If I'm not writing music, I'm dying! Do you feel that way, too?
Songwriting has been a major part of my life, as early as my elementary school years. It's in my blood. I don't write to get noticed or become popular, I write because I need to write. I need to get it out.
Over the past decade or so, I've invested an increasing amount of time to co-writing. The process has been amazing and I advocate it everywhere I go. Over time, though, I've written so many songs that haven't been picked up in those co-writing groups. I've also written many I've chosen not to pitch. They were either too personal or I didn't want anyone to mess with them. Co-writing involves so much compromise. Our song ideas are given to others to share -- to change, adapt, add, delete, obsess, scrutinize, etc. Often we all end up with a better song (I think all of my best songs are co-written), but it has to go through the pains-taking process of altering to fit the identity of the group. I've started to really miss being able to create the music I want to create on my own terms, regardless of what other people think about it. I need a creative outlet! I also have a desire to release some of the songs I've written that haven't found a home yet. I feel the need to get them out.
I also care deeply about being a support to other songwriters. Working on these songs in the studio has also allowed me to wrap my head around the recording process for a solo artist. I've spent a lot of time in the studio from a collaborative perspective. It's been helpful for me to record songs as an artist who's trying to identify his own voice.
Bottom line, Lollards exists as a personal creative outlet and also as an opportunity for me to support other songwriters better. If you're a fellow songwriter, I'd love to connect with you. Please reach out! If you're here and reading this because you like the music, I'm super honored. I'd love to hear from you, too!