The Record Label's Mistake

Rea,

Have you ever had someone tell you that your dream was impossible? What if I told you that some of the world’s biggest experts once told a 13-year-old girl she could never succeed - and she went on to create actual earthquakes with her music?

Back in 2004, that teenage girl walked into RCA Records in Nashville, Tennessee. The executives at one of the most powerful record labels in the world listened to her sing and said while they thought she had talent, they were certain that country music would never be popular enough with young people. They couldn’t imagine a teenage country singer becoming a global superstar.

That girl was Taylor Swift. But here’s what makes this story special - she kept going anyway. Not because she knew she’d prove them wrong (she didn’t), but because she loved making music too much to stop. She played at every café that would let her perform. She sang at local festivals and sports events.

Today, Taylor’s concerts are so powerful that when her fans dance together, they create actual earthquakes - scientists measured them in Seattle! But back then, she was just a girl who loved writing songs about her life, her friends, and her dreams.

Here’s something to think about: For every Taylor Swift, there are thousands of other talented musicians who work just as hard but don’t become famous. Some shine briefly, then fade away. Others never get famous at all. But many keep making music, teaching others to sing, or performing at local venues - because they love it.

That’s the real magic: doing something because you love doing it, not because you know how it will turn out. The experts couldn’t see the future. Taylor couldn’t either. But she kept writing songs because writing songs made her happy.

Next time you’re practicing piano, or drawing, or working on that science project that makes you nervecited - notice which parts light you up inside. Those moments when you forget about being “good enough” or what others might think, and you’re just lost in the joy of creating? Keep cultivating that feeling.

Love, Abba