Michael Merschel Projects Joy

Michael Merschel, author of “Revenge Of The Star Survivors,” has a passion for the band “The Beatles” and the process they went through to write and produce their music. 

Merchel danced and twirled as the music of “The Beatles” played throughout the classroom. 

It was amazing to see how happy and content Merschel became when speaking about “The Beatles” and moving to their music. The energy radiating from Merchel put an immediate smile on my face as I could visually see how happy he became as he spoke about the band.

In the lecture I was taught about how we can learn from their writing and use their strategies in our own work. 

One of their strategies included using fill-in words until you can find the right fit. 

For the song “Something,” the band could not figure out the right words to put into the line “attracts me like no other lover.” They used words including “attracts me like a  pomegranate” until they landed on the famous line. Sometimes we must use silly words until our mind can grasp the right words to put into our work. 

In addition to this, he said how it’s imperative to have fun when creating an artform. Sometimes the most silly and funny things can make the best result. Making good memories and creating a form of art for the right reason is ultimately what makes someone feel the most successful in their own mind. 

Merschel also described the 10,000 hour rule, which was featured in the book “Outliers.” “The Beatles” played about 1,500 concerts before they became the well-known band they are today. The more the band rehearsed and performed, the more recognition and experience they gained, causing them to become masters of performing. 

Along with success comes rejection. “The Beatles” were denied by over four record companies before getting signed. 

What I learned from this presentation was that even the most talented people experience rejection. In order to succeed, someone must struggle at first as success does not come easily. It’s important to not give up and follow dreams no matter what anyone says. 

Merschel also discussed how in someone’s own work, someone can also take inspiration from other people’s works. The band took inspiration from Little Richard, and Paul McCartney frequently told the press how he learned everything he knew about performing from Little Richard. “The Beatles” always expressed their love for other artist’s work and how they incorporated different styles in their own songs while putting a unique spin on it. Sometimes, in someone’s own work, they can show how different artists have inspired them. 

This is completely different from plagiarism and using someone as inspiration helps them form their own unique style. 

Merschel’s vibe and happiness was wonderful to experience. I enjoyed his presentation so much the year before that I came back again this year to watch it. His love and dedication is inspiring and taught me to never give up on my dreams no matter how much rejection and judgment I might face. I totally recommend going to his presentation as his happiness and love for “The Beatles” radiates throughout the room, creating the best and most engaging atmosphere.