Day 71: The $1,100 Investment, A Mastered Demo, and The Algorithm Trap
Date: March 9, 2026Day 71 of The 2026 Project.
Today was about infrastructure. While the daily goal is a song, the long-term goal is a career. To bridge that gap, I’m investing in the "Next Steps"—the business, the mental health, and the high-end production required to make this catalog undeniable.
The Strategy & The Investment ($1,100)
I’m putting real skin in the game this month to prepare for a massive Q2.
Leann Phelan Coaching (Scheduled for April - $300): I’ve locked in a strategy session with Leann. We’ll be mapping out how to approach the right publishers and building a 6–12 month roadmap for these 365 songs I should have by the end of the year (hoping at least 200-300 are actually usable). Lol! Cause getting eyes on this catalog is just as important as writing it.
The "Click Click Boom" Session (3/11 - $800): Looking ahead to Wednesday. I’m heading into the studio to re-record "Click Click Boom." I’ve brought in Nicky V for vocal production and Nick Walter on lead vocals. This track is heavily inspired by Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick... Boom!—that feeling of the clock ticking and the relentless drive to create something that lasts.
The Output: One High, One Low
The "Song-a-Day" discipline is a roller coaster.
The Win: Saturday’s writing session resulted in a new indie-atmospheric track. I finished the master today, and it’s easily one of my favorites to date. The bar is officially getting higher.
The Lesson: I tried to force a song about "The Algorithm." Trying to have it work in a different genre, it just wasn't working. So I shelved it. This project isn't about having 365 "hits"; it’s about the practice. Today, the practice was knowing when to walk away from a song that wasn’t going anywhere (at least not today). ;)
The Foundation
Site Update: Updated the JARED MK photos and website to fully reflect the 2026 Project identity.
Skill Building: Spent time on the piano today learning new chord voicings to keep the harmonic palette fresh for tomorrow’s song.
The Long Game: Had my first call with a new therapist today. If I'm going to finish this marathon, I need the mental resilience to match the creative output. Really liked the connection there.
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Welcome to The 2026 Project
The 2026 Project is a dedicated initiative to expand a high-output professional catalog. By writing a new song every day this year, I am cultivating a deep library of material across genres—tailored for co-writing partnerships and publishing opportunities.
It’s about more than just volume; it’s about the professional discipline required to create emotionally driven music on a consistent, elite level.
View the full 2026 Project details here.
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Like what you read?
The 2026 Catalog is currently open for select artist collaborations, publishing partnerships, or co-writing opportunities. Whether you need a specific vibe for a project or are looking for a co-write please contact me here to get started.