Solbird Sessions is made possible through viewer contributions to the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.

We're all carrying something, and over time, that weight adds up.

Stress can take a toll on the body in ways we don't always recognize.

But not everything you carry is yours to keep.

You can learn to let some of that baggage go.

I am TiffanyJ, Your host for Solbird Sessions, where melody becomes remedy.

♪ I feel I need to take a deep breath.

The energy around is a mess.

Somehow, I need to free myself Starting with my mind, then I'll heal the rest.

I feel I need to take a deep breath.

The energy around is a mess.

Somehow, I need to free myself Starting with my mind, then I'll heal the rest.

I feel I need to take a deep breath.

♪ From South Carolina ETV Studios.

This is Solbird Sessions with TiffanyJ, Backed by Rod Foster and Company.

♪ A moment of transparency, Crown's heavy, need clarity.

Music can be your therapy.

Melody's (the remedy) you need.

Inhale, exhale, unveil, expel toxicity with symphony Inhale, exhale, your truth set sail Mentality, be healed, be free.

Breathe.

Release.

Breathe.

Be free.

Breathe.

Release.

Breathe.

Be free.

Breathe.

♪ Peace of mind is priceless.

I've learned that the more I worry about a problem, the bigger that problem becomes.

And somewhere along the way, many of us have picked up baggage we were never meant to carry.

Here, at the intersection of music and mental health, we head to baggage claim.

Stress management is not about pretending a problem does not exist.

It's about deciding what we carry and what we need to let go.

Joining us is a South Carolina native and dynamic singer songwriter whose music has reached national stages and television screens while keeping the uplifting of people at the forefront.

I'm so excited to introduce you to Trent Cokley.

♪ Set out to hope again.

You barely breathing in?

Always so close, but no dice.

You feel it setting in.

The darkness comes again.

Another cold and desperate night.

But there's always a new tomorrow.

Where tears fall joy will follow Clouds hide the shining sun.

Where the rain falls, New life will come.

Where the rain falls, New life will come.

Oooo Oooo Oooo All is settled down.

Calm is all around.

Is this the eye or has it stopped.

The wind starts picking up.

The storm is just too much.

You know another shoe might drop.

When will it drop?

When will this stop?

But there's always a new tomorrow.

Where tears fall joy will follow Clouds hide the shining sun.

Yeah.

Where the rain falls, new life will come.

Where the rain falls.

New life will come.

Oooo, Hard times won't last You've still got your heart though it's broken.

This too shall pass.

You are more than your lowest moments.

So hold on to the word that's been spoken.

Ooo Ooo, Oh Ooo Ooo, Oh ♪ Thank you, Trent, for that beautiful performance.

Let's take that moment into the Remedy Room.

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, and it comes from that lower part of our brain and innervates around our face and our neck, around our vocal cords, and then into our torso and our vital organs.

And that nerve carries information when we need to get into that survival mode.

It makes our heart race.

It makes our stomach feel weird and do weird things.

We might have butterflies in our stomach.

That kind of stuff.

And it makes us breathe much more quickly and more shallow breaths.

So that same nerve we can stimulate with singing, with humming as well, and taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly is another thing that helps to downshift.

Yeah, but you know, music, I think while it could help you.

I guess mirror what you're feeling.

I think sometimes if you're feeling something, it helps us play something the opposite.

So if you're feeling lonely, play something more upbeat to get you out of that funk, you know?

Yes.

That can be helpful too, but I think like a gradual transition.

So if you're really upset and or stressed out and you've ever had somebody just say, “oh, just calm down or just relax,” like usually that, that doesn't work as well.

But the music can help you relax.

Yes.

So if we we have, you know, we're really upset, we're really stressed out.

And we put on a song that helps us feel less alone and that that mirrors that emotion.

But then we gradually shift into something more toward connection that can help us to kind of ease more into a different feeling or different emotion.

So taking a moment to to breathe, simply notice your breath.

Meet it where it's at.

