fourculture: issue two

hospitalized for 24 days in September due to an apparent flare of the disease. From the point of getting out of the hospital, all I could do was focus on how to get my music I had recorded in 2010 out into the world. Then, while still in recovery and going through some difficult treatments and monthly infusions, I retained PR, worked with someone to create a new website, went public about my condition, started engaging with people via social networking, started blogging about DM, shot a music video, and digitally released Affair with the Muse in 2011.

I recorded more music during 2011 (doing vocals from home!), built my online fanbase, spoke and performed at the Myositis Association’s Conference in 2011, and did a successful Kickstarter in December to fund the completion and release of Skeletons of the Muse.

In 2012, I was privileged to win four awards, two for Artists in Music in February and two for Indie Music Channel in April. All this while battling a rare autoimmune disease! Receiving these accolades means so much to me not only because of my strange and unexpected journey over the past few years, but it tells me that if you truly believe in yourself — if you keep pursuing and believing in your dream — it will come true! I want the music to compel and make a connection with the listener.

If Aoede’s music is doing that, I am beyond ecstatic.

Perhaps having chronic illness has made me super aware of not wanting to be the “victim” and instead inspiring others through art, creativity and music as a healing path. Music is my lifeline and I cannot stop creating. I started out as a singersongwriter, but have become a muse.

Further, I performed and told my story in Portland in August at a fundraiser event for CureJM (Juvenile Myostis) Foundation.

Basically, it’s the children’s version of the same auto-immune disease that I have, so it is near and dear to my heart. I hoped I can inspired the kids and gave them hope.

I have also received and provided a ton of support from those who also are battling this disease, mostly through online forums.

In living with this disease, what level of responsibility do you feel in portraying to others that you can live your dreams even in the face of adversity?

I am a living example of that. I know not everyone can or wants to do what I am doing for multiple reasons. I am simply here to share my music and my story, to show people who are afflicted by illness or by anything life throws at them that they don’t have to be victims. (Listen to “What You Got,” my inspirational anthem that speaks to this very concept, on Skeletons). They can still pursue dreams and make them come true; art, music and creative pursuits are beautiful paths to healing. That connection with oth-