Day 74: The Breakthrough and the Burnout
Today was a reminder that the best songs often come when you aren't looking for them—and that the digital side of this business can be just as exhausting as the physical.
The "Holy Crap" Moment
I started today tinkering around with a melody, honestly not expecting much to come of it. I couldn't have been more wrong.
By the end of the session, I had another full song written and in the books. It’s one of those tracks that reminds me why I’m doing this: even on the days you feel "off," the work shows up if you do.
The Administrative Grind
I spent a solid two hours yesterday and today wrestling with DistroKid. Navigating album updates, deletions, and re-uploads while ensuring ISRC codes stay consistent is a technical tightrope walk.
It’s a lot of "invisible" work that doesn't make a sound but keeps the engine running.
The Rebrand Fatigue
I decided to update my presence with a more neutral, black-and-white aesthetic.
This meant a complete overhaul: YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music, and my Reels. To be honest? It burnt me out!
Every platform has different sizing requirements for headers and profile assets, and resizing everything accordingly was a marathon. It’s rewarding to see the cohesive look, but it definitely took its toll.
The Physical Recovery
On a personal note, I had a great workout today.
I’ve been focusing on regaining strength in the ankle I broke in that motorcycle accident last year. I had a bit of a scare yesterday thinking I’d tweaked it again, but I managed to walk it off with some aspirin and focus.
Recovery, much like songwriting, is about the long game.
Catalog Audit:
Current Song Total (for year): 65
Visuals: Updated all platform headers to neutral B&W.
Metadata: Synchronized ISRC codes across re-uploads.
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.
Learn more about the journey here.
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.