Days 111–115: Scars, Strategy, and the Long Game
Life has a way of marking time in ways that aren't always on a calendar. This past week was a blend of looking back at where I was a year ago, and looking forward at how I want to spend my energy in the months ahead.
The One-Year Mark
It’s been almost a year since my motorcycle accident.
With the Portland weather finally breaking into those rare, beautiful sunny days, I’ve seen bikes everywhere, which brought the anniversary into sharp relief. To mark the healing process and create some physical closure, I got a new tattoo on my leg to cover the scars.
It feels like closing a chapter. I’m moving forward, both physically and creatively.
Refining the "Songwriter First" Philosophy
I’ve been doing some heavy thinking about my career trajectory. I look at artists like Charlie Puth or Lady Gaga—they didn’t start by trying to do everything at once; they built their foundation as producers and songwriters first, proving their worth, and then the performance aspect followed naturally.
I’ve decided that my time is best spent in the architect’s chair.
Trying to force myself into a performance-ready state after 25 years away from the stage feels like an inefficient use of my resources right now. I’m focusing on being the writer, the creator, and the foundation. If the music earns its keep and the demand for performance grows, I’ll be open to it then.
But for now? I’m sticking to the studio.
The "Consult vs. Ad" Dilemma
I had a session with Leann Phelan recently.
While it was great to connect, it has me questioning the "consultant" model. It’s a constant trade-off: is the value in these high-level connections, or would that money move the needle faster if put directly into ads and building a genuine audience?
It’s a question every independent artist faces, and I’m still evaluating the ROI.
That skepticism was reinforced this week when a "TikTok Rapper" with 124k followers reached out to collaborate. A quick glance at the account made it clear that "reach" doesn't equal "legitimacy."
I’m looking for real partners, not digital vanity metrics.
Taking Space
I’ll admit, the writing slowed down this week. Portland finally gave us some actual sun, and after a long winter, I needed to step away from the instruments, get outside, and just be. It’s a reminder that this project is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes the best work happens when you let the tank refill.
Catalog Audit:
Current Song Total: 78
Milestones: One-year anniversary of the motorcycle accident; scars covered with new ink.
Network: Scheduling a meetup with a talented Nashville-to-Portland transplant; scheduled a co-writing call with Courtney Cole.
Strategy Shift: Doubling down on "Songwriter First" mentality.
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.