We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Molly Cottrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Molly, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I think resilience can only be formed over time like rock formations. It’s not something that can be conjured up out of thin air or sheer will. I have learned a lot about mine over the years of moving through the music industry and being hit with a wide array of roadblocks, setbacks, and challenges. When I’ve been at some of my lowest points – moments where I felt certain aspects of my dreams in reach that were then ripped away – that is when I’ve realized that my resilience comes from this inner knowing that this IS my purpose. This isn’t something I consciously chose to pursue…this is what I was put here to do. I have no choice. That was proven to me over and over again when I just kept getting back up and moving forward, even when the logical thing would be to stop. That resilience comes from the inner knowing that I am in pursuit of my highest calling. When you know that deep within your spirit, nothing can stop you.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a singer and a songwriter…but really those are my vehicles for being an explorer of the human condition. My dad told me once when I was a little girl, and mad about some argument, that people who feel misunderstood often grow up to be writers. I didn’t know that memory would stick, but I have thought about it so frequently throughout my life. Probably because I’ve felt misunderstood as far back as I can remember. But also because that made me realize that so many other people must be out here feeling just as misunderstood. And music to me is a way of drawing intangible lines that connect all these dots that may otherwise seem scattered. I am currently in the process of recording a new album that I cannot wait to share. It feels like an honest look into all the contradictions the human spirit contains. Through my songwriting, I’m always attempting to shed light through the prism of who I am in the current moment, and letting that exist for what it is, without trying to explain it. Which has proven very difficult. I’m really looking forward to sharing and performing these new songs, and connecting deeper with my audience as this new chapter unfolds.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Intuition, patience, consistency. Intuition is arguably the most important tool for survival in the music industry. The amount of negativity, dishonesty, and predatory energy in this industry is extremely disheartening. You really do have to have one ear turned inwards to know when your gut is telling you to pause, raise your guard, move forward, or halt immediately. Patience is something that I’ve had the hardest time with. For me, since I’ve had this dream quite literally as far back as I can remember, I felt like I’ve BEEN the most patient anyone could be! How could I wait any longer for something I had already waited my whole life for? But over time, I’ve come to understand the concept of Divine Timing, and the myth of linear trajectories. My development as a vocalist, performer, and writer have all come to the place they are now as a direct result of my specific experiences. I understand now that things come to you right on time. Always. Consistency is the balance to that surrender. In the way that we must surrender to the divine timing of things, we must also be actively consistent in our pursuit of what we claim to want. I truly feel like intuition, patience, and consistency are the keys to wading through this industry with your integrity, joy, and passion still in tact.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
This has been a beautiful year of expanding my creative network. I’ve been through the trenches alone, and while that was the most crucial time for me in terms of my artistic development and mastering my craft, I’m now in a place where I’m sending out the bat signal for likeminded creatives on the same frequency. In particular I’m looking for female producers and songwriters to join forces with, because we are so underrepresented in every single studio I’ve ever walked into. That said, I’m always open to working with any new producers and writers that I connect with. I’m also currently looking to connect with videographers/directors in LA. I have so many ideas for the visuals of this current project, and love collaborating to bring them to life!
Contact Info:
- Website: mollycottrell.com
- Instagram: @mollycottrell
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-mWWKoRT4U
- Other: Search Molly Cottrell on all music streaming platforms!
Image Credits
Dennis Roy Coronel, Liv Wagner
