Confucius said, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

And really, who doesn’t like music? It triggers memories, calms your nerves, changes your mood, and scientists suggest that music can make you smarter. What’s more, upward of 28 million people in the United States play an instrument, according to statista.com — and odds are good that many of them have dreams of performing in front of a crowd.

So, fess up. If you’ve ever wanted to be a rock star, raise your hand.

Eli Lieb raised both arms when we asked our August 2016 cover boy about his journey to music stardom.

“Defying all the odds of being an independent musician has been tough,” he admits. “You’re basically told that you will never make it. To believe in yourself and not listen to anyone else’s opinion can be very challenging. You really have to be resourceful and figure out how to compete on a shoestring budget with people who have millions backing them. But this challenge can also be greatly satisfying if you actually do start to achieve significant success.”

Scroll down for more information about Lieb. And click here to read our Q&A with the rising pop star.

Also in this issue:

• What’s the best book on music? Here’s our vote.
• “What happens when an entire generation commits the same crime?” asks journalist Stephen Witt. The answer becomes clear in his book, How Music Got Free.
• How is illustrator Michael Gibbs playing with the art of music lyrics? And why did the organizers of a Woodstock revival take notice?

We leave you with this parting thought from Victor Hugo: “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”

Here’s to making beautiful music! — Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher, Be Inkandescent magazine • founder, Inkandescent Public Relations • hope@inkandescentpr.com