Indicators of greatness are the capacity to remain steadfast in your beliefs and the ability to hold true to your vision, whether in the midst of either praise or criticism. An even more telling indicator of greatness is living a life of congruence in accord with your beliefs and vision. It is a rare man who neither compromises nor obscures who he is, at his essence. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Phil McSorley is one such man.
In 2003, McSorley was a singer and musician in a fledgling band, who made a choice. He gave away all his possessions (so there was no turning back) and joined the Army. His band’s songs dealt with, among many, themes of war and death and personal codes of honor. McSorley decided that if the lyrics were important enough for him to write and sing, it was essential for him to live by the same ethos as those words. He felt bound to push the limits of personal experience in order to sing about what he knew.
Since enlisting, McSorley and multi-instrumentalist Erik Wunder continue to record and release works of music acclaimed by fans and critics, using the band name Cobalt. McSorley records during furloughs and breaks from his active- and combat-duty obligations as a soldier. They make music at their own pace, and on their own terms.
Cobalt’s sound defies categorization. It is at times slow, layered, fast, nuanced, subtle, primal, ponderous, weighty and psychedelic. At all times it is experimental, heavy and intense. Numerous styles ebb and flow and eventually coalesce into a style all their own. “What’s important is the art,” said McSorley.
McSorley remains unfazed and unchanged by the band’s popularity. He does rare interviews and few promotions. He never strays from or betrays the vision of the band, or himself, and therefore is unaffected by positive or negative comments about either. Likewise, he overlooks political and jingoistic debate and focuses on his career as a soldier. He chose his mission, both with Cobalt and the Army, and fulfills his duty, as promised.
Don’t explain, just do. Relentless pursuit of your vision, in line with your values, reveals the legitimate and true you.
From September 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com
In 2003, McSorley was a singer and musician in a fledgling band, who made a choice. He gave away all his possessions (so there was no turning back) and joined the Army. His band’s songs dealt with, among many, themes of war and death and personal codes of honor. McSorley decided that if the lyrics were important enough for him to write and sing, it was essential for him to live by the same ethos as those words. He felt bound to push the limits of personal experience in order to sing about what he knew.
Since enlisting, McSorley and multi-instrumentalist Erik Wunder continue to record and release works of music acclaimed by fans and critics, using the band name Cobalt. McSorley records during furloughs and breaks from his active- and combat-duty obligations as a soldier. They make music at their own pace, and on their own terms.
Cobalt’s sound defies categorization. It is at times slow, layered, fast, nuanced, subtle, primal, ponderous, weighty and psychedelic. At all times it is experimental, heavy and intense. Numerous styles ebb and flow and eventually coalesce into a style all their own. “What’s important is the art,” said McSorley.
McSorley remains unfazed and unchanged by the band’s popularity. He does rare interviews and few promotions. He never strays from or betrays the vision of the band, or himself, and therefore is unaffected by positive or negative comments about either. Likewise, he overlooks political and jingoistic debate and focuses on his career as a soldier. He chose his mission, both with Cobalt and the Army, and fulfills his duty, as promised.
Don’t explain, just do. Relentless pursuit of your vision, in line with your values, reveals the legitimate and true you.
From September 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com
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