The New Era Project

A new, wider take. Same story, new mix, added outro, and a more open sound. A simple lyric video to reflect the emotions of this nostalgic, heartfelt country‑pop ballad...  Amazon Music

This song grew from the kind of memory that stays with you - the quiet moments after loss, the empty chair at the kitchen table, and the way families carry those echoes forward. It leans into a warm, nostalgic musical style inspired by the sounds that shaped those early memories, blending soft, expressive balladry with a timeless emotional tone. At its heart, it’s story‑telling music - a reflection on love, grief, and the small spaces where we still feel the people we’ve lost. If you’ve ever held onto a moment like that, I hope this song finds you... Amazon Music

This song has many different influences and emotional feelings that I tried to incorporate into the creation of it, starting with a time in my own life, although somewhat concerned about coming across as morbid, or like, being construed as living in the past, or something like that. (But hey, that's part of what happens when you get older, for most people anyway. You start reminiscing allot more in relation to certain things). But I think its worth noting in some way never-the-less, as it is a big part of the inspiration to the feeling of the track to some extent, lyrically and musically. So, much of it is really like a collage, pasting pieces together to form a mosaic, if you will; starting with a much younger time in my life, back in New Jersey, when my father had passed, and my Mother, sister, and me, sitting at the kitchen table, with the chair by the window, where my father had sat, no longer there. It was a very difficult time, of course, as it would be for any family, and had always wanted to capture those deep emotions and feelings, like an artist painting on a canvas. Fast forward to a person and his family I had to come to be very close friends with when we had moved to Long Island, who had a similar and unusual loss in his own family many years later. In fact, in addition to his own father's rather unusual passing, his father's brother, who lived next door, all of a sudden also passed away only about several weeks later! Needless to say, it was a VERY sad time for all involved. And I'm sure, even somewhat traumatic for both families, as I myself could relate. (And therefore, could feel that much more deep empathy for their loss). This is my way of documenting those events through music and the color of sound and lyric, extending it even beyond our own personal loss, in story form. As far as the mosaic thing, yea, it is a mosaic in more ways then one, as I was experimenting with so many different things during the recording, like cutting, copying, and pasting the sh*t out of the files and putting them back together again to match the BPM of the track and the like, and then using so many plugins (it wasn't funny) to attempt to keep the fidelity of the recording from suffering too much in the process…

But anyway, getting back to the influence and inspiration for the song itself, there were some unusual synchronicities? (for lack of a better word) such as the pretty popular TV show that all of sudden appeared back then called: “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." Also, the movie “Carousel”, that my mother was very fond of. Of all names for a movie, wow! As that was really not the influence to create the idea for Carousel Records. Total coincidence. Or is it? I don't know man, but it is kind of extraordinary(?) now that I think about it. But anyway, these were all some of the influences and inspirations I tried to incorporate into the song in some way, as well as attempting to incorporate some of the Pop music that was happening around that time, especially in relation to the songs we would hear, when my mother ( a music lover herself, as my father) would turn on the radio, while my sister and me got ready for school in the morning. So many classic songs were released around that time, one pop hit in particular (among many) that had a profound influence on this song was a beautiful recording by The Stylistics that I thought was a really emotionally charged and subtly powerful tune called: (Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All. Well anyway, the song ‘Yesterday In My Kitchen’ is like a snap shot in time, or a snapshot of more then just several periods in my life that I will never forget, and almost pure nostalgia put to music. And it was another song, that sorta like wrote itself, and something of a gift from the Universe, when you consider its potential, at least…

I wanted to pull on the heart strings of God himself, to have mercy on this poor and dying planet, and to grant justice to the righteous, the broken hearted, and the oppressed. Such was part of the goal of this song. I acknowledge, it was a lofty goal for sure…

I can still remember singing this song to myself, while revisiting our old home town of Fairlawn, New Jersey, while walking down the same block me and my sister used to walk to catch the Bus that would drive us to school. Another great song, released during that period in American music history that became like a Pop Ballad Standard, and also an inspiration for the song…  

