We caught up with the brilliant and insightful THERESA MUSATTO a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

THERESA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I had been playing music on my own for years and hadn’t shared any of it with almost anyone. The last couple years I started playing live, recording and releasing music. Through a lot of different events, I decided to record and produce my first album. The problems and issues seemed endless. I started from scratch having no idea what I was doing. Everything from radio interference, to the electrics on my guitar not working, to my first audio program crashing and losing 20+ of material. The issues seemed insurmountable and I often felt like giving up. Thankfully I made calls to a music supply company and they helped me worked through some things. However, much of it I had to work through on my own. It was brutal. Finally I am at a place where I can record and produce a track that I actually like the sound. So that being said, if something is really important to you: keep persevering. Take breaks if you need to, but keep at it. It took me over 1-2 years to get into a place to record something I liked. Others it doesn’t take long at all. There were many factors at play. But I’m grateful to be where I am at.

THERESA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started playing guitar around the age of 15. I enjoyed it, but my passion for painting took over and I ended up going to art school in Baltimore. Music was always there but often took a back seat to my art. Music has grown increasing importance to me over the last 10 years. And the last few years I’ve finally decided to focus on it and share it.
With my music and my art, it’s my focus to have an unfettered expression of my soul. Meaning, to be as raw and authentic as possible. I don’t like things that are overly curated or processed. I want things to feel alive, raw. I never want to be imitating, though being inspired can be helpful. My focus is to hone the purest expression of myself that I can in hopes that others can connect. The more vulnerable you are, the more relief others may find in your work. That’s my perspective at least. It seems today as a culture we are terrified of true vulnerability; we run from our hearts. If I can help people connect to their inner being and their heart, then to me, I’ve done my job.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’m not a big fan of social media and my close friends know this. However, to have your work seen more, then it’s the way to go. I’ve kind of struck a balance with it where I keep it deleted and go on it once or week. Sometimes more or sometimes less. I honestly think it’s generally toxic for many because it’s so highly addictive. But it has also helped many people connect to communities and resources that have really helped them. Everyone has their own path with it. I don’t post much and that means that I don’t get a ton of people listening or viewing my work. I’ve accepted that because to me, I’d rather accept that than compromise my integrity or mental health by being on such an addictive app. Others feel different and I respect that. People can get so focused on it and so focused on numbers. To me, the focus is on your own authentic expression. If your focus is on numbers rather than the actual quality of your work, it feels like it’s more about attention than anything else. You can have a ton of followers and feel incomplete and have your work lose its authenticity. You can also post once in a blue moon, and who knows it could go viral, and you didn’t compromise.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve had a lot of very difficult things happen in my adult life. Many of them would’ve taken a person down or make them lose hope entirely. And for a time, they did. I don’t know what has kept me going but somehow despite all the pain and difficulties I’ve gone through, I’m able to continue and enjoy life and work on sharing my expression in hopes of helping others. It’s not always easy, but deep inner work/a spiritual practice and meditation has been key for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.theresamusatto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresamusatto_music/
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCobWwIvXkWwzx4235sSP9ww
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/theresamusatto_art/