After a long hiatus, I’ve got something I’m very excited to share with you - a new album! But first, if you’ll indulge me, a little backstory…
Easter just happened for many of us, and it’s that time of year where there’s renewed interest in my songs. Particularly Christ is Risen and What Have We Done? as both tend to be played on Easter and Good Friday respectively. I always enjoy the tweets and text messages from folks who listen to the album this time of year. Genuinely, thank you.
Thinking about those songs, it dawned on me that the 10 year anniversary of my album Grace happened last year and I didn’t even realize it. How had it been 10 years already?
Well, here we are 10 years later and so much has happened since. How’d it go for you? For me, it was a mix. I was part of a church that had a very public implosion. I changed careers. I had a faith crisis. I reconnected with old friends and made new ones. I watched the evangelical world fall for a monster. I rediscovered old passions in photography and skiing. And of course, the pandemic. That’s the short list. I have fought my way through the last decade trying to find hope in the midst of chaos. I have scars. And somehow I still have hope. In fact I think it’s stronger. It just looks different than it did 10 years ago.
| |
New album coming in 2021 |
New music
2020 wasn’t all dark though. For me, it was incredibly creative. I finally broke through a decade-long rut of writer’s block. Honestly, I thought my songwriting days were in the rearview, but as 2020 unfolded, the songs started pouring out. I realized I’m not done. I’m just older now and I’m totally ok with that. Getting older has helped me realize what actually matters in making music and sharing with you. Right now, that means honesty. For these songs, I’ve gone to deeper, more personal, more honest places. And what began as a 3-4 song EP that me and my friend Ryan (from Ivan & Alyosha) started working on turned into a 10-song full-length album. Last week, I approved the master recordings and that means the musical side is done. Next up: photography, album art, and the release plan. So, it’s going to be a little while yet before you hear any of it, but I promise I’ll let you know the moment the first single is out.
Email is where the magic happens.
For lots of reasons, I’ve been slowly moving away from social media. Yes, you can still find me on Twitter and Instagram, but when it comes to sharing the exclusive info, this email list is the place to be. Want to know when the first song is out? You’ll get it here first. Want to find out where I’m playing shows (when shows are happening again)? That’ll be here too. Want to know how to get actual vinyl? You’re getting the idea.
I’d like to send you 1-2 emails per month, nothing spammy. In addition to the inside scoop, I might tell a story or two, share other music that I’m digging, and maybe some poetry, or a limerick. Who knows? Only time will tell. My hope is that it’s fun for both of us. And you can always reply and let me know what you think.
For right now, if this is something you’re interested in, then just hang tight. If not, I get it. It’s been a long time and nobody needs emails in their inbox they don’t want. Just hit the unsubscribe button down below.
So here’s a playlist.
I made a playlist of the songs that moved me the most in 2020. These aren’t the best songs of 2020. Nor are they the coolest songs of 2020. But as the world was falling apart, these are the songs that I was connecting with. Or that were connecting with me. What songs connected with you in 2020? Feel free to reply and let me know.
OK. That’s it for now. Maybe next time there will be a new song in your inbox? God, I hope so. I can’t wait to finally get this music out.
Peace,
Joe
P.s. Do you work for a label? This album doesn’t have a label home yet. If you’re interested, hit me up.