Blog Archives

New Album – Week 7 Demos and Survey

Week 7 Demo Titles

Here are two new raw songs I wrote last week: One More Mile and Steady.  I wrote a third one, but I was so unhappy with it I’m not going to consider it for the album.  After you’ve listened to the songs from this week, tell me which one you like the most. Complete the survey below and help me choose which of these three songs has the best potential to be a great fully produced song and for my new record.  If you haven’t already done so, you can listen to the music from previous weeks and vote on them too.
Week 6Week 5Week 4 |  Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1


Stories Behind the Songs

One More Mile
This track is about being willing to keep walking, regardless of how hard things get, because it’s worth it.  Keep fighting, keep working, keep walking and have hope...

New Album – Week 6 Demos and Survey

Week 6 Demo Titles

Here are three new raw songs I wrote last week: Burning Hunger, Break Down, and Break Out.  After you’ve listened to the songs from this week, tell me which one you like the most. Complete the survey below and help me choose which of these three songs has the best potential to be a great fully produced song and for my new record.  If you haven’t already done so, you can listen to the music from previous weeks and vote on them too.
Week 5Week 4 |  Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1



Stories Behind the Songs

Burning Hunger
This track is about that insatiable hunger we have for certain things in life. Specifically, a burning hunger to be great, a hunger for things that give us pain and aren’t good for us, and a hunger to be loved.

Break Down
This track is about admittin...

New Album – Week 5 Demos and Survey

Week 5 Demo Titles

Here are three new raw songs I wrote last week: Remember Who You Are, Thanks to the Rain, and Stand Tall.  After you’ve listened to the songs from this week, tell me which one you like the most. Complete the survey below and help me choose which of these three songs has the best potential to be a great fully produced song and for my new record.  If you haven’t already done so, you can listen to the music from previous weeks and vote on them too.
Week 4 |  Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1



Stories Behind the Songs

Thanks to the Rain
This song talks about how we are like trees that need wind and rain to grow stronger.  It is because of our struggles, our wind and rain, that we grow stronger...

New Album – Week 4 Demos and Survey

Week 4 Demo Titles

Here are three new raw songs I wrote last week: I Will Rise, We Will Unite, and Where I Belong.  After you’ve listened to the songs from this week, tell me which one you like the most. Complete the survey below and help me choose which of these three songs has the best potential to be a great fully produced song and for my new record.  If you haven’t already done so, listen to the music from previous weeks and vote on those songs too.  Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1



Stories Behind the Songs

I Will Rise
Even after I fall, I will stand tall and I will rise.  There are those who discourage you from chasing your dreams and there are those who inspire you to never give up on those dreams.  Rise to your potential and forget the noise.

We Will Unite
No matter the conflict ...

New Album – Week 3 Demos and Survey

Week 3 Demo Titles

Here are three new raw songs I wrote last week: Rebel, Life Raft, and Worst of Me/Best of Me.  After you’ve listened to the songs from this week, tell me which one you like the most. Complete the survey below and help me choose which of these three songs has the best potential to be a great fully produced song and for my new record.  If you haven’t already done so, listen to the music from previous weeks and vote on those songs too. Week 2 | Week 1

Stories Behind the Songs

Rebel
Don’t back down when you’re standing up for what’s right.  Be willing to be rebellious regardless of the circumstances or who you have to challenge.  Got this idea from a confrontation I have in Paia, Maui years ago...

New Album – Week 2 Demos and Survey

Click HERE to listen to three new raw songs I wrote last week: I Will Never Give Up, Nothing Better, and Thanks to You.  After you’ve listened to the songs from this week, you can complete the survey below and help me choose which of these three songs has the best potential to be a great fully produced song and for my new record.



Stories Behind the Songs

I Will
Perseverance.  We are all born with childlike dreams that inspire and make us believe we can do great things.  As we grow older, those dreams are challenged for a number of reasons and we can choose to give up or keep fighting.  Don’t ever give up on the things that make you truly happy.

Nothing Better
There is nothing better than close friends and family.  These lyrics are about my kids, but they apply to any close relati...

New Album – Week 1 Demos and Survey

Click HERE to listen to three raw tracks I wrote last week: Leave It All Behind, Movin’ On, and You Asked Me For Help.  After you’ve listened to them, complete the survey below to let me know which one of the three you think has the best potential to be a great fully produced song for my new record.

I really want this new record to reflect my love for two genres: reggae & rock.  So I’m aiming for 5 reggae and 5 rock songs that truly represent me and my sound.

Which of the three demo tracks do you think I should spend more time on and fully produce and put on my record?  Complete the survey below to let me know!

The power of music in advertising

Music has the power to move you

Music affects our mood every day. But are you aware that music can influence your choices? For example, music can affect whether you like a product — there is science to prove it. Gerald J. Gorn did an experiment in the 80’s to find out if background music in commercials influences a person’s choices.

Choosing songs and products for the experiment

In 1982, Gorn gathered college students for a series of experiments. But the students had to identify the two components of the experiments, the music and the product.

First, the students identified two kinds of songs. They identified a song they all liked and a song they all disliked. Everyone agreed they liked a song from the movie Grease and disliked a piece of classical Indian music.

Second, a light b...

You Never Know Who’s In The Crowd

During gigs it’s hard to tell if people are random drunks ignoring my performance or they are people resonating with what I’m doing.  I have to avoid reading too much into body language or facial expressions.  I decided a long time ago to just treat everyone in the crowd like they matter because you never know who’s in the crowd.

Last Weekend

Last Friday, I was playing a 3 hour set at Griffin Tavern in Flint Hill, Virginia.  This is a great joint off the beaten path in the shadow of the majestic Shenandoah mountains.  There were a handful of people during my opening set eating meals and enjoying the music.  But once I got back behind the mic after my break I realized I was only playing to the bartender and staff...