We are often times inspired by something or someone, which we can then draw from that inspirational well. For me it was the Catholic Latin Mass that I sought inspiration from in my own songwriting.
I learned early on that quick gratification left me empty. I craved for something more meaningful. Being creative, like writing a song or building something from scratch nets a much greater reward. It provides a purpose. When I’m inspired to create, my creation, such as a new song, may inspire someone else. It’s a domino effect.
I spent many years chasing after the worldly goods my fellow musicians were after. By the time I reached my late 20s, I wanted a change. There was a hollow feeling inside that needed to be filled and it sure wasn’t going to be what the world had to offer.
I absolutely love the song “Something Beautiful” by Oleander. That song resonates with me because we are instinctively attracted to beauty. It was the beauty of the Catholic Church that led to my conversion in 2010. No religion is perfect, but there’s something beautiful about the experience I had.
One day a friend invited me to a Latin Mass. This is the more traditional “branch” of Catholicism. After that first experience, I realized I had just witnessed beauty that I found to be awe inspiring.
Learning the Latin language appealed to me, much like learning the musical language (notes, rhythms, etc.) The beauty of the liturgy (church worship), the mystique of the Latin language, and the music all captivated me.
I had been to many types of Catholic Masses with music varying from organ, piano, and guitar. In the Latin Mass, the musical style is known as Gregorian Chant. That piqued my interest as a songwriter. How the melodies flowed was enthralling.
At that time, the beauty, the mystique, the musical chant, got me thinking about writing my second album, which would eventually become “In the Beginning.”
My songwriting career had been spent primarily in rock and blues genres. That’s what I knew. The Latin Mass experience opened up new ideas for composing instrumentals.
We find our inspiration in different ways, and often times when we least expect it. I was inspired by my Latin Mass experiences. The instrumental songs I wrote for "In the Beginning" took the shape of beautiful background music. Music you would listen to after a stressful day. It contained elements of 'new age' sounds with a contemporary and folk blend.
This also expanded my creativity trying new and different arrangements–sewing together melodies and rhythms using guitar, piano, strings, and other synthesizer sounds.
As soon as I released my second album, “In the Beginning,” which is a fitting title, I couldn’t wait to continue to write more. This eventually led to my third album, “The Journey Continues.” As the title suggests, this album is a continuation of "In the Beginning." In some ways I simplified the instrumentations, but the song melodies became more complex. I also tried techniques I'd never thought of before, such as, recording a classical guitar to make it resemble a harp. I was breaking barriers in my own creative ways.
My musical inspiration has been drawn from the Latin Mass, which stands out in my last two albums. I don’t believe this happened by accident. When you are inspired it’s only a matter of time before you act on it, sometimes rather quickly.
This new found inspiration, and creativity, has been joyful. This doesn’t equate to being rich and famous, but it makes life more meaningful and fulfilling.
My songwriting continues to flourish. Writing in all different genres, ranging from instrumentals to alternative rock, contemporary, and blues. My Latin Mass experience still feeds that. I write whatever comes to me. Songs that are funny and nostalgic, or songs that are inspiring. I plan to dive deeper into my Latin Mass experience and see what songs I’ll write next.
The Catholic Latin Mass inspires me. What will inspire you?
by John Connor
Photography by Mary Foley