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
Good Music
@Sea – Ep67 – Staying Power
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
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
@ Sea Podcast Season 3 Recap/Review
Take a brief tour through some of the key moments in conversations that defined Season 3 of the podcast. My guests: – Dominique Dubois Gillard – Sandra McCracken – Carlos Whittaker – Jeremy Cowart – Michael Mcbride – Matt Shotwell – Scott Erickson – Jonathan Merritt – … Read More
Good Art, Stop Signs and the Truths We Get To Tell
A buddy of mine (we’ll just call him Bill) invited a childhood friend of his (let’s call him Ted) to visit from out of town. Having picked him up at the airport, my buddy Bill drove Ted directly downtown to get lunch. As he got near the heart of downtown, Bill blew through a stop … Read More
@ Sea Podcast #13: Ryan O’Neil (Sleeping At Last)
A few nights ago, I took my newborn daughter, who was crying, into the small office space where I do most of my work, including recording and editing this podcast. I deftly navigated my laptop while holding her in the other arm… and started playing through some of my favorite songs. We listened to… Sigur … Read More
@ Sea Podcast #11: Audrey Assad
The line between what is sacred and what some may call “secular” or “profane” is a famously difficult line to navigate. Volumes have been written and argued over regarding where that line is, how to recognize it and how to communicate that line to others. My guest on episode 11 is songwriter and advocate, Audrey Assad. Her work … Read More
Springsteen, HB2 and the Power of Art
Bruce Springsteen was scheduled to play a show in Greensboro, NC this past weekend. In light of the passing of HB2, a law he feels (as many do) “attacks the rights of LGBT citizens,” The Boss canceled his only North Carolina date this year. Of that decision he writes, “It is the strongest means I have for … Read More
42
Douglas Adams, in his wonderful book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy,” suggested that the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. Well, I turn 42 on Jan 1, which means this is the year I figure it all out. We’ll see how that works out. In the meantime,… … Read More
Everything Has Changed
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