Writing About Creativity, Music, Self-Doubt, and the Path Forward
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.
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.
What Andrea Stolpe Taught Me About Songwriting (and Myself)
Seattle singer-songwriter Dave Hill Jr. shares how Andrea Stolpe’s songwriting camp transformed his creative process, helped him trust his instincts, and deepened his confidence after 50.
Rediscovering the Magic of Music in Community Spaces
Mosaic MI blends open mic energy with the intimacy of a songwriting circle. Whether you’re performing or just listening, this welcoming space invites connection, creativity, and community through the shared experience of music.
The Compost Playlist: A Simple Ritual for Rediscovering Lost Songs
Got a hard drive full of half-finished songs? They’re not failures—they’re compost. Try this simple 3-step ritual to revisit your old demos with fresh ears. You might find your next song growing from the scraps. Includes a story, tips, and inspiration from Brian Eno.
NAMM 2025 Workshop
"Self-doubt doesn’t have to drive the car."
At NAMM 2025, I delivered a workshop exploring the universal challenge of self-doubt for emerging musicians and creators. From learning how to reframe doubt to building a healthier mindset, this session was packed with actionable tools to help you grow as an artist. Sign up to access the full video and slides, and start transforming self-doubt into creative fuel!
Are You Too Smart for Your Own Good? Try Unlearning to Find Your New Path
Sometimes being 'too smart' can limit creativity. Unlearning helps us strip away old habits, letting curiosity guide the process and open up new creative pathways. In music and songwriting, breaking down foundations can lead to fresh inspiration and true artistic freedom.
The Talent Trap: How I Learned to Choose My Development Areas and Be OK with Boring Practice Routines
The Talent Trap: Embracing Boredom for Mastery
We often admire the talent of our favorite artists and athletes, but behind every performance lies hours of slow, repetitive practice. In this post, I share my journey as a songwriter and musician, learning how to love the grind of practice and the power of small, daily improvements. With insights from my mentor Stanton Moore, I explore how going slow and embracing boredom can unlock true mastery. Read on to learn how focusing on 1% progress a day can transform your skills.
Is Jazz Camp the New Las Vegas?🎷
Jazz camp is like Vegas for musicians—minus the neon. You take chances, crash, soar, and sometimes hit the jackpot. At the Port Townsend Jazz Workshop, even wrong notes lead to wins. It’s all groove, growth, and great people. Forget the slots—roll the dice on jazz camp instead.