For the past thirteen years I have been on the move. I grew up in Chicago, attended Marquette University and after graduation, moved to Los Angeles to pursue something as a musician. While there I recorded an album entitled There and Back. A little while later I moved into my van with my dog, played all the contiguous United States at night, and then slept in parking lots and rest stops. After a year and a half of that nonsense... Read more
I have always been fascinated by the Crucifixion and what it must have been like to witness it. I would imagine that, not having the full story of who Jesus was, yet having Him be who he was … it was a little out of the ordinary for those that saw it. Crucifixions happened then, but this one must have seemed different than the others, by nature of what was actually happening. Our Lord was willfully being killed … .... Read more
I wrote this one night sitting on my couch in Milwaukee. Most songs take a couple of days, weeks or even years to write. I never force the process, if it comes great, if it does not that’s fine too. This song came to me and fast. It’s about the balance between being frustrated with where you are and realizing you need to be receptive and thankful for what you got and what you are getting. Hanging in between those... Read more
A week ago I began a trip that was unlike most. Traveling is always hectic and uncomfortable. This specific trip, though, was something special and pushed me to a limit I haven’t felt since my high school football days. The main objective of the trip was to accompany a speaker, author and theologian named Christopher West. I have known Christopher for about 13 years now and have been providing music at his speaking engagements for the past 6. Its a... Read more
This was written at 4am on my way home from a show in Iowa City. I wrote the song on a pad of paper on top of the steering wheel, occasionally checking my handwriting with the interior lights. I was around Beloit, WI when the ideas really started flowing. Everyone else was sleeping in the van while I “safely” cruised 80 mile an hour down I43. The song is about always looking ahead and missing what’s right in front of... Read more
A couple years back we played a Grammy party at Buddy Guy Legends in Chicago. Personally, I was pretty excited about this. I grew up loving blues music and to play a club like Buddy Guys was an honor. I didn’t feel we were totally worthy of the honor but I didn’t vocally object. I was excited to see how we would go over. There were approximately 6 bands playing that evening with music starting at 5pm. When I arrived... Read more
I wrote this song after I read a book reflecting on the Song of Songs. At Your Gate is about a stepping stone. It’s about getting to an edge in one’s life, wherever or whatever that may be, looking over to the other side and yearning to cross. The song rests in that ache of decision. History, comfort and pain, future, uncertainty and promise all ringing in a moment. Should I continue in my ways arranging the old or should... Read more
I set out this time for New York City, one of my absolute favorite places to visit. My reason was to accompany my theologian friend, Christopher West, at his event. He and I have been doing these Theology/music events for years now and they are always fruitful for me. My goal was to make the most out of it. Like any trip I go on, i try to pack it up and make things happen. In this case, my goal... Read more
Often times before a performance the band meets and has a “moment.” The idea is to ground ourselves in the task at hand so that we can attempt to enter fully into it. One of the most impactful and effective points of reflection for us is the reality that our shows are numbered. We often lose ourselves in the thought that there will always be another gig around the corner and, although this establishes a healthy connection to the performance,... Read more
After I finished collage in Milwaukee, I moved out to L.A to pursue music. At the time it was important for me to get out of the Midwest and experience a different part of the country. I ended up spending a year and a half on the W est Coast, working odd jobs, playing odd shows , and surfing this beach in Santa Monica. After a year and a half I decided to buy a van, live in it ,... Read more
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