GIVING UP... 

Heart warming again Christian. I experienced something similar about ten years ago. I was at a point where all my leisure activities had reached a point where I wasn't learning anything new from them so I chucked them all in. Jazz band, folk session, cycling and swimming. Just wandered in the hills, literally, for two years. Then I saw Steve Lawson performing in 2015 and that lit a spark in me. Ultimately that led to me writing the music I've been doing for 8 years now. It's not great music. It will never make me money but it's my music and I get a real sense of satisfaction when I finish a new piece and get it on You Tube. Sometimes you have to press the refresh button and find new energy to take you forward in life. When you have cleared out some of the dead wood it creates the space in your mind which allows it to be more receptive to that new energy.

I "gave up" gigging after over 50 years of performing with others, just last January. At first I felt like a load had been lifted, I had fewer commitments, my time was my own. Now I'm in the throws of putting together a new band to go out gigging again. I have realised that I didn't want to "give up", that's too easy and final. All I really wanted was a break from the monotony (yes, ANYTHING can become monotonous). Now I have a new excitement about making music with others again. You are so right Christian, NEVER give up .. thank you

Thank you for this. About to turn 50 this year and i feel like “giving up” a lot lateley even this morning . Then strangely enough an hour later i come across your video . Sometimes we all need a pick me up and this was just that for me . Thanks again

I'm glad you're back, Christian! You've inspired me in the past, and this is not different. And I do think it's fantastic how in your current endeavor, and in previous ones, you have 'open-sourced' some fantastic musical tools. And you've always been very graceful in making more than just tutorials, but also truths about life 🙂

You're a good man Christian, and very wise words indeed! the biggest success in life is finding inner peace, contentment, and enjoying all that you do. top man Happy new year to you!

I’m 67, and never given up.

I could listen to you talk all day. For somebody who has achieved so much in your profession, your honesty and humility speak volumes about the person you truly are. On behalf of everyone, thank you so much for all you do and please don't ever change.

Thank you Christian, happy new year to you and the whole team at Crow Hill, I hope 2024 will bring you guys the success you deserve

74 years young, been playing guitar etc for 56 years 46 as a pro still writing and working on songs in my home studio, Give up never.

Thank you Christian. Your talks are always uplifting and encouraging! Unconditional Sacrifice. That's what it's all about...

Once again, a truly inspiring video. Thank you Christian. This is why we follow you.

Insightful, true and honest … thank you, sincerely, for sharing and being so open 🙏

9:25 - holding the mirror up to the people that want to drag you down because they’ve given up already - that is so true. I defied my father by giving up “a good job” and going to university to study IT at the age of 24 and pursue my own path. Those uni years were financially tough but worth it and I’m still reaping the benefits of that decision 35 years later.

Really powerful, inspirational words Christian. Thank you.

Hey Christian… I saw Bank of Dave over the weekend. The music track you created did a great job at helping tell the story while being beautifully sparse. It was a joy to hear some of your work… inspiring as well. Cheers and Happy New Year to you!

Beautiful monologue to begin a New Year with! 🙏 My favourite moments are those after I pushed through, didn't give up, and I got rewarded instantly after that hardest point! The best way, is through! Never give up 🚀

Excellent & reminds me of the famous quote: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Seriously grateful for what you are doing! You have no idea how timely and encouraging this was!

I must say, this fellow truly is a delight and a lovely message at the beginning of the year.

..what a way to start the year!, this was simply, AMAZING!!. Thank YOU Christian!!

You have no idea how much I needed this. Thank you man.

I remember watching similar video of you back in 2019 when I first started composing solo after leaving my band of 16 years. The level of transparency and honesty and wisdom you provided back then still resontates with me today. Happy new year, glad to see you are back stronger. PS: I haven't giving up 😊

Thank you and I wish you all the best in the new year!

Great to see you back on the channel, love these talks. Cheers.

