About
I was active in the Twin Cities independent music scene from around 2003 through 2013 as a solo artist and with several different bands. In 2013 I formed The Long Emergency as a vehicle for my songwriting. Starting Over by The Long Emergency was independently released in May of 2013.
That summer I moved to Austin, TX with plans to promote the new album and form a new version of The Long Emergency to continue performing and recording. After about a year in Texas I came to terms with the fact that I had a drinking problem and made up my mind to do something about it. In May of 2014 I quit drinking for good.
In those early days without alcohol playing music felt impossible. Just holding my guitar felt weird. I couldn't imagine performing sober. I no longer felt the joy and sense of purpose I once did when I picked up the guitar. I was empty inside. I decided to set music aside while I adjusted to life without alcohol. I figured I would come back to it when I was ready. I just didn't expect it to take so long.
Ten years later I am ready to share my songs and my story.
Songwriting for me has always been a way of processing difficult things. I have danced with anxiety, depression, and addiction most of my life. All of my songs are in some way about these experiences.
My first attempt to quit drinking came during the recording of Starting Over. There was something about hearing these songs over and over throughout the recording process that made the reality of my situation start to sink in. That first attempt didn't stick but the seed had been planted. A year or so later that seed sprouted. It is still growing today.
These songs saved my life. I've never really shared them in the way that they deserve. I offer them now in the hope that they might help someone else. Maybe that's silly. I don't know. I do know that songs are meant to be heard and this music isn't doing much of anything locked in my head or saved on my computer. If by sharing my songs and my story I can help someone else even just a little bit then maybe it will have all been worthwhile.
Thank you for listening.