Days 103–110: Shedding the Pressure and Finding the Lane
This week brought a clarity that I didn't see coming, but it feels like a massive weight has been lifted. It started with a conversation with Leann Phelan, and it ended with a fundamental shift in how I view my future in this industry.
The Space to Sound Like Yourself
I’ve realized that for most of my life, I’ve lived and worked in "polite" spaces—apartments, shared walls, quiet cafes—where I felt like I couldn't fully let go without bothering someone.
That constant, subconscious "muting" of yourself eventually seeps into the music. It’s hard to find the true ceiling of your voice or your instrument when you’re always worried about the person on the other side of the wall.
The Songwriter’s Path
After some deep reflection and a great reality check from Leann, I’ve come to a conclusion: I want to be the songwriter for others (not a performer).
For a long time, I felt the pressure to get my vocals back to a stage-ready level—a bar I haven't cleared in 25 years. But the truth is, the time and energy required to become a "performer" again isn't the best use of my life right now.
I’d rather pour that energy into the writing, the structure, and the emotion of the catalog. I’m an architect of songs, and there is immense power in providing the foundation for another artist to stand on.
Creativity vs. Commerce
The best advice I took away this week? Forget about the money right now.
The pressure to monetize every single note is exactly what suffocates the creative process. By removing the "performer" expectations and the immediate financial pressure, I’ve cleared the air for The 2026 Project to be exactly what it needs to be: a pure, high-caliber body of work.
Catalog Audit:
Current Song Total (for the year): 76
Identity Shift: Fully pivoting focus to professional songwriting and publishing over live performance.
Insights: Valuable strategy session with Leann Phelan regarding industry connections.
Released:"I Didn’t Come This Far To Only Come This Far" hit all platforms on 4/17.
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.