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

Polly , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I had been on the road for over a decade touring with an underground band. I was brainstorming how to move forward as I don’t do well with complacency. As a whole the band was on a different page on our progression. I started thinking of a different path for myself, but I couldn’t imagine it be without music. One morning on the road when we were parked at a rest area in the middle of the country I got online and typed in army enlistment. It took me to a recruitment page where there were questions about my skills and interests. Most of my skills and interests involved music and it took me to the MOS job description of Army bands. For a moment I was surprised; there were bands in the Military? As I read the description of how music was a huge part of the military history I started remembering where I had seen the army bands; presidential events, public events, and even in schools. I kept this from the band I was on tour with as I began my enlistment. Eventually, my enlistment was complete and the band knew I was leaving. I went through initial training through Basic Combat Training and the Army School of Music. I had started a new chapter as an Army Vocalist. This was the most “regular” job I had ever had, well that’s what I thought at first. A steady paycheck, healthcare, and opportunities to advance in my career. After a handful of years in the service I realize that I did not pursue a regular job and I never have. I continue to move from place to place and have a unique day to day. I may have thought I would like to have a regular job but it’s just not in my bones as something I gravitate towards. I am built to pursue paths that not everyone has the strength or courage to take.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I present music for two types of performances; civilian and Military. They both fulfill a connection to people in the same way. The difference is mostly the repertoire. In the military we perform covers and songs people are familiar with as a way to share our Army story and build a bridge from the Military to the American People. Most people have never spoke with a soldier yet they pay their dues through taxes. Sometimes the only experience someone can have connecting with a Soldier is with a Soldier/Musician. As an Army Vocalist I have the opportunity to talk with people after the concert and answer any questions they may have. I share stories from Soldiers that would never tell their story to someone outside of the service. As a civilian singer/songwriter I have the opportunity to share my original songs with people. I write songs based on my experiences in life and these experiences continue to grow. I have the honor of being the Vocal Instructor for the Army, Navy and Marines. Training these singers not only on technique but how much of a unique opportunity they have to share the Military story and be a voice for Soldiers. Performing music has always been about connecting with the audience. Music is a universal language that heals and strengthens. I recently released an album this year called American Daughter by Polly Windham. This record is about the transition from the road to the Military.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I learned what the true definition of success is. For many, success is related to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, happiness is not always the first things that comes to mind when thinking about success. I have learned that success is not something to achieve but a life-long goal. Am I doing what makes me happy? I create music and connect with others through the performance of music. If I can continue to do that until the end of my days, I believe that to be success.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

When there’s a will there’s a way. Some are just born to create. I know many creatives who talk about giving up on their craft and getting something more financially pleasing. However, no matter how hard they may try to change their path it always finds a way back to them. It may be months, years or decades that pass but creativity is not a choice. Creativity is the way some people view the world, how they think, and how they perform.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pollywindham.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pollywindhammusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pollywindhammusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pollywindham
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/pollywindham

Image Credits
Civilian Photos by Natia Cinco (first 3) Army Photos by Mark Kersting (last 2)