All the very best all @crowhill and Christian always found your inspirational walk chats very hopeful happy new year

Thank you, Christian - great New Year message that really rang true - wishing you and CHC all the best for 2024

I have absolutely no plans to give up - I love creating music and plan to continue with that. I’ve felt like giving up a number of times but often taking a break has helped recharge my energy - good to have these Vlogs back Christian - happy new year and health & happiness for 2024 🥃

Such a great advice, thanks for it and HAPPY NEW YEAR with, above all, health!!!

Thank you for the encouragement, Christian, and for the perspective.

Great getting to hear your thoughts, there's so much wisdom in this video. Thank you for sharing!

The immortal words 'Happy New Year', the endless recant of what resolutions you have made for this year (like we have any control) and then a light... Thank you Christian... I return the light and wish you an easier journey....

Very well said and glad you are back Christian!

Thanks for starting my new year off with this positive advice. I’m so glad you didn’t give up.

The community spirit you instill makes things feel timeless: that we can pursue our goals knowing we’re in it together and that time really is on our side if we use it wisely and without self-imposed pressure that’s so often expected of us as a ‘norm’

Probably one of the best videos I think you've done. The comment regarding putting the ego aside and ensuring the music does it's part in telling the story rings so true in many other careers as well. In a previous life I was an IT consultant for 25 years doing everything from programming, analysis through to project management and the most common issue (other than the business not really know what they wanted, which I suppose is the equivalent of a fickle director) was excellent technical work that didn't meet the business requirement because they were trying to be too clever rather than supporting the overall project goals. It rings so true. I'm now a 63 year old guitar teacher and I don't have any ambitions to be a film/tv composer or anything that grand, but you and others have, during the pandemic, got me into stock music composing (I seem to recall that you said in one of your videos that you were a successful orchestral composer but you'd never had any training in it, which I found inspirational) and I have had a small amount of success so thanks for that as it kept me sane during the pandemic when I couldn't teach. But, as you said in the video, I didn't do it for the money, I did it because I'd never considered I could until you and others inspiring me to try and proved me wrong. I also did it because it's fun. So hobbyist, definitely. But if being a professional at something means you've been paid money for it. Then I'm also a professional composer on a very small scale and I'm happy with that. Just also getting into sampling so your videos on that are brilliant as well and you got me into pianobook. Just trying to come up with something that others haven't already done to death, but again just for fun, at least until I'm much better at it then I might (emphasis on the might) see if anyone likes it enough to buy it. So thanks for everything you do, keep it up and I look forward to following the Crow Hill journey. Every success for 2024 and beyond.

Good man, perfect timing. Many thanks and a Happy New Year

Thank you for this inspiring video, Christian. Happy new year!

Wonderful message. It was like a warm hug. Thank you sir!

Thank you for this video and the others that you have made in this vein, really needed!

Hi Christian, just found your channel wow,, it's great. As for this video, thank you. I gave up an office job in 2011 to make a living out of music. I started with solo gigs, band gigs, recording other artists. Then teaching guitar in schools followed. It all got a bit too much in 2017 (195 gigs in one year, 6 schools) along with having a baby born 2016. I gave up the studio, because I was never able to spend time it in. Fast forward to now, I do one to two gigs a weekend, but I don't go hunting for them too much (unless a bit short on the dosh) This school term I've been teaching in 14 different schools. Once the half term starts, that's when I aim hitting stop, break & review. I love playing the guitar, my aim be it small was to earn a living from what I enjoyed doing. I do have one other aim, which is to get a song in the charts. From just one meeting with the company blinding talent, it's clear as you mentioned, (and essential your preparation is key) one thing I have given up by accident is the time to be creative. Not a good thing but hope to get a space where I can be again by the end of the year. Sorry to waffle on, but thank you for sharing this video, and all the best from me T 😊

Very much needed reminder along kick off the new year 🙏 Thank you Christian.

It's vlogs like this, from you, that got me started in the first place. Thank you.

