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
Songwriting
@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 #22: Sandra McCracken
The ways we move into and out of one another’s lives… the modality of relationship, is a matter of art. In fact, I resonate with Seth Godin’s definition of art as anything that facilitates human connection… including, in my own iteration of the definition, a relationship with one’s self. For nearly two decades Sandra McCracken … Read More
Why I Think Taylor Swift Wins
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 For Me,… including Spotify?
Q. WHY ARE YOU OK WITH YOUR MUSIC BEING ON SPOTIFY NOW? A. When I was a Young Life leader, I hung out at high-school football games, track meets and Taco Bell. I didn’t do any of that because I was really in to high-school athletics and food that can kill me. I did it because thats where high-school kids were hanging … 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
Title Pending Guest Video: Painter Dave Burke
From Title Pending: “At a pivotal point in the writing of my first book, I spent some time at the Phillips Gallery in Washington DC. Along with many other great works, the Phillips Gallery hosts a col- lection of pieces by Mark Rothko, whose work I greatly admire. I stood in the Rothko room for … Read More
Title Pending: Keep It To Yourself
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
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