On New Years Day, as we were enjoying the southern traditions of black eyed peas, greens, and cornbread, my wife asked me what my resolutions for 2021 were. My response was to read more, and to get more recording done. That week I saw two things online that encouraged me to further define that goal, and to make it public.
The first was a video by Bill Vencil of Chords of Orion. His post was actually about setting goals for yourself, and making them public to hold yourself accountable. I liked that idea. I tend to work best under a deadline. By making a public commitment, I’ve got a defined goal to push toward.
The second was an initiative by Emma Swift (who released one of my favorite albums of 2020). Through her patreon page, she has started a project she’s titled “52 Songs: An Adventure Into the Unknown.” The idea being that she is writing, recording and releasing one new song each week in 2021.She said that as someone who tends to work slowly and deliberately, creating at this pace is terrifying, but also exciting. I can definitely identify with that.
So what are my goals for 2021? I’d love to say something fantastic and grand, like my friend Carl who released 7 full length albums (and four EPs) last year. But I’m also a realist. I’m a husband and dad who works full time. But I also want it to be ambitious enough to keep my creative momentum going.
So here it is. I’m committing to recording and releasing at least one song each month this year.
I’ve always been someone who is better at writing songs than recording them. Last year I put new music into the world for the first time in over a decade. But as much writing and recording as I did, I only released five songs. This year I want to up the pace. By committing to at least a song a month, I can keep that momentum going. Some months it will be a one off song. Some months might see a whole EP. Some months might be a collaboration with a friend. Coming up with material wont be a problem. I’ve got a backlog of songs dating back to the late 90s that have never been recorded, and I’m still writing new stuff. I’ve got two or three projects in various stages of completion. I just need the motivation to complete them. And by planting my flag in the ground for all to see, I’m going to accomplish this.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got five days left to complete January’s track...