Reaching Out☟
In Chinese Zen, the concept of intimacy is synonymous with enlightenment or realization. Through reaching out to friends, family, etc. we’re able to uncover parts of ourselves that otherwise remain hidden. It is a way of coming to know ourselves and our world.
Amid a year of isolation, writing this newsletter has afforded me the opportunity to connect with you at a pace and length inaccessible on other platforms. Building in time for reflection at the end of each month has often led me to a place of gratitude. Thank you for making space in your inbox for me. May the new year find you untroubled and unburdened. Please know you’ve got a friend.
You Become The Remix☟
Two weeks ago I released ‘You Become the Mountain (Flying Mojito Bros Refrito).’ Using individual instrument stems, the Flying Mojito Bros (London-based DJ duo) crafted a danceable, patchwork remix of my LP distilled into a single track. Their edit of this Scott Hirsch tune caught my ear in 2019 and I’d been stewing on a potential collaboration ever since. Hearing my tracks in a new context (one I don’t go to naturally) has been helpful in identifying borders I tend to put on myself sonically. I’m curious to see the impact this will have on new material. Available now on all streaming platforms.
Podcastin’☟
Was honored be a featured guest on the Conversations With Matt Dwyer podcast earlier this month. Spoke to finding my footing as a solo artist, balancing life as a teacher/musician, and cutting my teeth in Baltimore. If you’re looking for a loose, funny, and conversational music-focused podcast, I highly recommend digging through the archive. Start here: Karl Blau, Sonny Smith, Nat Vazer.
Splice Feature - Mastering☟
For my first piece for Splice, I’ve written a primer outlining the how, when, and why of working with a mastering engineer. As someone who has been recording and releasing music for over a decade, mastering still felt like somewhat of an elusive concept to me. Through speaking with Amy Dragon, Josh Bonati, and Alex Chapman, my hope was to provide both rookie and seasoned musicians with a guide offering both technical and big picture advice to approaching the final step of the music production process.
Favorite Music of 2020☟
More time at home allows me to practice deep listening more consistently. As someone who tends to self-soothe with productivity, hours spent listening to/appreciating music while doing nothing else yields far greater results. On the latest episode of Felt Time, I played some of my favorite tracks released in 2020 that brought me joy, comfort and peace of mind.
Reading, Watching, Listening To☟
Reading
+Why I Came West - A Memoir (Rick Bass)
+Mad Bear - Spirit, Healing, and the Sacred In the Life of a Native American Medicine Man (Doug Boyd)
+The Tunnel - Reflections on a Life in Motion (Kevin Morby)
Watching
+Flight Attendant (HBO)
+The Bee Gees - How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (HBO)
+Prospect (Amazon Rental)
Listening To