July 2023: Have you also noticed?
"A-Song-A-Week" virtual songwriting workshop is back in August!
Created for beginners and seasoned writers alike.
Monday Nights: Aug 7, 14, 21, 28 | 5:30-7:30pm PT
Register & More Info
Happy Saturday,
Have you also noticed the bank teller listening and nodding as her client offloads her every woe, dream, and fear? Or the twenty-something with gauges and a neck tattoo patiently listening to the woman behind the dental office desk talk about how she just needs to make it to September? Or perhaps, the man on the light rail with the stuffed Target shopping bags and broken down cardboard box talking loudly to himself until a six-year-old girl acknowledges him? All these unpaid, unofficial witnesses. Perhaps we need more mental health professionals and certainly more affordable access. Perhaps also, a bit of the slack is absorbed all around by anyone willing to pause and simply listen to a friend or stranger.
Sitting there on the light rail I imagined the six-year-old reminded that man that he wasn’t a ghost, freed him to stop and simply gaze out the window at the murals and vines of south Seattle.
Coming off many tired and busy days on tour, these humble moments remind me of what I believe is the essence of an artist's job. As Jason Isbell puts it: "To resist the impulse to tune out the world."
Welcome to all the new readers we met on the road in the last few months. If you're looking for a way to support our music, we have a Patreon page in which this community can kick in a few bucks a month to keep the engine going. This boost has made all the difference in continuing to be able to write, record, and tour original music. Below is a preview from the “Songs I Love” cover series exclusively available to Patreon subscribers. Thanks to all the folks already there!
Bestest,
Jenner
Fox Recommends
Blake Mills, Self Titled Album – My friend Shawn first turned me on to Mills' debut effort in 2012. It took me a few passes to get used to his voice, and then I was hooked. I got to see Blake live the other day, I bought a vinyl edition of the album, and now I'm back to being obsessed. The cover video above is an attempt at track 9.
"To resist the impulse to tune out the world." – Jason Isbell. I like it so much I thought I'd put it here as well :)
New Years– A Spotify playlist of some songs I've dug so far in 2023. A friend reminded me that I used to put playlists here but haven't in years. Here's one!