Writing About Creativity, Music, Self-Doubt, and the Path Forward
Parlor Tricks and Player Pianos: Why AI Music Still Needs the Human Soul
We’ve reached a point where "perfect" music can be conjured from a text prompt. But is it actually fun? From the player piano to the "AI Drummer," I’m exploring why the flawless output of tools like Suno can’t replace the messy, human fingerprints that make music breathe. Because at the end of the day, we don’t just want to hear a song—we want to hear what another human has survived.
What the World Actually Needs from Your Art (Hint: Not Approval)
What the world needs is evidence that somebody has gone on a journey inside themselves." Michael Shrieve shares the advice he’d give his younger self about trust, fearlessness, and the true job of an artist.
Songwriting with Eno: 20 Lessons on Art and Focus
Last year, I witnessed Brian Eno’s process firsthand. These 20 lessons on focus, "composting" bad ideas, and breaking the rules of art are still unfolding in my work today.
Doubt Riding Shotgun: Free Ebook & Audiobook
Doubt will always ride with you. The trick is not letting it grab the wheel. That’s the heart of Doubt Riding Shotgun—how to keep moving toward the things that matter, even when your fear insists you shouldn’t.
Riding With Doubt: A Conversation on Creativity with The Creative Download Podcast
In this heartfelt conversation with Christy Bruneau and Chelsea Nettleton from The Creative Download, I share my journey from drummer to songwriter, how I learned to live with self-doubt as a “noisy passenger,” and why it’s never too late to make meaningful art.
Andrea Stolpe on Finding Your Sound and the Courage to Keep Going
Songwriter and educator Andrea Stolpe shares her journey from Berklee to Nashville publishing deals to founding the Emerging Musicians Coalition. We explore her three guiding principles—Prosody, Momentum, and Restraint—and why feeling is the true compass for every songwriter.
100 Songs or Bust: A Songwriter’s Journey
I’ve now released 21 songs toward my 100 Songs or Bust goal. What started in 2023 with just three tracks has grown into a steady flow—7 songs in 2024 and even more in 2025 (including a couple still to come). Each release has been its own snapshot of where I was in that moment, from grief and doubt to love, irony, and collaboration.
How Steve Nalepa is Futureproofing Music—One Artist at a Time
At Futureproof Music School, Steve Nalepa and his team aren’t selling shortcuts or trends—they’re offering mentorship. The school helps artists learn what they truly need to create with confidence, find their intention, and follow their musical dreams.
The AI Myth: Why the Future of Music Is Still Human
AI doesn’t have to replace creativity—it can enhance it. Explore how artists can use AI to generate ideas, stay organized, and refine their craft, all while keeping the emotional core of their work front and center.
How to Raise Musical Children (Without the Burnout)
Raising a musical child is less about strict lessons and more about sparking joy, curiosity, and connection. Drawing on stories from my family and insights from Steve Nalepa, here’s how to nurture creativity without pressure—so the music stays for life.