Notice what part of your body expands when you inhale.

And what part of your body relaxes a little bit, or drops down a little bit when you exhale.

Simply being aware of our breath, the the cool air coming through our nostrils, the warm air coming through our mouth is the exhale that can be powerful in itself.

Breath is a wonderful tool of shifting our energy state, our nervous system state to more calm, rest and digest.

Connect state when we breathe a little more slowly and on the opposite end, if we breathe more quickly, that can get us more amped up or make us feel more anxious.

So we have many different types of breathwork, from traditional yogurt practices to other modern practices.

One of my favorites is box breathing.

So with box breathing we inhale for four counts, holds for four counts, exhale for four counts, then hold for four counts so that pattern repeats as long as you want to practice that pattern.

All right, Trent.

So welcome home.

Hey, thank you so much for being a guest of Solbird Sessions.

You are from Columbia, South Carolina, but you are in the DMV area now, and we're just grateful to showcase South Carolina voices.

You are still one of us.

So thank you so much for being here.

Thanks for having me.

I am just proud to have you on the couch because you've been so successful within music, and I don't think a lot of people understand the avenue that you are especially successful in.

So tell us, how do you find that love for music early on?

Yeah, I think I loved it before I knew I loved it.

My mother and father are here and they'll tell you I was in the choir stand directing the choir, as you know, can barely see me above the the little thing in front of the choir.

I think it was in middle school.

I realized, man, I sang in the shower.

Up until up until then.

But I honestly realized how much girls like singing in middle school.

And then I figured, like, I could do that, man.

I've been going after it ever since.

The reasons change, has changed a bit.

So what's really powerful to me from your music as a songwriter, you choose to write music that is uplifting.

Like that's a choice.

Absolutely.

You know, we don't always see everyone having music that is always positive.

You know, if I recall back to “New Tomorrow” that you just performed.

Yeah.

One of my favorite affirmations in that song is “you are more than your lowest moment.” Absolutely.

And a lot of people, a lot of people sink and get stuck down to that mistake or to that low place.

But there's always a new tomorrow.

Why do you choose to write music that is always affirming and encouraging?

Yeah, I feel like there's a couple of ways to think about it.

There's one, the belief that there's life and death and the power in the tongue.

People hold on to the words, you know, if we make that melody strong enough and, you know, if if it's a bop, then people hold on to it.

And so I think we have to be responsible as songwriters and say, what are people holding on to?

So we allowed “allowed”, Rodney, our music director, who is a behind the scenes guy for the the show.

He's joining our conversation on this episode.

And Rodney, I want to ask you, as a musician, how do you separate the artists that you've worked with, who are songwriters and their intent to deliver a song, versus the intent of just a band member, a musician of it?

Well, I mean, when you are playing like behind an artist, you want to be able to make sure that you're delivering their message.

So we try very hard to feel the song and represent the way they want it to be represented.

And then the other way is just, you know, having a good time and just feeling the music and feeling the vibe.

But when it's an intentional song, we want to be able to capture that because essentially the song is your baby, so we want to take care of it just like you would, you know?

So as far as stress goes and you are a musician that is like a 24/7 musician, married, four kids, you know, a teacher, and you know, you do so much and you stay with an opportunity to do music.

Is music bringing on stress sometimes, and or is music a stress reliever for you?

It's a stress reliever, for sure.

I've tried a lot of times having a career in music to leave it because it is.

I mean, it is a lot, you know?

But I can't live without music.

Like, I just I have to do it.

I need to be able to play and be able to experience the people in the crowd.

Like, I just I really just enjoy being able to use that gift.

So I want to play a game with y'all.

Is that all right?

Okay.

Let's go for it.

Y'all competitive?

Very always.

No winners.

No winners.

So if you had to turn on a song that makes you feel happy, joyful or silly, what would that song be?

You've got a record on this set by P.J.

Morton.

My favorite, my favorite artist.

