These are the initial demo recordings posted during FAWM (February Album Writing Month) back in 2021. The quality is rough, and the topics generally dark. At the time this collection of songs was penned, I was suffering from extreme vertigo, debilitating side effects of various medications the doctors were using to try to help me recover had me limited to my bed and fading fast, all while my wife was suffering from stroke like symptoms and falling apart herself. The entire month's writing and recording found here was done from bed with my recording rig and instruments constantly at my bedside. I don't believe any songs from FAWM 2021 were ever performed live, so these recordings are the only snapshot i have of pushing through and holding on to something I love during that time..

Note, FAWM is a 14 new songs in 1 month challenge. 12 songs are included in this compilation, as 2 songs were collaboration pieces, and not mine alone to share.

Reviewing my songs it really put perspective on how far I've come since that two years of utter darkness. I may not be 100%, but I have my life back.

2018's 50/90 challenge was almost a complete wash. Busy with life, work and shows, rehearsing for and competing in my final attempt at the Michigan State Fair Superstar contest and more, the challenge resulted in only four songs, and only one recorded to computer. Divided States of America was that one. I had completely forgotten about it until I began unearthing all my songwriting challenge material to share. It's even more true six years later, short but powerful.

The 2017 50-90 Demo Collection

All the songs written during the 2017 50-90 Songwriting Challenge will be added to this album, and made available. These are generally one-take demos, performed shortly after the song's creation. Historically, songs written during challenges go through some serious editing in the months following the challenge, and many never get performed for one reason or another. This is your chance for a sneak peak behind the curtain at what's written before the editor in me has a say.

50/90 is a special kind of songwriting marathon that I've never come close to completing. Unlike FAWM, which is the songwriting equivalent of a sprint and takes place during the time of year where I historically perform far less, 50/90 is a 3 month, 90 day slog that begins July 4th, and ends October 1st. The goal is to write 50 new songs in that time, but I'm usually on stage a lot, working a regular job, spending time with family, and the chaos that comes with warmer weather. As such, don't anticipate 50 songs in any of the 50/90 demo catalogues.