a deeper examination of the weather

salut!

comme il fait beau ce temps de janvier! ah, mais c’est presque fini, dieu merci.

in a blink of an eye, we’ve arrived at february. I find it understandable when people get frustrated at continuous references to the weather or the passing of time, but this type of conversation serves a critical purpose: it unites us.

the new calendar year (or lunar new year) is a marking point for everyone to reference, making it unique in a world continuously fracturing into deeper levels of diversity and subculture.

do not get me wrong—I’m thrilled with this trend, made possible by the increasing speeds at which we can generate, organize, and disseminate information. it creates more room for the individual to explore their passions as they can more easily access representation and inspiration across the internet.

but it also puts into stark relief what does still connect us: the new year, the equinoxes, the switches to and from daylight savings time. these milestones mark each of our experiences, providing us with means to acknowledge each others’ humanity.

I once asked my good friend Christian Hughes how he made friends with strangers so easily. he said it was simple: commonalities.

by finding the things we have in common with each other, be it the changing of seasons, the weather, or even cycles of birth, death, and rebirth, we lay the groundwork on which stronger relationships can be formed.

I encourage you to find ways to lean into the commonalities you have with the people you interact with daily. over time, your communities will strengthen and grow—with you at the center of it all.

I joined a band since you heard from me last. It is called Kamasakii Corporation and is playing at Pete’s Candy Store on 2/29.* I’ll be playing lead guitar—you can check out the music we’ll play here.

but the next time you can see me perform will be a week earlier on 2/22 … in Denver, CO! I called Denver home for a while a few years back and we’re getting the gang back together for a show at the Broadway Roxy.

happen to be in town? get your tickets here.

from there, the next thing in nyc will be in early april. hopefully by then the weather will have turned for the better!

thx, and if you think someone you know would enjoy reading this newsletter or listening to my music, please forward it along! we’re building this thing from the ground floor up. much love and we’ll talk soon.

*2/29 was the birthday of my dear departed Uncle Brad—it feels like every four years there’s a day dedicated just to him. <3