Resolution

Cuz Things Are Gonna Get Weird

I started this page to write about the music I released last summer into fall in the form of the album, Something To Look Forward To. That’s been such a great and fulfilling experience, and I’m grateful to everyone (especially the musicians) who took and interest, a listen, and helped create and spread the music. I’m sure I’ll write about creative projects in the future. But for now I’m seeing a lot more interest and engagement when I write about the music business. Therefore…

I’m making my New Years resolution early, and I’m going to write more consistently and with greater focus in 2024. I have three posts in draft that’ll need another couple hours each to finish. I’m going to roll those out once a week, and I’m going to post one substantial piece here every week through 2024. I’m going to try to post every Wednesday stating next week. Now until the end of 2024, one per week.

There’s so much to write about; the only challenge is keeping focus. I’ve taken on a number of exciting and new projects this year that you’ll probably know about next year. It feels like we’re at the beginning - or maybe in the middle - of the biggest transformation in the history of the media business. In many ways I’ll write about, these changes will favor creative individuals. Meanwhile, the emergence of generative AI is going to produce some amazing innovations and opportunities to enhance creativity. But it will also unleash a sea of mediocrity like we’ve never seen. Nevertheless, I believe the sea of garbage entertainment “product” and “content” will not prevent great work from rising to prominence. It’s a great time for music fans, and a great time for artists with talent, a point of view, and a willingness to use the tools they have to connect with an audience.

On a personal note, I went through a long period where I believed that being an active creative musician would interfere with the work I do in the music business. I don’t feel that way anymore. Whether or not I have a big audience for my music, I’m an active creator. I own and control a catalogue of music I’m more than willing to experiment with. Being an active musician only deepens my sense that my purpose in life (other than providing for my family and the people who depend on me) is to help light the way for creative individuals, and companies that serve and support creative individuals without robbing them blind.

If you’re reading this, most likely you agree with me that music is important. When I see young people at concerts, I see them singing along unselfconsciously. They find connection in music. They find community in music. They find deep meaning and understanding in music. They find joy and transcendence in music. My life was saved by rock n’ roll. I found community in at an all-ages hardcore club. I carried that spirit into the culture of music my peers created. Music is the glue that holds so many of us together. Holds us together with one another, and holds us together in our private experiences. Music at its highest and best will be how we share experiences and understanding, and just good vibes. I’m here to do what little I can to keep it that way.