73 Comments
Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

Thank you all for your kind words, and thank you for your response, Heather. I am sitting on my floor right now crying and laughing and talking to myself out loud. Every time I read some bullshit music marketing thing it talks about knowing your audience, and when I imagine my ideal audience, I imagine this community. The fact that you’re listening to my song and you like it??? I feel like I’m in the middle of a very good dream and I want to stay asleep! I will cherish this letter and these comments forever. Thank you!

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

Hello WHAT. my name is Robin, I’m trying to learn how to make music, today is my birthday, and her first song, that she released today, is called Robins. And I love it!

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

!!!! <3 this song and Linda's voice is so .... just wonderful, like, play-it-on-repeat good.

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

"I need to learn some new skills with an open heart." Oohh I love this line. Yes! This is how I've been living my life for the last few years and it's been transformative for me! l've taken up woodworking and designing mechanical toys, I cook gourmet stuff now, I can put up shelves that are level and sturdy, I enjoy doing laundry just so that I can fold clothes in satisfying geometric shapes, I have researched my family back to the time they were freed from slavery! I've even learned how to read Korean! I am ADDICTED to learning new skills with an open heart. So exhilarating!

Also, Linda, if you see this, I LOVE your song with starry heart eyes. It's beautiful! I love the storytelling in it. I've listened to it 3 times already. I think there's so much room in this world for your voice and I'm so glad you decided to share it.

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

I remember the original letter - and how much I related to it. I also was into music as a girl, singing and playing instruments until I too became "lost" in other people and ashamed of my inadequacies and what i thought a lack of creativity. Only in the last couple of years I've given myself the privacy and time to pursue creating music and it's filled a hole I didn't even know was capable of being filled. I create just for me, and not yet even ready to show anyone else. But it feels so good. And I feel really inspired by Linda's song to finally finish some of my projects and share with people I care about.

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Aug 11, 2022·edited Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

Good job!!! :-D

I released some music this year too, on my 40th birthday, with one of my best friends who is also a mom. It's an album of gothy chip tunes folk music.🖤 It has the most embarrassing, unhinged crone version of "You are my Sunshine", and other feminine horror.

https://synthwidow.bandcamp.com/

You can also search "Synth Widow" on music streaming services.

We had actually recorded it several years ago but were too embarrassed to release it. So THANK YOU dear LW, because your letter, and Polly's reply, and everyone's kind Substack comments helped us get there.

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

AHHH this is such a wonderful story. Absolutely lovely voice, lovely song ♥️

"So trust your eyes / and realize / you have all you need."

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

This song is so beautiful! Her sound reminds me of Kacey Musgraves. I love this so much. Thank you for sharing, Heather!

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

Loved “Foreverland” !! And perfect timing for this letter! My parallel universe! Currently enjoying a hot bath and a first coffee I’ve had by myself in 7 years after seeing my two Girls off to first time Kindergarten and first day of 2nd grade.

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YAY!! This is incredibly inspiring, Linda and Polly. Linda, the song is so gorgeous. It reminds me of Neko Case, whom I love, but sweeter, more open-hearted and hopeful. I can't believe that in only a year from feeling embarrassed by your dream, you just made it happen. I related a lot to the original letter, too -- and now I just need to find a way to relate to your update.

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

Linda, your voice is amazing! Reminds me a lot of Kacey Musgraves, so beautiful and clear. This was so wonderful to read this morning. Thank you the inspiration.

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Aug 11, 2022Liked by Heather Havrilesky

Oh my Goodness, I LOVE this song so muchhhh. I've been listening "Robins" on repeat!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the chord progression, too good, please continue to share your incredible music with the world. People don't make music like this anymore, so heartfelt and pure, brings me back to a time long forgotten. I'm a fellow musician facing similar battles and my heart goes out to you <3 Please keep making music, you've got yourself a new fan Linda <3

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Linda, this song is SO BEAUTIFUL and I really needed it today. CONGRATS.

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Bravo, Linda!

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What an incredible song!!! I love it so much, I actually listened to it the whole way through, which is rare for my ADD brain. Your voice is beautiful. Keep creating! Yay, LW!!!! <3 <3

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Lindsay, what talent!!! Just wow.

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