Last month I sat down with my good friend Rob Morgan and we discussed the new album in detail. From politics to childhood, and history to music, the conversation, this was a thorough breakdown of the heart behind the new EP. You can listen here: Rob Morgan is a Curious Person

Hey friends,

  It has been a long time, six years in fact, since I last released an original album. Even though I have been working extensively in the music scene, my time and energy has been pulled a lot of different directions. Between raising two boys, starting a music school, and supporting various music artists with studio sessions and live performing, my own material had to be placed on the shelf for a season. But songwriting has always been my number one musical passion. Over the past year, I've been able to make more time to create again and it has brought back so much joy. 

  I am so excited to share my new EP, Who We Are, with you. Over the past couple of years, the political climate of the United States has been divisive, angry, fearful, and chaotic. Hateful rhetoric has been emboldened. Desperation for change has lead to acceptance of unthinkable compromise. And passion for beliefs has led many to cut ties with friends and family members. This album is a collection of my thoughts and reflections on various current issues. Some of the songs reflect strong opinions that I felt I needed to share. Most call for unity and healing. But the underlying question that resonates throughout is, who do we want to be?  My hope is that this project can provide positive dialogue and perspective to important issues.

  Thanks to all of you for your support. I'm looking forward to making this the first of many more albums! 

A couple years ago I was going through a bit of a musical rut.  I was four years out of music school and three years out of recording my debut album.  I found myself in a comfortable routine of playing music for a living but not doing much to improve my craft.  I was still doing music so at least I had that going for me, right?  But the reality was clear. . . I was not improving or challenging myself at all.   

I vividly remember seeing a certain musician perform one night during that time.  This individual had been doing the same act for years without any fresh material and for the first time I felt that it was out of date.  At that moment I had a frightening thought.  What if I'm getting outdated?  What if the recording ideas I'm bringing to the table are regurgitated?  It hit me that day that I needed to change my mindset.  It wasn't good enough that I was making a career out of teaching and playing music.  I had to keep learning.  

Whenever I see bands or artists that have been able to maintain relevance over a couple decades it blows my mind.  Artists such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Sting have been lifelong learners.  They have been able to keep up with the times for a few reasons.  First of all, they actively use their gifts.  Secondly, they aren't afraid of change.  Thirdly, they keep going back to the drawing board with every project.

The other thing I'd put in the mix is that it is so important for artists to listen to other artists.  I have a few friends in town constantly sharing must-hear new music with me.  Inspiration breeds inspiration.  So yea, I'm going to put my headphones on now.  :)