Lyric writing - all about loosening the reins

In my own musical journey, I've accepted that one of my goals is to embrace moments of vulnerability and uncertainty, as they often pave the way for breakthroughs in creativity. By allowing ourselves to be open to new ideas and experiences, we can tap into a deeper wellspring of inspiration, enabling us to craft music that resonates with ourselves and those who enjoy our music. So, the next time you find yourself grappling with writer's block or seeking inspiration, remember to breathe, embrace the journey, and trust in the creative process.

I wrote most of the lyrics to this cool original swing bossa tune "Breathe" while on a camping trip with guitarist Shane Savala and some of my longest-held friends from high school. In the cozy lakeside mountain valley in NorCal, we were struggling to determine the theme for the words (typically with Shane we write the music together and then I finish up with the lyrics). I finally zoomed out of the situation and thought, "Ah! I'll write about...writing (or the difficulty therin)."

Checkout this full video of "Breathe" played at the Alhambra Performing Arts Center with Jeremy Siskind, Zack Caplinger, David Reynoso, and Karo Galadjian.

You can check out the rest of my live performance videos on Youtube by clicking here.