“Main Character In Their Head” dives into the strange, electric world of being seen online - a world where connection, creativity, and chaos all coexist. On the surface, it’s a playful, internet‑inspired pop track built on memes, scrolling, simping, and the way social media turns everyday moments into tiny spotlights. It celebrates the bright side of digital life: the humor, the discovery, the unexpected ways people learn, grow, and connect through a screen. But the song also acknowledges the other side of that experience - the part that reflects a darker shift in today’s American culture, where online attention can twist into something unsettling. The track touches on the idea of “simping,” where someone pours energy into a person who may not even know they exist. Sometimes it’s harmless… and sometimes it reveals how easily people can project their own internal narratives onto someone they’ve decided to focus on. The song hints at that moment when admiration crosses a line - when someone turns you into the “main character” of a dark narrative in their own head, a story you never agreed to be part of. It reflects how digital spaces, for all their benefits, can also magnify the stranger, more unpredictable sides of human behavior... 
The same platforms that help people learn, create, and connect can also become places where boundaries blur and intentions become distorted. At its core, this track is about navigating both sides of the digital wave - the excitement and the unease, the opportunity and the risk - and recognizing how modern online culture can shape the way people see each other, for better or for worse.  Amazon Music

This song is my reflection on what the holidays have always meant to me — family gathered across two floors, the smell of cinnamon and pine, laughter spilling from the kitchen, and the quiet magic of snow outside the window. A Family Christmas is about those moments that stitch us together year after year, even as time moves on.
I wanted the verses to capture the little details — grandma stirring gravy, cousins trading stories, mittens and scarves tied tight for a midnight walk. The bridge slows down to honor the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, while the final chorus builds into a triumphant celebration of everyone who makes the season whole. I hope this song brings you back to your own holiday traditions, the warmth of home, and the joy of being together…

This song is sorta' like an extension of the previous Christmas/Holiday song I just recently released: I Think To Christmas. (See previous blog post). They were somewhat written and recorded side by side. Being that I had always wanted to pay tribute particularly to certain members of my family who have passed away over the years, is to whom I had intended to dedicate this song. People who I will never forget and who were also such a huge influence on my life, including my Grandmother Josephine. (Whom I mentioned in the last post in this blog). I get so emotional when I listen back to this song. Brings back a ton of memories, especially from that time in my life, on which the song is fundamentally based…  Amazon Music

This tune did turn out to be something of a Country-Pop Crossover type song. Ever since I lived in Western Maryland (Which was like a glorified Appalachia, and where there were a few seemingly very popular Country radio stations) I had developed a love for allot of the more Contemporary type Country music, much of it being like Country Crossover itself, such in the case of artists like Carrie Underwood for example. It became something of the template I used (if you will) with this track, as was the case with the ‘It Is You’ track. Some song structures just seem to lend themselves well to a particular kind of genre, it seems. And this seemed to be one of them. It was just the way it seemed to come together with the plugins and musical tools I was using. It just fit the vibe, I thought…

I developed the lyrics, particularly towards the end of the song as something that sorta reminded me of one of the final scenes in the Titanic movie: “One small world - upstairs, downstairs, and there, everyone.” You know (and not to get morbid AT ALL here) where the lead character passes away, and is like re-united on the other side with some of the people she knew on the ship greeting her there. As this particular part was somewhat influenced by a very surreal dream (ironically) of my Grandmother Josephine (that I had mentioned) when I had first moved to Maryland, through the company I was employed with at the time, who had closed their operations on Long Island. In the dream, I was back in that two family house in Lindenhurst (that is like the background of the song) walking down the stairs (as I mentioned in the previous post, my mother, sister, and me used to live upstairs, and my grandparents on my mother's side lived downstairs) and there was my grandmother, greeting me at the bottom of the stairs! (As if we had never left!) And (in the dream) she proceeded to speak with me in a seemingly encouraging manner, as she seemed to sense that I was very worried about the move to a completely different state (and area) that I was totally unfamiliar with in the first place. I will never forget this dream, because, like my grandmother herself, it had left such a deep impression on me to this day, and gave me like goosebumps when I had waken up, almost immediately from the dream. It was so real, that I was totally blown away by it, to say the least. And which became one of the main reasons why I wanted to finish this song, especially now during the holidays. It's like a keepsake, and like a memorial in a way. (For lack of a better word right now). Like leaving a legacy, if you will, as is the case with most of the other songs I have written and published. (But this one is like, really special to me). Like a footprint ("I was here") I guess. Like leaving your mark in this world, in some way. Something to remember you by, if you will. My contribution, for whatever talent God had given me. I assume it was to share that talent to begin with (carefully) for whatever its worth…

