Happy New Year

2025 is here and it looms large. Twelve months of life unaccounted for, but they stretch out in front of us for miles. The stakes feel higher, don’t they? Sure, we’re older, hopefully smarter — that’s part of it, but there’s something palpable brewing in our collective consciousness.

Ashland, Oregon on November 14, 2024

This year, I believe we’ll squander less of the time we are given. We’ll make each day count a little more — perhaps more than we ever have.

I already find myself clinging tighter to the people I love and who love me. I’m turning my back on unrequited friendships. Side-stepping those familiar throes that have sometimes dragged me down. Re-directing myself to this life I’m lucky to be living. Saying this out loud feels exhilarating.

2024 had its share of milestones and memories, but recklessly, it sprinted by me in a blur. I sleep-walked through many days, weeks. As I look back, too much time feels unaccounted for. Not enough love, intent, clarity, action — not enough gratitude. Not enough of those things that help make life fulfilling. In 2024, I always felt a few minutes behind — a few degrees off.

But through it all, there was still a soundtrack. If you know me, you know I am compulsive when it comes to music. I always bring it along with me.

Back in 2022, I shared a song each day. Once it showed up in my morning meditation, it would take me about thirty minutes to articulate why I loved the track. The daily exercise forced me to contemplate the qualities I love in music, art, film.

In 2025, I will be sharing a playlist at the beginning of every month. Recent songs that found me — some from famous artists and some that fly way under the radar. Maybe a few will find their way on to your playlists. An astounding amount of great music is being produced these days, with little fanfare and exposure — so sharing music I love feels easy, fun, important.

For most recording artists, streaming revenues are obscenely low. Purchasing music and merchandise directly from the artists you love is the best way to say thank you.

This first playlist of 2025 is actually 25 of my favorite songs that dropped in 2024. Songs that hung around and spoke to me — moved me. Songs I loved hearing. If they came on in a shuffle, I’d turn up the volume and play them again.

The first playlist is here: published on both APPLE MUSIC and SPOTIFY.

Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2025.

Gary