Local Motive

Almost done. Adorned with glowing brass by Matthew & Alex

Opal has some news.

*SURPRISE OPAL DROP FOR XMAS EVE*

So this song will be up on all the things eventually, but I wanted to share it with you all right now. I don’t know about you, but it’s been a hard year again. It’s all relative, sure, and I know I’m privileged and whatnot, but I know most people are feeling a similar way. The holidays are often loaded for many with some heavy, complicated personal stuff and then you mix in having to witness disgusting-ass-excuses-for-representation choosing greed over people every day, it can feel hard to be merry. When the doom hits hardest, I always have to remind myself to refocus on the basics, so that I don’t succumb to it…

I’m sheltered, I’ve never had to go to bed hungry, and I am loved.

I will engage in merriment, nonetheless, because my spirit is strong and Christmas is my birthday. I turn 43 tomorrow. I’m proud of a lot that myself and those I love the most have accomplished and experienced this year. And I hope that the next one will be better for everyone.

I wrote a pair of songs at the tail end of 2020 that I just had remastered by the incomparable Noam Wallenberg, and you can just hear the isolation in these bare bones arrangements. I count myself lucky to say that I’ve been working with Noam since 2013, going into 2014. The first Local Motive recordings with Brett, Daniella, my cousin Chris, Jeb Rendall, & of course Matthew Sypherd. A decade plus of music making and goddamn, is that dude talented! Grateful for your friendship and your talents, Noam, and so excited to share our newest Local Motive & Opal Vinopal recordings with everyone in 2026.

These are sad songs but they are also protest songs. The words ring truer than ever in new frightening contexts. I still have great love for you all and a world that takes care of one another. Call me a hippie or whatever you’ve got, but I’m about PEACE and LOVE and JOY.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, to you and yours. And in case I missed yours this year, Happy Birthday too. Here they are, collectively know as "See You Next Year," my songs "A 2020 Holiday" (with accompanying video) and "WTF 2020"

debut on new month’s eve, part 1. 📸 by