Our family had so much potential. My Uncle Nicky for example (whose name I use in the song) was a man who had worked his way up from something of a stock boy, to the manager of a pretty big retail clothing chain back then called: Ripley's. (Which in turn, provided him with the resources to eventually have this awesome house built, with this awesome built-in swimming pool, back on Long Island). My Uncle Pat was discovered by some kind of Talent Scout from Grumman Aerospace, who wanted him to play for their baseball team, because he was such a great ball player who had won so many awards, from what I understand. Thus started his career there. (God rest his soul). My grandmother Josephine had given up her very own business in Harlem, that she had for many years, to help out my mother after my father had passed, as just a few examples. So many awesome people, and so many memories, with many of those memories somewhat around that Mother/Daughter house back on Long Island, that I will also never forget. I dedicate this song to all of them, and especially my awesome grandmother Josephine. She was a living saint. Miss them all very much. Especially around this time of year. They made me so proud to be related to them, and that we were all part of the same family. (On both sides). And of course, that is not to say, that we didn't have our share of problems, and challenges. As there were those periods that were particularly difficult. (Like the family had some kind of a secret, invisible enemy or something). So, this song has that much more of a special meaning to me, for all these reasons, and more…

Heartfelt mid‑tempo Christmas ballad, blending male and female vocals in a cinematic arrangement of strings, bells, and timeless festive textures. The track captures the nostalgia of family traditions, the sparkle of winter nights, and the joy of togetherness.

🎶 Stream & Download:
Available now on all major platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.)
If this song brings you holiday cheer, don’t forget to like, comment, and share the video with friends and family. 

🎁 Story Behind the Song
The inspiration for “I Think to Christmas” came from reflecting on the traditions and memories that define the holiday season. It was written to capture the feeling of looking back on cherished family moments while embracing the joy of the present. The duet format symbolizes connection - two voices weaving together like loved ones gathering around the tree. Every element, from the bells and flutes to the timpani roll, was chosen to evoke both nostalgia and cinematic grandeur. At its core, the song is about honoring the past, celebrating togetherness, and carrying the spirit of Christmas forward into new memories.

As far as the part in the description of ‘The Story Behind the Song’ of “looking back on cherished family moments”, I tried to capture that part in the Music Video of that time so long ago (when we were kids) back in Lindenhurst, Long Island, when my mother, sister, and me, lived in what was then, from what I understand, specifically built in the style of a ‘Mother/Daughter House’, with the three of us living upstairs, and my grandparents (on my mother's side) living downstairs. Around the holiday season, my grandmother would work so hard and long to cook an elaborate Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and invite allot of people in our family to come over, usually around Christmas Eve, and/or Christmas day. My grandparents were such awesome, fantastic, warm people, and were the reason for the house in Lindenhurst being specifically built for us to begin with, when my mother was having a somewhat difficult time around 4 years after the passing of my father back when we living in New Jersey. God bless their memory forever. I will always miss them, especially around this time of year. The memories run so deep, and of course, I will never forget them…