It'll probably be... I'm gonna take it Back to “Jiborish” by P.J.

Morton.

Okay.

That's my jam.

Okay, let's let's stick on that card.

Rodney, how about you?

For me, it's going to be.

“Don't you worry ‘bout a thing” Stevie Wonder.

Okay.

That's.

That's my song.

Yeah.

And how about you, Chris?

Good.

I'm probably going to say anything in the Young Jeezy catalog.

That's good.

That's me.

Okay.

That makes you, That makes you Turn up.

That's me.

All right.

Before we go, I want to say congratulations.

Right.

So a song that you are going to perform for us today was recently picked up for Netflix show or series, right?

Yep.

And you have had so much major - Yes, You can clap for that.

Right?

And I want you to share how you have been able to have such major, in my opinion, success in the sync field.

And a lot of people don't know how many opportunities are in sync licensing rights.

And Trent has had, you know, music on Bet, Lifetime and now recently Netflix.

Right.

So.

Wow.

That's big.

Tell us how do you feel first of all and how do you get there?

Well, I mean I feel blessed.

I feel like every single time one lands, it's a miracle.

There are millions of songs.

He said “Everytime one lands.” So how many “everytimes” were there?

Yeah.

How many songs?

How many songs?

I think we're at about 16 now.

Oh, wow.

Yeah.

Bless God.

Wow.

Yeah.

Every, Every time one lands.

It's literally a miracle that of the millions and billions of songs that are in the world, mine fit for this specific scene.

It moved the heart of the director of the creator that much.

And I've been seeking it out since about 2020.

I was sitting at my desk and I saw a lady talking about it, and a light went off like.

There's music.

2020.

2020.

So 16 songs in six years.

Yep.

I don't think people realize how big that's in the self.

We're talking about pandemic years.

Yeah, yeah.

16 songs.

That is amazing.

Oh, man.

I'm just I'm grateful for, you know, every single collaborator.

It's just really it's a blessing.

It's fun, it's a factor.

And I'm able to do it at my house, you know, literally pressing space bars and building a diaper caddies that you'll hear later on in that song.

So, yeah, it's been a blessing.

So before the start of the show, our audience members have some questions they would like to address to you.

Okay.

Okay.

So one person asks what foods support stress relief.

So the biggest thing about foods is don't worry about being perfection.

Just worry about consistency.

So proteins your healthy fats and your vegetables.

When I say proteins chicken fish things like that, healthy fats, avocados, olive oils and then anything that's leafy green is going to help you out.

But be more consistent than worry about perfection.

One more question how do I manage stress when I'm always working in school for a master's degree and I'm a full time mom?

Well, first, acknowledge that you have the capacity to even do those things, right?

Those feelings are very valid, right?

But again, it's not about managing the stress.

It's actually learning how to go through the stress.

Right.

So the biggest takeaway though is making sure that your body is physically able to continue to carry on.

Right.

So making sure you get your physicals, making sure you don't forget to brush your teeth, wash your face, take a shower.

A lot of people underestimate the power of getting into a hot shower or even a cold shower, right?

Those things really help us.

And those things are wins, right?

They are very small wins.

Every small win matters.

Absolutely.

So y'all, he is going to share that song with us and give us a really good time on stage.

But before we do that, we're going to head back to the Remedy Room.

We've made lots of music together.

We moved together.

We grooved together.

Shared some laughter, shared some sorrow and breathed together.

And I love that Tiffany's song for Solbird Sessions mentions “I need to take a deep breath”.

So, I invite you to take a deep breath.

So you'll hear the introduction.

Reminding us to take a deep breath.

And then I'll invite you to feel the beat before we start.

And then I'll guide you along in those inhales and exhales and holds.

Let's take a deep breath.

Find the beat with your hands or your feet.

So, we're going to inhale and hold.

Exhale and hold.

Inhale then hold.

Exhale and hold.

Continue with that.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

And hold.

Exhale.

Feel that beat.

Tune in to that rhythm.

