Standing Steady, my fourth full-length original album, was released in February of 2025. Along with the album, I released a chapbook that includes the poems that inspired the album, the lyrics of each song, and a little bit about the inspiration behind the writing process. Sprinkled among the pages are illustrations by artist Angela Boyle, and the cover art, the same as the album cover, is a wood-block print of an owl created by Anita K. Boyle. 

Multiple experiences inspired me to create this album and adjoining chapbook. A dare from a stranger, a collaboration for a songwriting book club (Bushwick Bookclub Seattle), but the main influence seems to be from much further back in my history. Growing up surrounded by creative, inspiring, supportive family members. A couple of which are featured in this project.

In the next few posts, I will share the inspiration behind the songs on the album. Have a listen or grab your copy!

Arguing with Rumi

I feel fortunate to have so many gifted and inspiring people in my family, including my aunt Anita Boyle, a poet and artist who created the next two poems used for the album. For “Arguing with Rumi,” I chose to keep the poem exactly as it was written, repeating only the first half without adding a chorus or additional words. In the original printing of the poem, Anita includes the following as context for her work:

When you do things from your soul,

You feel a river moving in you. A joy. 

-Rumi

There are many ways to look at, appreciate, and move through this life we are all given. Many times we are at odds. For this song, I chose chords that flow beneath the melody in a long cycle, creating a sense of openness for movement and growth.

Anita K. Boyle - Arguing with Rumi ©2020 Why Horses Moon Path Press