‘Music is my life, it’s not my livelihood, it makes me feel so happy, and it makes me feel so good.’ (From Mr. Tanner by Harry Chapin) I was a freelance photographer when I lived in America. Six years ago my wife and I retired and moved to the UK. Music has always been a huge part of my life. So much so that a song that I heard on the radio when I was 10 got me interested in an artist named Vincent. Discovering more about that artist led me to an interest in art and then photography. Almost two years ago I purchased my first midi keyboard, a DAW and I started plucking away at it. I don’t think I will ever consider myself a musician. I am just having fun creating with sound waves instead of light waves. I still get creative with lightwaves and soon I hope to combine the two. I have been through the struggles of working in a creative industry. This time I am working for the pure love of it and my creative wellbeing. I did not give up when almost everyone was against me becoming a photographer 40 years ago, and I won’t give up on this. You never know what the future will bring. Thanks for all your inspiration, Christian!

This is a great video Christian, thank you and Happy New Year to you.

"Luck is when opportunity meets preparation" - so true! Thank you for your words of wisdom, Chris.

Always love these inspirational walks 👏👏👏

I am not a composer. I can play guitar and I have made music with it. I write stories. The reason that I write stories is to try and impact someone the way that I was impacted. This video is as much for me as for anyone in any creative endeavor. Preparation is everything. Thank you, Christian. You have motivated me to keep going and to not give up.

Love that idea that giving up on everything (and what are you giving u???) is just as terrifying a thought as all the effort it takes to be successful, on your own terms. Sometimes it's just about re-orienting your mind. One thing I love to do when I'm having a day, week, or even year, is to ask other people how their day is going. It's not all sunshine and rainbows all the time, and there's beauty in that. Well done to anyone who's contemplating putting the time, work and effort in :)

Thoughtful and edifying. Thanks Christian.

Love this! Thanks for sharing your hard earned knowledge and wisdom.

Writing as someone who has given up on a regular basis over the last 34 years, I would like to make this observation: Giving up comes from fear, a fear of the unknown, and a fear that what happens in reality will not match what is a long-formed fantasy of being wealthy and successful in the media business. I write books, songs, albums and even musicals but always stop short before the very end because of fear. When I did finish a novel, I took it to an agent, a well respected one, he was working with Lauren Bacall at the time, he rejected my book, and I used that as an excuse forever after so that I didn't have to pursue any more agents or publishers. As I write this now, after all these years, I wonder exactly what the benefits are of living the lifestyle I have chosen, because I believe my songs are as good as any pop writer I have ever heard; but what is the point of believing that if nobody else has heard them, through my own design? My songs are on Spotify, but again I use the fact that they've had two plays in three years as a reason why I am a failure but in truth the reason why I am a failure starts well before they even got onto Spotify in the first instance. It's also a deep inbuilt fear of hard work. You mentioned Elton John, and after almost 60 years it seems today that success fell into Sir Elton's lap, and that's the kind of success I feel I deserve because I don't want to do all the hard work and face the many rejections that will inevitably come, just as they came to Sir Elton if one cares to analysis his career in any great detail. Success did NOT just drop into his lap. I enjoy the DREAM of success because I can control those; the actual, real-life trappings of success - and they are trappings - are frightening, scary and uncontrollable. And hard work. x

You rock, Christian. Excellent advice, inspiring insights. I am safely here at Crow Hill for the long haul

Right on time and in sync with my destiny I salute you for giving me a sign of inspiration that aligns with my spirit. Love and light in return for more of the same God bless!!

Thank you so much. Your sincere advice could not have come at a better time. So I really appreciate you talk. Happy new year.🎹🔑❤

Thank you for sharing your experience, wisdom and sincerity.

Thanks Christian, haven’t done anything in 7 years so needed a little motivation 😊 time to finish what was started, happy new year 🥳

Thank You for your generosity and motivation Christian, this hits home- Recovering from a recent bitter experience, this comes at the right time to recalibrate for 2024. All the best!!!!.

Truly inspiring I always watch one of your videos for some insight or inspiration so glad you have created The Crow Hill Company

Beautiful video, thank you!

Thank you for sharing this wisdom!

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thanks so much.

I always learn something from your experiences to add to my experiences. Thanks for sharing.

Glad to see you back and thanks for the inspiration

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement to all us creatives!!! 👊

Thanks Christian - this is great. Re the Kanye doco, the thing which struck me about him was his absolutely unshakeable belief that he was going to be successful. Tenacity and grit and refusing to give up are traits which are key in many successful creative people. Good goals at the start of a new year.

