Signals of Gratitude (And a Farewell to 2025)
As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about how much can change in twelve months—not just in the world around us, but in the small, private spaces where life actually happens. And since I’m posting this on December 21 (2112 Day for those who get it) it felt like the right moment to pause, rewind, replay the last year. After all, looking back and looking forward are two hemispheres of the same world.
Some of you may have noticed a sudden silence from my end starting around Thanksgiving. It wasn’t planned. Family medical issues came up quickly, and life shifted gears just as the season was getting busy. Music didn’t disappear, but it moved to the margins of voice memos, a few scribbled lines, and maybe a few things dropped into the Studio One DAW. Music kept moving, even if at times it felt like I was the camera eye, just observing everything.
In the middle of that, I’m grateful for everyone who came to shows earlier in the year, streamed a track, or sent a message wondering where I’d gone. The patience, the kindness, the quiet check-ins were the moments that were really closer to the heart.
And I’m proud of the songs that did make their way into the world this year. Some arrived fully formed; others were fought for. A few feel like turning points. And there’s more coming—new music I’m eager to share. I won’t pretend they’re concept albums, but I do think they carry a little more perspective, and maybe a touch more grace under pressure.
Looking into 2026, my goals are simple and really attainable: To keep writing honestly. To share these songs live and recorded. To get a new album moving. To play music with others (preferably loud). And to reconnect with listeners, with different stages, and with the joy of playing.
Thank you for being here, for listening, and for offering grace during an unexpected pause. It mattered more than I can say.
Wishing you rest, light, and – today especially – a little defiance in the face of the unknown. Here’s to the next chapter. No need to roll the bones, we’re finding our way forward.
-Chris
(PS – Feel free to comment with the number of Rush puns you found.)