A life without grief is no life at all. But regret is a prison.

A music video preview and a thank you.

See it first, here: the new video for “Sympathy.”

Buy the song in lossless format; stream on Spotify, Apple Music and elsewhere.

I’ve written about how independent musicians can make low cost-videos and the value of acquiring different skills in service of your craft. I acknowledge this is a modest work. At best: a magical-realist narrative that extends the interpretation and promotional life cycle of the song. At worst: stock footage and green screen hackery with dadcore Final Cut Pro effects. 

Either way, I like the economy of the approach. An alternative is currently inaccessible (2015). Lean and scrappy suits me as I’m recovering from a broken shoulder and elbow. A stakeboarding accident: my ego was the biggest injury as inexplicably Jon Toogood saw me go down. His work matters to me, so—yeah.

The last 10 days have been about asking for help and making necessary—even brutal—adjustments to expectations of myself. It’s humbling to confront my limitations. I haven’t fully formed my views but I notice I’m reflective right now. I’m struck by stories of adversity, vulnerability and confidence. I also underscored this passage in “The Passenger” by Cormac McCarthy:

Grief is the stuff of life. A life without grief is no life at all. But regret is a prison. Some part of you which you deeply value lies forever impaled at a crossroads you can no longer find and never forget.

I don’t regret learning to skate with my son. My bones and ego will heal. Confidence will come incrementally by doing the hard things. I left the house for the first time in a week-and-a-half today. Now I’m sharing this video with you.

Enjoy and if you like it, please share with friends.

A thank you

I can’t set up lighting, travel or be on camera with any conviction right now. I’m grateful to my friend Stephen Gibb, musician and live steamer, for contributing a performance element to this video.

I’m reminded of being a touring guitarist some 13 years ago with Steve’s band. At that time, I had recorded one Decortica album but was from a different school of guitar playing and singing. Steve showed me a level of vocal discipline that inspired further study and self-discovery. Importantly, he did this in an honest, non-judgemental, and patient way. Clarity is kindness. By my second album, I was a better singer for it.

Thank you, Steve.

M.