Great advice! It’s so good it applies to people like me, who didn’t make it, didn’t turn professional, kept working in a regular job, never took the risk. I record and write music still, but sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself. I’m so glad I watched this, because I’m “on a break”, and slightly disillusioned at the moment. But I had a recording session booked recently and seriously thought about cancelling it. But I didn’t, I did have a song but I wasn’t looking forward to it, and the mad thing is, I can’t really say why. Anyway, I walked away from that session very happy with what we’d done. Since then I’ve done quite a bit of playing and have enjoyed the return of what feels like some kind of Mojo. Well maybe? Stick with it, never give up.

Thank you, Christian. Valuable reinforcement 🙏🏻

Thank you for your services and this message!

This video has come at exactly the right time for me. I'm in the middle of a huge anxiety attack attack with imposter syndrome because I have my first major mixing session to a proper movie coming on Monday and I was given carte blanche after a greenlit demo 6 months ago. The director loves it but I've never worked outside of my studio and I'm so worried I'll be pointed at and laughed at with my weird Microtonal synth stuff. But yeah. This video helped me breathe after almost doing a runner!

I always enjoy these talks Christian. The scenery, cadence, humor, analogies and metaphors keep it light for when I'm not ready for another existential crisis... but when I'm ready for it they go deep and hit hard. Thank you for sharing your insights in such a well bespoked manner and giving us insight into your life and world. The ideas, concepts and 'tips' are applicable to so many aspects of what we do here on this planet.

Wonderful monologue, and great advise, Christian! Thank you 🙂

You my friend, are an inspiration to us all!!😀

Really well said!! Following you, Christian, for years, and everytime you bring all the right words together. Thanks for your inspiration! I'll never give up!!

The recent, reflective content on your channel, after years of familiarity and enjoying your content is lovely and refreshing. In the constant churn and pressure of productivity and achievement, the inner life of doubts and projection, developing tools to combat and stay aware of these tendencies is beautifully addressed here and elsewhere in your vlogs. Thank you for your lucid and honest voice, and then sharing it, honestly and transparently 🙏

Thank you Christian. I needed a good talking to. I appreciate you and your words of wisdom.

That was essential for me to hear today. Respect and gratitude for you taking the time to make this.

Thanks for this video, Christian! Timely as always! 🎉

For all you have given us in respect to your music, your production guidance, your sample development, never underestimate the value of what you give us all with these pearls of wisdom. I truly appreciate your honest insights into music development and life in general.

Amazing timing, needed this at the moment. Thank you.

Thank you so much mate. This has genuinely inspired me. I find your rants to be just awesome and so thought-provoking. So much to take away and I'll probably watch this one a few more times ❤

So inspiring. Thank you master!

Thank you, Christian. Brilliant talk, taken to heart. Happy New Year! Cheers!

Dear Christian, the best of year to you and all around you. you do turn intelligence into wisdom, the more you do that the better you get at it and the better you do to lucky us.

Absolutely brilliant Christian, great perspective for anyone with a passion in life.

Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for this vlog, Christian! I kinda missed them, gives lots of food for thoughts

Wonderful words, Christian. "Last man standing" has been a motto of mine for a long while. It's always nice to be reminded though!

Thank you, Christian Henson, for this reflexion.

My god you are a enormous river of generosity, thanks to your soul for it!

Big love and all the best to you and the team.

Amen. Amazing amount of wisdom here.

Thank you, just what I need to hear at the moment.

Happy New Year ! Well done. I'm smiling and always laugh out loud during your monologue. As it is a vlog, it's also a performance. Your chosen words inspire and affect as intended. Cheers !

Thank you very much, Christian. All the best to you and your family in 2024.

This was the first video of your channel that was recommended to me, and it was exactly what I needed. Thank you Christian!

I love these insightful talks. True and to the point.

Thank you. You seem like a very nice guy. I'll pass this along to a couple of friends who will appreciate your experience and insight

I stumbled into this video in such a critical time because I was almost giving up, thank you!

Always learning something... thanks for sharing.

Brilliant video, thank you!