Kay Clarity: Updates
DECEMBER 2024
Me at the historic Los Angeles jazz club, The Cicada, in October, invited by some beautiful friends.
Media
2024 was a quieter year focused on the inner workings & launching of my public music, so interviews and public appearances were at a minimum. But I was able to take a few interviews around the release of my pop album, SONGS FOR THE APOCALYPSE, including some still in-process print articles and interviews coming in the new year. There are some other highlights below as well.
Salt + Light Radio Interview (Canada)
I sat down for another conversation with Deacon Pedro on Canada's national Catholic media network, Salt + Light, discussing my new album and the inspiration behind the new pop project, Pax Paloma, and the intentional, ironic juxtaposition inherent in a title like "SONGS FOR THE APOCALYPSE."
The Bardcast Interview with poet Sarah de Nordwall (England)
I had a lovely time speaking with my dear friend, mentor, and collaborator, Sarah, discussing my new album and the role of the artist - or "bard" as she intelligently and wisely calls it - across a variety of media. You can enjoy Episode I of two episodes here:
100 Songs in a Year Article
This was an ambitious plan & overview from the summer, where I set out to release 100 songs publicly over the course of 12 months. I've gotten to about 35, so I am well on my way to my goal, after many years of hidden creation & studio work!
Major Christmas Playlist Placement
While the Silent Night version I sang with Robbie has stayed on official Spotify Editorial Playlists, my own Christmas song that has also had a placement in a movie made it onto a big playlist and led to a lot of growth this year, which has been fun to watch! It's off the playlist now due to usual rotations, but you can listen to it here:
Arts & Entertainment Panel Discussion at The Catholic Maker in Los Angeles, CA
It was a privilege to be invited to take part in a panel discussion on Catholics in the arts in early December alongside six other remarkable speakers, including actor & director David Henrie (Reagan, The Wizards of Waverly Place, Monster Summer), prolific, Academy Award-winning film composer Bill Conti (Rocky, The Karate Kid, Dynasty), John Schneider, the director brother of comedian Rob Schneider, artists Deborah Lanino and Angel Mia, and Getty Museum executive assistant Patti Fernandez.
Special thanks to St. Vitus Parish, The Catholic Maker, panel host, Fr. O'Reilly, & event organizer, Monica Anyango.
Public Music Releases & Reaching 57k Monthly Listeners!
The last six months have seen tremendous growth across all three of my projects, with over 57,000 monthly listeners just on Spotify as of the writing of this update.
For a long time, my focus was on private clients, private members, song commission work, writing & studio work, and infrastructure building for a new entertainment industry, but it's been a treat to finally be publicly releasing a lot of my own work again.
Much more to come in 2025!
SONGS FOR THE APOCALYPSE
It's been one of the most exciting events of my career as a songwriter to release this album this fall, and the enthusiastic initial response has been incredible! So wonderful to be able to explore something so different and creative due to the support of members & sponsors, and the incredible work of Fabio Angelini and other producers.
Living Skies, love you still (EP)
After holding these songs about Saskatchewan close to my chest for a long time, it's been a beautiful, quiet joy to finally put these out into the world. Although I haven't had as much time to promote this album so far, there is much more to come in 2025 and it will be a joy to keep sharing this important part of my life as an artist.
Away in a Manger w/ Robbie Rivera
As always, working with Robbie Rivera is a joy, and coming together for this classic Christmas song was a treat. I'm also happy to share this one of the first vocals I recorded and helped produce myself, and I look forward to exploring even more vocal productions for collaboration in the months and years to come.
Production Debut @ Cassia & Myrrh!
In 2022 I released Ch. III of my Catholic Chapters project, "The Songs Chapter." I had always hoped I'd be able to follow up with some more production-rich versions, and this fall I was able to start experimenting with the production side of things and release two remixes as part of my "Stained Glass Remixes." You'll find one of them, "I Am Your Light," here:
Calm Christmas Playlist
It's been fun to put together this relaxing Christmas playlist with my own tracks and a mix of others in order to offer a little bit of peace in the chaos of the season. Happy to share it with you, too!
All Cassia & Myrrh Tracks
Cassia & Myrrh is hitting 60 tracks released so far, and I wanted all of the songs in one place for easier listening. Almost 2500 have saved this playlist and it's lovely to be able to offer peace & beauty to a world that needs it.
Classic Folk Playlist
As many of you know, my core inspiration for my life as a singer-songwriter is the greats of the past, especially of the 70s & 90s. I put together a playlist featuring many of these greats as well as a few of my songs.
Upcoming Releases w/ Robbie Rivera & Dutch Record Label, Black Hole Recordings
Alongside my own releases of both the full folk album about home, the deluxe version of SONGS FOR THE APOCALYPSE, several EPs and singles, I'm thrilled to also share that I'll be joining forces with Robbie Rivera again for some really exciting new tracks, released through the Netherlands-based Black Hole Recordings, the same record label that launched trance mainstay DJ, Tiesto.
Robbie's remixes are incredible. He's the best of the best and veteran of the dance music industry dating back decades, and it's been one of the greatest joys of my work the last few years to work with someone of such high caliber, character, and shared mission. We both want a better world and are excited to be releasing clean, meaningful songs into the dance world.
I have been completely surprised by this part of my musical journey, starting out as the simplest of folk singers - but in the absolutely best way.
Cantoring & Volunteering
Although the last year has been very full, I was able to make a little bit of time for some cantoring at a local church and at a retreat event. I hope to be able to do more of this through sponsorship support in the coming years, with a special view to spotlighting some great local businesses trying to keep their doors open.
I love to share my work where it's most a need and blessing, but it can be difficult to prioritize with the rest of my demands. If you'd like to discuss sponsorship or partnership to make more of these kinds of things possible, please click the button below:
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2025 is Looking Bright!
I have been humbled by the incredible growing interest in my work this past year. I am most touched by the deeply personal stories of finding joy, peace, comfort, strength, and hope in my work, especially among those deeply suffering with the heaviness of life. It's an honor to be part of the soundtrack of your life.
There have also been supporters and sponsors which continue to make my work possible, to whom I extend my deepest and heartfelt gratitude. It is because of you, directly, that I can reach the world with the beauty and stories it so badly needs.
I have so many wonderful plans I'd like to pursue in 2025, so much of which is only possible with your support. If you'd like to be a critical part of sharing in my mission of beauty and stories for the world, there are several ways to do it.
You can:
- share this newsletter with others
- become a member
- gift a membership
- inquire about sponsorship
- make a one-time donation
If so, please visit the buttons below.
I appreciate all of you here so much. Thank you for stopping by!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and all those you love.