This is basically a remix of the Someday track, primarily intended to clean up the vocals a bit. (It has been something of an experimental track to begin with). Also added a somewhat ethereal sounding Outro towards the end of the track to further lend some interest, and to provide some ear candy...
Originally written some time ago when performing with The New Era band back in Long Island, N.Y. It personally, brings back allot of memories...
An emotional Pop/Rock ballad with a cinematic lift, Someday blends ambient, dream pop textures and introspective storytelling to explore themes of hope, transformation, and longing. 
It was created to be something of an anthem, that is a reflection on the quiet resilience we carry through uncertain times - and the dream of a better tomorrow...  Amazon Music

A cinematic electro-pop upbeat song with driving EDM energy and a haunting, ethereal vibe. It contains soft female and male vocals floating over pulsing bass, orchestral synths, and reverb-soaked melodies. The lyrics explore destiny, longing, and the mystery of  life and the guidance of a benevolent light...

Created as another type of fantasy-like song, along the lines of something you would hear in a Disney movie, or in a children's related Anime flick for instance…  Amazon Music

This is a folky, spooky pop, Celtic-like Seasonal Ballad, for the Autumn and Halloween season…

This track was originally inspired by a beautifully enchanting song from the soundtrack of a somewhat cute Halloween holiday family flick called: Hocus Pocus. From what I understand, the name of the song is ‘Come Little Children." I can still remember thinking to myself when I first heard it, “wow, that is like the perfect kind of song for Halloween. What a great melody, and such awesome chord changes.” In fact, it is like in the perfect key for that type of vibe and mood. A minor. Which in music, is also known as the Aeolian or ’Old English' mode. Ya know, it has that distinct sound and tendency to lend itself to moonlit nights, renaissance fairs, the crisp chill in the air, and the color of the autumn leaves, etc. What I also really dug about the chord changes of this song, was that before it would go to the next verse, it would temporarily go outside the key for a moment and end on an E major instead of an E minor, the V chord of the key of A major (not A minor). The V chord is the chord that usually resolves to the I chord in the major key. I thought this was such a brilliant chord change. So, such is the case with this song. It is in the key of A minor, with very similar chord changes. Its just revamped somewhat differently. But I think it lends itself to pretty much the exact same mood and feeling. 

I have always loved the Autumn season from when I was a kid. In fact, one of my earliest childhood memories was when I went to Catholic school and all, around this time of year, when the class was given a project by our teacher to draw pictures of Halloween, and I remember just loving it, because I just loved the feel of the Autumn season and all to begin with. (In fact, the drawing I made for the cover art for the song is reminiscent and actually quite similar to one of those drawings when I was a kid back in Catholic school, and brings back a whole lot of memories in itself from that time in my life). And of course, Halloween sort of (unofficially?) kicks off the entire Holiday season alone, that eventually ends with Christmas and New Years. The music project itself, is actually in two movements. The 2nd movement (The Autumn Snow) is an instrumental, and actually in the key of D minor. I had written and recorded a rather short and simple instrumental track from when I lived in Maryland (that I believe is still on YouTube) called ‘The Autumn Snow.' And had always wanted to revisit that, and to rewrite and complete it. That was kind of the inspiration for this part of the track here. I called it ‘The Autumn Snow’ because at the time (although not being terribly religious and all) I had inadvertently discovered a rather peaceful (and beautiful) place not too far from where I lived known as ‘The Seton Shrine’. It not only sorta' took me back to my Catholic school days, but around the time of my first visit there in the fall season, we had a rare Autumn snowfall in the early morning on that day, and you could still see the rather lite (leftover) dusting that remained on the grounds there, and I particularly noticed it when walking through the Cemetery, by the Basilica itself, where several of the children of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton seemed to be buried. (St. Elizabeth is considered to be the first canonized American saint). She had a pretty hard life from what I understand. I was so moved (and saddened) when I actually saw the last names of the girl's that were buried there, and when I had like, immediately realized (from the stories I heard about her) that they were actually her very own daughters! But never-the-less, I have to say, you could actually feel something of a peace that pervaded the place, including the Cemetery area itself. So, the 2nd part of the track was somewhat inspired by that scene, standing among the lite snow covered Autumn leaves on the grounds there. This part of Maryland (the West Central part) had allot of very old cemetery's to begin with. You could see some of the dates on the tombstones actually going back to the 1800's, if I remember correctly. (Ironically, the location of The Blair Witch Movie was only about a 20 minute drive in the other direction from my house). But anyway, yea, the Autumn season has always had some significant memories for me. In fact, I just remembered, O.M.G. (and not get too morbid here) that today is actually the day of my father Richard's passing! (The date of this blog post here). Wow, it was like something just reminded me of that. Well anyway, this track is sort of a tribute to the Fall season, and many of the memories that go with it. And once again, Rest in peace Dad. I will, of course, absolutely never forget you as well. There will never be anyone like you, to say the least. (He was a REALLY good man). And, along with his mother (my grandmother) they were most probably (and in that other world as well, I would think) saints themselves, in their own way. Most definitely. Here's to genuinely good people, and to a time of season when the veil between our worlds supposedly becomes somewhat more transparent, as told (and recollected) in (Gaelic/Celtic) folklore tradition…   Amazon Music

