Musical Life Affirmation: A Beatle and The West Harmony

Nyles, Race Ricketts, Presley Haile, Nick Brumley (October 26, 2025)

There are nights when music doesn’t just entertain or provide accompaniment. It reminds.

Reminds us who we are, why we show up and why we keep chasing the next song and show.

Saturday night I was in an arena with 30,000 strangers watching Sir Paul McCartney. 83 years young, playing for three straight hours. Pyro, lights and enough nostalgia to last a lifetime.

Paul McCartney at the AlamoDome (October 25, 2025)

You could feel decades of history vibrating through the rafters. From the first chord of “Help” to the fireworks over “Live and Let Die” It was a masterclass in joy.

Then, less than 24 hours later, I was sitting in our listening room in West. Less than 100 people. No lights, no pyro. Just four songwriters and a handful of mics.

Presley Haile. Nick Brumley. Nyles. Race Ricketts.

They leaned into their harmonies like they were saving the world. And they probably are. There was a moment, you know the one, where the blend hit just right. And suddenly everyone in the room forgot about time, screens, bills, whether their team won or lost, work etc. it was pure life affirmation in real time.

The contrast was wild. One night, a Beatle turning back the clock in a sold out arena. The next, a handful of young songwriters proving that real songs still matter. That real life is still out there if you’re willing to sit still and listen.

Both nights reminded me:

Music doesn’t age.

It doesn’t belong to one era, one scene, or one level of fame.

It’s the connective tissue that keeps us human.

Whether it’s pyro and perfection or 4 part harmony echoing in a room in West…the feeling is the same.

It’s what makes me feel alive. And I hope it does the same for you. If it doesn’t, keep searching. I know a good place you can start.