From January 2017 to January 2020, I basically was on tour non-stop. In December of 2019 alone we counted 18 flights! Gearing up for another busy spring, I returned to Los Angeles in February 2020, played two shows and bam! The world just stopped.
We all reacted differently to the loss of gigs, tours, livelihood and the more interpersonal losses of relationships, friends, events, gatherings and the simple lack of touch, hugs and interaction. It’s definitely been surreal and, at times, difficult. One interesting thing that’s happened is I’ve become very in tune with my own inner introvert. I’ve actually been enjoying all this time alone. More than I thought I would.
As many other artists have mentioned, it’s also been a productive time. I released six new singles in 2020. I’ve also been learning and working more on the production side, becoming a better mixing engineer and even doing some mastering work. I joined a group in Melbourne, Australia called Beat Collective where we make electronica songs in two weeks based on two samples from one of the members. It’s been super fun. Kind of like Iron Chef secret ingredients challenge with music!
As so much of life, music-making and gatherings have moved online, most connections and collaborations have become virtual these days. The bright side is I don’t have to travel as much, which actually feels like a much better flow. But I’m certainly missing the events, and I can’t wait to get back to work, as I’m sure many of us are feeling.
There’s definitely been some binge watching! I loved The Mandalorian and I’m now knee deep in The Expanse (Can you tell I love SciFi?). It’s funny, I’m so immersed in music, half the time I’m just commenting on the soundtrack (Ooo there’s a handpan! Wow, great synth sound). So yes, music is still my number one priority.
In addition to that, I’ve been spending more time in nature and doing a fair amount of gardening (What should we do with all these tomatoes?). Hiking has pretty much kept me sane and a little bit of surfing when there are waves.
Now that 2021 has rolled around (after the most uneventful New Years’ since I was in elementary school) I feel like we are still in this weird holding pattern. Things seem promising that we might start seeing an improvement, but it hasn’t happened yet. So it’s a great opportunity to keep doubling-down on learning, retooling and honing my craft for when everything opens back up again. I’ll be ready!
There’s definitely been some binge watching! I loved The Mandalorian and I’m now knee deep in The Expanse (Can you tell I love SciFi?). It’s funny, I’m so immersed in music, half the time I’m just commenting on the soundtrack (Ooo there’s a handpan! Wow, great synth sound). So yes, music is still my number one priority.
In addition to that, I’ve been spending more time in nature and doing a fair amount of gardening (What should we do with all these tomatoes?). Hiking has pretty much kept me sane and a little bit of surfing when there are waves.
Now that 2021 has rolled around (after the most uneventful New Years’ since I was in elementary school) I feel like we are still in this weird holding pattern. Things seem promising that we might start seeing an improvement, but it hasn’t happened yet. So it’s a great opportunity to keep doubling-down on learning, retooling and honing my craft for when everything opens back up again. I’ll be ready!
While practicing social distancing, watch my latest music video for "Sun To Shine":
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