Came Out Swinging

I was asked how I was feeling about having this song out in the world, and I wasn’t sure.

I guess it’s something like the days following Christmas, or cleaning up balloons after your birthday, or how empty the apartment sounds when the door closes on a night of laughter and friends.

I’m happy, and I’m sad. I’m excited, and I’m tired. I have hopes, and reservations. As a confidant succinctly put “lots of space in a body for different feelings”.

Despite rejection, which I think is mostly so hard because it’s new and concentrated, I’m proud of this creation. It sounds like me, which is to say, it sounds like everyone who’s ever loved me.

Contradictory. Imperfect. Full of grace. Openly trying, again and again.

There are things I would now do differently, but we learn best by action. I keep these lessons in mind as I work towards what’s next.

Thank you to @thewonderyearsband for writing this song that has helped me so much, and to @nifmuhammad for his essay on illuminating empathy that gifted it to me.

Thank you to @albertodipriolo for playing saxophone on this recording.

Thank you to @_christophershawn for being the person I trust to hear my mixes in progress.

Thank you to @denimblumusic for advising me on business aspects, and for being continually supportive.

Thank you to @factorcanada for providing funding to help me take this step.

Thank you to the people (angels) who’ve taken time to share kind words, who have kept me going.

Thank you to the one I think of when I sing this song. I hope you’re doing well.

Thank you to me, for finally seeing something in my life through. I did it, and I’m going to buy myself an americano and a slice of top shelf cheesecake.

And especially, thank you to you, for taking a chance and listening. It is my grand artistic intent to offer you love, and I hope in some small way the work finds the right openings for you to receive it.

“I spent the winter writing songs about getting better/ and if I’m being honest/ I’m getting there”.