gathering
Happy Friday, friends. Fall is quickly turning chilly (although I think it’ll be 70°+ this today), so a lot of evenings have been spent hunkered down staying warm inside. It’s great, highly recommend it. I’m currently writing this from my couch, as we’ve been binging Stranger Things to catch up for season 5 in a few weeks. That said, a weekly newsletter is due!
I would describe my current creative season as one of gathering and listening. I have a strong internal inclination towards patiently awaiting whatever inspiration God plans to put in my way, as I think it’ll result in a richer, more intentional creative process down the line. I’m going to attempt to talk about this in a way that makes sense.
I’ve had a few writing/recording sessions in the last two weeks, each with the intention of trying out chords, some effects, and exploring basic ideas. I generally chase productivity in the form of ending up somewhere or with something; it’s very possible I use what I’ve created in these sessions, but it’s new for me to not start with that in mind. The real work feels a bit like the waiting right now. Allowing inspiration to build and a path to form as I soak up these last days of autumn. I’m also working on getting into the habit of more regular walking, as there’s something that specifically intrigues me about getting fresh air when the weather isn’t nice. I walk pretty often during the warm months, but chilly walks offer clarity through their cold air and blustery scenes.
waiting
How do we wait? I don’t really know how I do, so I think there’s something in that question for me right now. I’m specifically choosing to progress slowly through this next writing cycle, against all natural inclination. Maybe I’m hoping to weed out the anxiety that can come from waiting; it’s hard to be patient when you want to dive head first into that creative pull and create. And don’t get me wrong…it wouldn’t be bad at all if I jumped right into and got to work. It’s hard to explain how it feels, but maybe you get it. I perceive a specific value in waiting, listening, and gathering of today. Earlier today I watched this video from David Hilowitz about microcassette recorders and I can’t stop thinking about the rawness of the audio that he records with such a simple machine that was once commonplace and also top of the line. In a shiny, ultra produced world of pop and getting a billion streams, I’m just one of many artists who can’t get enough of the textural beauty that’s created by tape machines of all kinds. I’m gonna buy one and integrate it into my workflow for this next album, even though I don’t even really know how. I just know I have to, because this inspiration doesn’t come along every day.
I guess that’s a pretty example of why I’m trying to wait. I feel like something important waits around the corner of patience, and I’m willing to give that a shot. Plus, it fits the weather so well. I’m not sure I’ve ever appreciated summer and fall as much as in 2025. The other day I gasped out loud as I drove past a field next to the highway that was the most unreal burnt orange I’ve ever seen. It was incredible, and I didn’t even want to take a picture because no image would ever do it justice. That field will show up in a song, somehow. I want more of those moments, you know? The inspirations that aren’t fleeting, but change your entire perspective and in turn, possibly even the trajectory of your life.
slight veering off topic
I think it’s valuable to continually practice awareness of your whys and what’s influencing your priorities/motivations. Not just the small moments, even though I’ve written about those at length, too. The big stuff. The long term goals that seek to extend beyond self and become something more. What makes you who you are, what forms you, what inspires you to show up in your own life? Do you share that with people? It’s a vulnerable thing to get into, and I’ve found myself challenged in that area more often lately. There are parts of who I am that need to be known just as well as the rest of them, but it’s easy to tuck them away and assume people don’t understand because well…I might not understand them. I often struggle in social situations that are merely surface level. How’s it going, good, very cool, how’s your job, oh also good, I’m tired, understandable, have a great day. I want to know people and what they’re about. I want to ask about their hobbies. But I gotta be able to talk about mine, too. True curiosity starts with self, otherwise you’re just putting off the inevitable and faking your way through relationships.
in summary
I think I wandered a bit there, but it’s part of the thoughts that have been swirling. I’m plumbing my own depths for inspiration, awareness, and humanity to share with others through my art. It’s messy work sometimes, but I can’t help but get the sense it’s worth it. I’m actually really curious to see where I’m gonna land with this album as I keep listening, waiting, and creating. What are you waiting for? What’s something you can listen to and spend some time with? I appreciate you reading and being here.
p.s.
As I was finishing up this post on Tuesday night, I got a text that the Northern Lights were showing again. I had just been writing about finding inspiration and noticing the grand moments of life and one of the coolest natural events I’ve ever witnessed took place. For reference, this isn’t exactly a normal thing for central IL. My wife and I drove right into the country and spent nearly an hour being awed. It was incredible.
