Dear Maine,

I was pretty over you back in 1996 when I left for Boston to pursue a career in music. I had just graduated from Morse High School in Bath and worked all summer to save enough money to secure an apartment in Boston. I had $266 left over.

Shortly after arriving in Boston, I started a band called ISIS. We started off like most bands do, trying to find our footing and gaining some momentum. The hard work paid off, and we eventually were to be able to quit our day jobs, play in the band full-time, and tour all over the world.

In 2003 I moved to Los Angeles with my wife, Alexandra. The success of the band continued to grow, and I started recording and mixing records for bands from all over the globe. I’m now a composer for movies, television, and video games, and feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to help tell stories through music.

When I look back at my career, I realize a lot of my success is due to my Maine roots. I learned the value of hard work, to always give 200 percent, to treat people with respect, to help one another, to be fair, and to be humble. All values I associate with Maine. To be a “Maine-ah” means that you can be counted on. These are all principles I’m proud to be teaching my own daughter. I love you, Maine. Thanks for giving me the foundation to realize my dreams.

Harris is an award-winning musician and composer. His critically acclaimed releases have topped the Billboard charts and appeared in television series, film trailers, documentaries, video games, and more.