Writing About Creativity, Music, Self-Doubt, and the Path Forward
Paper Thin: The Story Behind My First Co-Write With John Riziki
The song “Paper Thin” started with a guitar, a few chords, and a recording device I almost forgot to turn on. Here's the story of writing my first song with John Riziki, and the question that cracked it wide open.
All Music Happens Inside the Head: A Conversation with JD Walter
I sat down with jazz vocalist JD Walter to talk about creativity, intention, and the night everything went wrong onstage and somehow became the best show of his life.
Haystack Grew Up: Two Cities, One Big Year for This Little Festival
Last summer, a brand new festival launched in North Bend with one ambitious idea: fill a small town with live music across 17 venues in a single night. It worked. So this year, Haystack is growing. In 2026, there are two festivals, two cities, and a whole lot more hope.
The Real Reason You're Not Making More Music (It's Not What You Think)
My friend Gary has more musical skill than most people develop in a lifetime. And he still can't find time to make his own music. Sound familiar? Here's what I've learned about the real bottleneck — and a simple exercise that shows you the truth.
You Have the Right to Sing
I was the kid the choir teacher told to stop singing. For a long time, I believed them. I shouldn't have. Singing is a birthright, not a talent you either have or don't — and it's time to take yours back.
Interview with Drummer KJ Sawka: Finishing Music, Supportive Systems, and Coaching Artists
Drumming phenom KJ Sawka is in the gym before most people are awake and still gets to his studio by 7AM. I've known KJ since the nineties, when we were both on the Seattle drum scene. What I didn't know until recently is that we've both ended up in the same place: coaching other artists through the creative process.
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.