@Sea – Ep70 – Christopher Williams

June 17, 2021At Sea, Christianity, Church, Community, Creativity, Deconstruction, Good Music, It Is What You Make of It, Podcast, Reconciliation, Reflections, Songwriting

In his Legendary book “The War of Art” Steven Pressfield writes:“The professional arms himself with patience, not only to give the stars time to align in his career but to keep himself from flaming out in each individual work. He knows that any job, whether it’s a novel or a kitchen remodel, takes twice as … Read More

@Sea – Ep67 – Staying Power

May 27, 2021At Sea, Christianity, Church, Community, Creativity, Design, Doubt, Good Music, It Is What You Make of It, Making Music, Reflections, Songwriting

During studio sessions with younger or inexperienced musicians, my dear friend and music producer Masaki Liu would often be asked questions like “What do you think about our chances?” Or “Do you think we can make it?” And, more often than not, he’d consistently respond with an intentionally cryptic piece of encouragement that went pretty … Read More

May 6 And A Few Words About Why I Made New Music

May 6, 2020Christianity, Church, Creativity, Deconstruction, Discipleship, Doubt, Good Music, Reconciliation, Reflections, Songwriting

My father over-identified with his work. It cost him his life. I’ve talked about that a lot since losing him, which happened 22yrs ago, today.  Talking about my Dad’s overworking and depression was a warning to folks kind enough to listen. I also know I live with many of the same capacities for overwork and … Read More

Why I Think Taylor Swift Wins

January 7, 2016Creativity, News, Songwriting

A lot of conversation goes into deciphering what makes Taylor Swift special. She’s charming and beautiful and has a phenomenal team behind her. But I’ll be honest and say that none of that matters as much as this: Her songs are good. The lesson I take from watching her (and maybe you resonate with this) … Read More

Everything Has Changed

September 1, 2015Creativity, Good Music, Songwriting

IS THIS THING ON? The last time I wrote and recorded a stand-alone collection of songs was in 2008. That is part of why this collection, entitled “Everything Has Changed,” is such a joy. I feel like I’ve been away from this medium for a while** and now I’m standing on stage, leaning into the mic, … Read More

Title Pending: Keep It To Yourself

January 27, 2015Songwriting, Title Pending

When I’m at the beginning of a project, I generally let just one or two people into my process and share my vision, or at least as much of it as I have clearly in mind. They are people who will hold me to the work I’ve committed to rather than just pat me on the … Read More

Title Pending: You Are Always Beginning

January 20, 2015Songwriting, Title Pending

The hike to the top of Mt. Diablo is roughly seven and a half miles. And though I know that cognitively, I don’t climb the mountain with that number in mind – I climb it in sections. The first two miles are relatively easy, with a few short hills and plenty of flat ground between. … Read More