It was a cool evening, and I was walking my furry friend Moose between a long day of content work and a late-night music session. I popped in my earbuds and stumbled on an old interview — Christoph Waltz on Charlie Rose discussing Inglourious Basterds. Just background chatter — until Waltz said something that hit hard:

“You gave me back my vocation.”

Not career — vocation. That word hit me.

A few years ago, I was part of a peer group filled with amazing people — founders, creators, professionals — where we focused on three pillars: health, relationships, and business.

At the time, I was in a bit of a rut. I was still creating content and delivering solid work, but the motivation wasn’t there — at least not at the high level I was used to.

One of the group members, a brilliant engineer, said:

“You know your passion.”

I asked what he meant. He replied:

“When you talk about content, you explain. But when you talk about music, you light up. You wave your arms around like an Italian.”

I laughed, but he wasn’t wrong.

I’ve always loved music. But for the longest time, I didn’t have the courage or clarity to pursue it professionally. That moment flipped a switch.

I didn’t abandon content — I love it. I get to write creatively, work with incredible clients across many industries, and collaborate with strategists and designers who teach me something new on nearly every project.

But I started carving space for music. Since then, I’ve released more than 55 tracks, with another 200+ in the works. It’s been a grind — and one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

NO EGO, JUST CREATION

One of the most defining moments in my music journey happened just a few weeks in. I landed a virtual writing session with a professional songwriter in Nashville.

She opened by asking if I knew the Nashville Number System. I didn’t. Then something else technical (I forget what) — still no idea. She asked about specific scales. I was 0 for 3.

Imposter syndrome overload. My mind was scrambling for a semi-graceful escape.

Then I decided to show her what I did have.

“Here’s a chord sequence I’ve been playing with,” I said. Then a melody. Then a vocal hook.

She leaned back.

“Ohhh, that’s really good!”

We were off.

That moment reminded me that I bring value in my own way — through ideas, feel, instinct, and creativity. I might not have formal theory, but I can complement those who do. And that dynamic — where each person brings something unique to the table — is where the magic happens.

It’s how I approach collaboration across the board. Whether I’m writing a brand narrative or building a topline melody, I always tell collaborators upfront:

“All ideas are welcome — crazy, weird, whatever. No egos allowed. Let’s enjoy the process and make something amazing.”

I’ve seen what happens when creatives hoard credit or push too hard to force their idea or ‘win’ the room. It creates tension and kills trust. I’d rather be generous with ideas, give props freely, and build relationships that grow over time.

WHY THIS MATTERS — IN CONTENT, MUSIC, OR ANY CRAFT

I’ve been creating content through my company, Webcopy+, since 2006. I work with bright, phenomenal people every day — from marketing directors to SEO specialists, designers to developers. Each project brings something fresh: new tools, new insights, new ways of cutting through noise.

I love it. It’s creative. It’s collaborative. And it makes a real impact.

Music does the same thing — in a different language.

I collaborate with artists across genres and cultures. I bring rappers and Gospel singers together. Country and jazz singers into EDM. I learn from every single one. And many of them have told me that I help them push boundaries. That I encourage them to try things they would never try on their own.

That’s one of the values at the core of everything I do — no matter the medium: pushing boundaries, together.

STAY ALIGNED

Tarantino didn’t just give Waltz a role. He gave him a reason to remember why he started acting in the first place.

That’s vocation. That’s alignment.

If you’re a fellow creative — in content, music, design, or anything else — here’s a question worth asking:

“Am I aligned with what I love to do?”

Because when you are, it shows. In your work. In your energy. And in the way you show up for others.

And if you’re not? It’s never too late to start walking toward it — even if it begins on a quiet evening,
earbuds in, dog leash in hand, listening to an old interview that stirs something inside.

Written by Rick Sloboda, our Chief Content Strategist & Copywriter.

Know someone who’s realigning with what they love?

Feel free to share this with them — you never know what might help someone find their spark again. If you’d like clarity with your content, reach out and say hello!