Oh, by the way, there are several awesome renditions of the song I referenced above (one I include below) initially along with the song that I mentioned that had musically inspired the first part of my own track here, which has since been taken down by YouTube because of a seeming restriction by Disney, but which you could sorta' hear that Celtic-like (Old English) Renaissance feel (that I love so much, especially around this time of year) and in the following music video rendition as well…

This is an atmospheric Celtic-like Dream/Pop ballad, evoking misty mountain roads in Autumn. Lyrics are introspective, with a quiet pull of destiny...
The Autumn season (like the Spring season) has always tended to bring to mind (and lend itself to) Celtic influenced music and folk songs. (As there are many Celtic related festivities and events that traditionally also happen around this time of year as well). "In ancient times, the Irish harvest was celebrated through festivals that combined Celtic fall traditions with later Christian observances like Michaelmas. These gatherings were filled with feasts, storytelling, rituals, and symbolic practices that blended the mystical with the practical." 
There are many musical influences that come through in this track, from Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, Enya, and Celtic Woman, to the group Renaissance and King Crimson...  Amazon Music

Here is still yet another song that I had originally written (and performed) back on Long Island for The New Era band, all those years ago...
I was inspired to rework some of the lyrics (and music) somewhat based on a performance of a song from the seemingly recent re-release on Amazon Prime of one of my favorite flicks of all time called: The Idolmaker. The song in question, is a surprisingly brilliant (and powerful) piece of music towards the end of the movie. (i.e. "However Dark The Night"). I was also somewhat influenced by the fantasy movie I had just recently and inadvertently seen on Netflix called: The School for Good and Evil. (As it is a kinda' fantasy type song to begin with). In retrospect, I also redeveloped the track with some Gospel like undertones as well, from that rather brief period in my life, when a few of us were doing our own observation and analysis of what seemed to be the beginning of the Pentecostal Mega Church thing that was also taking place on Long Island in certain circles. 
(And I have to say, some of the music performed at some of these places was pretty good, and somewhat emotional, powerful, and uplifting in its own way).
The final result is like, an emotional anthem/ballad with a cinematic lift. Someday blends soft pop textures and introspective storytelling to explore themes of hope, transformation, and longing. With gentle piano, ambient pads, warm strings, and expressive vocal harmonies, the track builds toward a dynamic chorus that has a feel that is both intimate and expansive. Someday is a reflection on the quiet resilience we carry through uncertain times - and the dream of a better tomorrow...  

                                               Amazon Music

By the way, you can check-out The New Era band playing this song live, around the time that it was first written. The video was posted in the Blog section of this website on April 21st, 2018 entitled: The New Era - Live at February's. We didn't have much time to practice the song when the video was recorded, so it was still VERY raw and quite undeveloped, compared to this recording, for instance…