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!

Why Be Sad

Over the years, I’d heard stories about my paternal grandfather writing poetry while stationed in Hawaii during World War II. In preparation for this project, I received a collection of his poetry and writings from that time. One piece that resonated with me was “Why Be Sad?” I decided to use the poem as it was written, but the sections were unbalanced. So, I decided to add lyrics to even out the verses. The first four lines of the second verse are my own, and I crafted the chorus based on the poem’s title. I don’t remember discussing anything creative with my Grandpa when he was around. I was just out of high school when he passed. So, it’s pretty interesting and special to collaborate with him in this way. 

Unpublished, © unknown

My paternal grandfather, Anton J. Preisinger, was stationed in Hawaii during World War II, having joined on a whim after the bus didn’t pick him up one day and seeing the recruitment office nearby. While enlisted, he was around firearms consistently, which affected his hearing later in life. Anton J. Preisinger was born February 17, 1920 in Medina, North Dakota, where he grew up. He worked as a carpenter while he and his wife, Denis L. Preisinger raised 8 children in the Seattle area. He passed away on September 15, 2011 at 91 years of age in Kirkland, Washington.