Notice your breath as it is.

Go back to the box and inhale.

Then hold.

Exhale.

Then hold.

Inhale and hold.

Exhale.

Hold.

Another deep breath and let it go.

Shake it out.

Thank you all so very much for being a part of this.

According to the American Institute of Stress, about 77% of people regular experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and over time, chronic stress can affect your heart, sleep, focus and overall health.

But many of us keep carrying it.

Stress management starts with awareness.

Stress isn't always about what you're caring.

It's about what you haven't put down.

But just because you carry it doesn't mean you're supposed to.

So ask yourself, what am I holding?

What can I release?

You don't have to carry everything at once.

Support is available.

For more information and resources, please visit SolbirdSessions.com.

For immediate assistance, you can call or text 988.

♪ Lately, had a lot on my mind.

Now I just want to have a good time.

Yeah, I just want to have a good time.

Yeah.

I just want to have a good.

Come on.

Lately, had a lot of my mind.

Now I just wanna have a good time.

Yeah, I just wanna have a good time.

Yeah.

I just wanna have a good... See I've been thinking about the better days.

About the bold, young, and dumber days.

When there was summer breaks.

But now my pockets feeling underweight.

A couple bills are late.

I'm feeling overweight and underpaid.

But it's another day.

So I got to live it.

I got another chance to push it to the limit.

And if I had a care, I probably wouldn't give it.

So put your hands up to the sky now if you're wit come on.

Lately had a lot of my mind, but I just want to have a good time.

Yeah, I just wanna have a good time.

Yeah, I just wanna have a good.

Come on.

Lately had a lot of my mind, now I just wanna have a good time.

Yeah, I just wanna have a good time.

Yeah, I just wanna have a good I wanna let go.

Get it deep into nostalgia, tell my lady friend to go and then I'll find her.

Turn on the TV and just hold her from behind.

Yeah.

Keep it easy.

No competing.

These bills are greedy.

Plus, my babies need me.

They need a present daddy.

They need me body and soul.

Not just at the addy.

While I'm pushing space bars and building diaper caddies I'ma live it up to tonight and make my people happy.

come on.

Solbird, I just want to have a good.

Have a good time.

Yeah, I'm just gonna have a good.

Have a good time.

Hey, come on, come on.

Oh.. Yeah.

Come on.

It goes like this.

Hey, take your worries.

Throw em all away.

We gon' party from the night till day.

Night is over.

But we all gone stay, run it back and let the music play on.

Yeah, hey We gon' party from the night till day.

Oh... Lately.

Now I just wanna have a good .. are you gonna have a good time.

tonight Solbird?

Yeah I just wanna have a good... Lately, Had a lot of my.. Come on.

I just wanna have a good time.

Yeah, I just wanna have a good.

Come on, can the guitar get some.

Y'all give it up.

Hey!

Right here, Let's say.

Hey, take your worries throw them all away.

We gon' party from the night till day.

Night is over.

But we all gone stay.

Run it back and let the music play on.

Hey, don't you worry about a thing no, Cause every little thing is gon' be alright.

Oh.

♪ Before we go check in with yourself.

What heavy load are you carrying right now?

And what can you begin to release?

You don't have to hold everything at once.

Give yourself permission to let go.

So when you feel you need to take a deep breath, remember you have Solbird Sessions, where melody becomes remedy, on South Carolina ETV and Public Radio.

♪ I feel I need to take a deep breath.

The energy around is a mess.

Somehow I need to free myself.

Starting with my mind then I'll heal the rest.

I feel I need to take a deep breath.

The energy around is a mess Somehow I need to free myself.

Inhale, exhale.

Inhale, exhale.

I feel I need Oh, Somehow I need to free myself I feel, I feel I need to take a deep breath.

♪ As the creator of this show and a music artist myself, I want to highlight as many South Carolina artists as possible who have a story to tell.

I'm TiffanyJ and this is Solbird Sessions, where melody becomes remedy.