The 10,000 Hours

Written by: Nick Will

LOVIN’ LIFE 2025

Charlotte’s biggest music festival is back: Lovin’ Life 2025 has returned May 2–4 to bring us together again with a ton of good music. In only its second official year, the festival has already made a name for itself—drawing over 80,000 attendees last year alone. This year, people came from across the country to see headliners like Gwen Stefani, Weezer, and Dave Matthews Band. But Lovin’ Life isn’t just for the big names—it’s also a stage for Charlotte’s local talent.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

To spotlight homegrown music, Lovin’ Life hosted a "Battle of the Bands" series at local music bars around the city including The Music Yard, Brickyard, and Gin Mill. The rules were simple: three nights, three venues, three bands each night, five-song sets, and at least one had to be a cover. Perform well, win the night, and you get to play the Carolina Ascent FC Stage at the festival.

I attended the Music Yard showdown in March to support my friends in Low Groves and was blown away by the energy in the air. That night, those 3 bands gave it everything. You could feel the hunger for the opportunity.

Weeks later, I caught another round at Gin Mill. Every group brought their A-game, but one band stood out: a six-piece with an electrifying, blues-rock sound you could feel. That band was Charlotte’s own Secret Formula Band, and as soon as their set ended, I had a feeling they’d win—and they did.

THE RIGHT PLACE, THE RIGHT TIME

There’s something magic about being in the right place at the right time. You don’t see it coming, but afterward, you can’t believe it happened so perfectly.

As a documentary filmmaker, I’ve learned to recognize those moments. That night, after watching Secret Formula Band light up the stage, I introduced myself to their frontman and pianist, Mac McArtor, told him how much I enjoyed the set, and gave him my contact info. Minutes later, the host announced they were the winners.

At the time, I had no plans to attend Lovin’ Life—I couldn’t afford a ticket. But I did want to collaborate with the band. And the next morning, fate decided to step in.

I attended my first Creative Mornings event at the newly restored Carolina Theatre. Still tired from the night before, I picked up my nametag and wandered the venue with headphones on, skateboard in hand. Eventually, everyone gathered inside, and the host kicked things off with an icebreaker printed on our nametags: “Do you believe in ghosts?”

I couldn’t believe it.

In 2021, my filmmaking journey began with SKEPTIC, a YouTube paranormal docu series produced by two former NFL players. For four years, we traveled across the U.S. investigating haunted locations. Seeing that question was more than coincidence—it felt like the universe had winked at me to keep going.

The host played into the haunted theme—flickering lights, spooky vibes—and started inviting people to share their own paranormal stories. I didn’t plan to speak up, but after hearing others share and learning they received free tickets to a Tosco Music event (a group I love), I reconsidered. They asked if anyone else wanted to speak. I was in the front row. The moment was right there.

So I shared one of my stories about filming a séance in Tennessee.

To my surprise, I wasn’t given a single-event ticket—I was given two full three-day passes to the Lovin' Life Festival.

What were the odds? One night I discovered a band. The next morning, I’m given tickets to the very festival they just qualified to play. The message was clear: it was time to tell a story.

THE SECRET FORMULA BAND

I reached out to Secret Formula Band that same day to propose filming a short documentary about their journey to Lovin’ Life. I had only met one member briefly, but I felt compelled. Luckily, they were all in.

The next member I connected with was Andrew Miramon (guitar, harmonica, vocals). He invited me to join a rehearsal. When I arrived, I met the full band: Alex Weir (guitar, percussion, vocals), Alec Hartman (guitar, vocals), David “DK” Kirkpatrick (bass), and Joseph Howe (drums). 

We gathered in a tight room, and I planted myself in the middle with my camera. I didn’t ask questions—I just watched. Their chemistry was undeniable. For the next two hours, I lost myself in the music. It was the best kind of storytelling: no interviews, just presence. They were practicing hard, refining their sound for May 3rd.

THE LOVIN’ LIFE EXPERIENCE

Secret Formula Band was scheduled to perform on Day 2: Saturday, May 3 at 2:30 PM. I got to film on Day One of the festival—beautiful skies and big vibes. But Saturday? Rain.

Two minutes before showtime, the audience started pulling on ponchos. I took my place with my camera, ready for anything. Then I heard cheers from across the yard—and the ripping sound of guitars filled the air. Mac’s raspy voice cut through the mix of the storm: “We are Secret Formula Band!”

They launched into their set, undeterred. And the crowd? They stayed. Dancing. Laughing. Getting soaked, but also getting stoked. No one cared. The rain didn't stand a chance against good music.

Because that’s the secret formula to loving life.

Good Music makes us irrational in the best ways. On any other day, we’d run for shelter. But not that Saturday. Not at Lovin’ Life. Not when Secret Formula Band took the stage.

Halfway through the set, the sun emerged like an encore. The moment was cinematic, unforgettable—Charlotte’s own Secret Formula Band, was at the right place at the right time.