NOTHING TO DO, NOWHERE TO GO…

Here it is, Wednesday December 10th. I have not stepped foot outside all day. That’s okay though. I have nothing to do, nowhere to go…you can figure out the rest.

Why am I home?!

For starters, no rehearsal today. Mike is busy helping another band by playing drums on their upcoming album. He’s been quite the busy bee which is good. We both talked about how this year, our lives went from zero to 100mph in a heartbeat. Pretty crazy, really. He’s getting bands coming in to record, and he’s recording as well. As for me, I went from not having many students to an explosion of them.

Always when you’re not looking.

We will get back into his studio next Wednesday to work on the eighth and final demo before taking another two weeks off for Xmas Eve/New Years Eve. “I thought you said there were nine songs?” Yes, eight with guitar/bass/drums, and one a totally solo clean guitar piece. Was originally hoping for ten songs, since this will be the tenth album. But I don’t force things, they happen naturally. And in this case, nine is fine.

Hey I’m a rapper!

When will we record? Best I can say as of this writing is either late January or mid-February 2026. We are not putting any deadlines or even guessing when the album will be finished, mastered, and out the door. I can say that the last time I worked on an album during the winter (0 stars, wouldn’t recommend), that was the album MARBLEHEAD and it was recorded between Feb-March 2018 and released May 15 that year. No, we’re not rushing things, but whatever happens, there you go.

So, of course, all two of you are asking, “What do the songs sound like? And what are the album and song titles?” I can answer the first part with great certainty. As you might figure out, the songs are pretty heavy with good melodies, lots of groove and progressive elements. Hence why I call my music “progmetalfunk”. But as always with whatever I create, don’t get too comfortable. I zig when others want me to zag. Something might sound like a traditional heavy metal tune but don’t blink! Or something may start off smooth and then…ah why spoil things for ya! The ninth song will be atmospheric and ambient without the two-year depression I was going through though…

As for album and song titles…let’s just say I don’t want anyone stealing my ideas again. That happened back in 2006. I was so excited to talk about new ideas on a forum and well, next thing I know, something I came up with became someone else’s work. NO MORE!

Soon I will do a year-end wrap-up on a future blog. Then again, some of what I said here encapsulated 2025 for me overall.

But I like to talk and blog so buckle up.