On My Way

This weekend marks a year since I left Massachusetts and moved to South Carolina. Time moves swiftly, that's for sure. So much has happened in that time period that I cannot even begin to describe it to you. Some bad, some good...all very valuable. It's been probably the biggest transitional period of my life. Sure, I've made many moves and changed my circumstances and surroundings many times. But this experience away from my comfort zone and padded walls has really shaped me as a person. I have experienced failure to the utmost degree, knocking my "I can do anything" outlook down to a proper modest level. I have always been a humble person, I would say, but with so many nets around me I've never been as afraid of setbacks hurting me. But how can you ever grow that way?

In South Carolina, I have been forced to look deep in the mirror at all my flaws, my set backs and my insecurities; to let go a little bit of control and to say "Dylan, you can't do this alone.." It's been a very hard lesson to learn. I have a lot of people, both in my life currently and not, to thank for helping me realize so much about myself. I am forever growing and have still so much to learn. And as I still continue to struggle, both emotionally and financially, I am learning how to become a better person everyday.

"On My Way" was written and recorded just before I left Boston. It was to be included as a hidden song on What To Keep & Let Go, attached at the end of Ask You. For those who have listened all the way through the songs on my website, you've probably heard it. But there are many that haven't. So today, on the 1 year anniversary of the journey that changed everything, I release "On My Way"- probably the most honest account of myself to date.

I hope you enjoy. I love you all. And those of you who have helped me to see myself a little more, I thank you. This song is for you.

On My Way, available as a free download and will be featured at the very end of What To Keep & Let Go, physical format coming soon.

My View From The White Mule Stage

Every Wednesday night for about a month, I have been performing at The White Mule on Main Street as part of their weekly open mic event. It's a very great time and I have met a bunch of fellow musicians, who I must say, are some of the most talented bunch I have seen in a while. One guy has a picking style like no-other I've seen, and Nicole (one of the hosts) has a very soulful voice and has performed with a number of different bands around the area.

The style of music varies and often times find myself inspired by the different techniques and song writing angles these artists bring to the stage in their late night hours. I can feel myself wanting to branch out and change things up a little. City Lights and Stand hold their own pretty well in this sort of environment but I found this last Wednesday that spicing up even a mellow song like Electric Candle was more than appropriate and found a nice place amidst the percussive, more upbeat styles of my musical peers. Mind you, I am not interested in compromising my style in any means. However, I think my interest in theirs is a testament to my willingness to be open to anything. I am excited to see what I learn this year and how my song writing will adapt and grow. I refuse to stay where I am at this moment. Change is inevitable and I welcome it.

For now, I will continue to promote What To Keep & Let Go the best way I know how. I miss the band playing with me but I am trying to make up for it with energy and soul. Connecting with people is the ultimate goal and I hope I am.

Above is my view from the White Mule stage at 1 AM a few weeks back. Hence the lack of people..

And It's May

Yet again :) This month always touches my heart in such a special way for so many different reasons. This particular year I can add one more significant event to the list as my sister is getting married on the 14th! I am so elated for her and the entire family as we make it to such a milestone! Of course, I can't help but think of my mom and wishing she were here to see her beautiful daughter walk down the aisle. She would be so proud :)

So this May I'm not only celebrating the dawn of my sister's new life but also honoring my mom's courageous and rather beautiful fight for her own. So for the entire month, I am releasing my acoustic version of May as a single for sale on Bandcamp which includes a bonus track of the fully produced version of the song that was featured on The Eleven Project's album "Detour" with Chad Macomber back in 2002. You can download both for only $1.00 and all the proceeds will go towards Amyloidosis research. At the end of the month, I will split the amount in half and donate portions to both Boston University School of Medicine's Amyloid Program and The Amyloidosis Foundation.

You can purchase the single here. Please help me to raise some money for a good cause. Trials are being conducted around the world for a cure and I will continue to help raise awareness and funds for research for as long as I am needed.