Day 72: The Pivot and the Paperwork

Success in The 2026 Project isn't always a straight line from A to B. Sometimes, it’s a circle that eventually finds its way home.

The Creative Loop 

Today’s song (Day 72) started on the piano at 5:00 AM, following a sunlamp meditation and a quick workout.

It felt like a piano ballad, then it felt like a guitar anthem, then it retreated back to the keys. There’s a specific kind of frustration in "over-iterating," where a song starts sounding good, then falls apart, only to be pieced back together in a new way.

But by the end of the session, I found the heart of it. It’s a reminder that the instrument often dictates the perspective of the story.

The "Invisible" Work 

If writing the song is the soul of this project, the Excel sheet is the skeleton.

I spent a good portion of the morning tagging, categorizing, and filing today’s track—along with four others—with ASCAP. It’s easily my least favorite part of the process, but it’s the bridge between a "hobby" and a "career."

But if the catalog isn't organized, it doesn't exist.

Moving the Needle 

The afternoon was about outreach. I’ve confirmed a Nashville session for tomorrow (excited to get back into a collaborative room) and sent out a few key follow-ups.

I reached back out to Troy Cartwright and found a workaround for APG Music Group after their primary submission box was full.

In this industry, a full mailbox isn't a "no"—it’s just a prompt to find a different door. ;)

Onward to Day 73.

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About The 2026 Project

The 2026 Project is a year-long commitment to the discipline of daily creation. Throughout 2026, I am writing one song every single day to build a diverse, high-caliber catalog for artists, publishers, and film/TV. It’s a journey of exploring new sounds, refining my craft, and proving that the best way to find the next great song is to write through the ones that came before it.

Learn more about the journey here.

Looking for a publishing or writing partner?

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.