looks Like to Me
Here’s the truth: I don’t need to be famous.
I need to be HEARD.
I need my music to MATTER to the people who find it.
Success, for me, is:
- Someone telling me my song helped them through a hard time
- A sync licensing deal that gets my music into a show I love
- Enough streaming revenue to keep making more music
- Building a sustainable career as an independent artist
- My children being proud of what I’m creating
- Looking back at 2026 and seeing 12 complete albums that tell authentic stories
Success is proving that you can be a mom, a wife, a regular person living in Southern California, and STILL create art that connects with people.
The Scary Part
You know what’s terrifying? Putting all of this out there.
Every blog I write, every song I release, every time I say “hey, I made this, please listen” – it’s vulnerable. It’s scary. What if nobody cares? What if the music supervisors don’t call? What if I release 12 albums and nobody notices?
But here’s what I’ve learned: the fear of NOT doing it is worse.
The fear of being 80 years old and thinking “I had all these songs in me and I never shared them” – that’s scarier than any rejection.
Why I’m Telling You This
Because I want you to know: I’m not some industry insider with connections. I’m not someone who “made it” and is now documenting the journey.
I’m IN IT. Right now. Figuring it out as I go.
I’m using Suno AI to produce my music because I can’t afford a full band and studio time.
I’m writing these blogs myself (with some help from Claude!) because I can’t afford a marketing team.
I’m learning sync licensing by researching online because I don’t have an agent.
I’m doing this the independent artist way: with determination, creativity, limited resources, and a whole lot of hope.
What I Need From You
Stream the music. Seriously. Every stream matters. Every listen tells algorithms that this music is worth promoting.
Share it. If a song speaks to you, tell someone. Post it on social media. Send it to a friend. Word of mouth is how independent artists grow.
Engage. Comment on the blogs. Tell me which songs you love. Tell me which ones you connect with. Tell me your stories.
Support independent artists. Not just me – ALL of us. We’re out here making authentic music, telling real stories, and we need listeners who care.
The Dream Is Alive
Every time someone streams “March Winds,” the dream gets a little more real.
Every time someone shares “The Irish Goodbye,” the dream grows.
Every time someone tells me a song mattered to them, the dream becomes worth it.
I’m not chasing fame. I’m chasing connection. I’m chasing the moment when my music becomes part of YOUR story.
And that’s a dream worth pursuing.
So here’s to monthly albums in 2026. Here’s to Irish folklore singles. Here’s to sync licensing dreams and independent artist hustle.
Here’s to blooming where we’re planted while reaching for the stars.
Let’s do this.
❤️ Melanie
P.S. – If you’re a music supervisor reading this, my contact info is on my website. Let’s make something happen.
P.P.S. – If you’re an independent artist reading this, keep going. Your music matters. Your stories matter. Don’t give up.
Want to support the dream?
- Stream “March Winds” and the folklore singles
- Share your favorite songs on social media
- Tell music supervisors about my work
- Follow the journey and engage with the content
- Support independent artists everywhere
