Luck and Talent

I’ve just learned that one of the musicians who inspired me most, the Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, has been awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection.

Watching her play her song ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’ on Later with Jools Holland made me decide that I wanted to be a solo artist.

Her masterful solo performance, using a loop pedal, tambourine and acoustic guitar, was just stunning. It’s on YouTube and still one of my absolute favourites.

KT’s career took off after that night. She’s since released eight studio albums, including a recent collaboration with Suzi Quatro. She’s had the type of career I hope to emulate. Critically respected, a loyal fanbase, but in control of her career.

I later learned that she’d only had twenty-four hours to prepare for the appearance, after the scheduled performer, the rapper Nas, dropped out at short notice.

It made me think that success is equal parts luck and talent. Plenty of wonderfully talented musicians never quite make it because luck didn’t go their way.

So we have to be ready to accept opportunities when they come, even if we’re daunted by them.

Would you rather look back on your life and know that you tried your very best, even if it didn’t work out, or regret the shots you didn’t take?

Happy Monday. Seize the day!

Mary x

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