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A pivotal moment in Duritz's life came during his freshman year of college, when a casual class moment led him to write his first song. Feeling disconnected from his surroundings, he sat in a dorm lounge with a piano and a guitar, improvising and discovering that he could craft melodies and lyrics. This revelation transformed his identity—he became a songwriter overnight, dedicating himself to writing songs daily.
This new purpose provided a sense of self-definition he previously lacked amid personal struggles with mental health. "I knew what I was doing with my life," he recalls, feeling empowered by the act of songwriting. Over the years, this passion led him through various musical projects and bands, each contributing to his growth as an artist.