Have you ever done something in the past and thought "I wish I could go back and change that...if only I knew what I know now"? Well every time I listen to my first record that exact phrase comes to mind.

There seems to be something very special about those songs and that time in my life. The Summer of 2004 was one I will never forget. I moved out West with the clothes on my back and my guitar in hand with an open mind and an open heart. Utah had a profound effect on me. The people and the scenery inspired me greatly.

I wrote a considerable amount of songs in a very, very short amount of time. Starting that July, I would go down to a small studio in Ephraim to record. I started out with acoustic songs and added more and more as I slowly assembled a band.

I had these ideas of the potential of what this record would sound like. I had a very clear vision on how I wanted these songs to sound. But unfortunately at the time I had no money to afford recording at a high end studio to make that happen. So after finishing up 11 songs. That Winter I received the final product on disc. As I listened, each one fell short of the vision I had. It was heartbreaking to listen to because all I heard were the imperfections. More than anything it captured the awkwardness of starting a band, as if it was documented for everyone to hear.

I had spent so much time and energy, I didn't just want to throw it all away. So on February 11th, whether I liked it or not "Some Place New" was released at Muse Music to a sold out crowd. But something extraordinary happened. People looked past the poor quality of the record and payed attention to the songs themselves. They cared more about the words and the melodies, and not the fact that there were sound issues and things were off time.

After 2 years and selling 3 pressings (3,000 copies) I retired "Some Place New". I no longer sold it at shows. Partly because of the quality but also because the band had changed so much. For the next few years the band evolved greatly. The quality of the records became much better. We all became better musicians. But we were a different band than what I originally intended. So last year, I went back to basics and became acoustic again. For the first time in years I would ask people what songs they would like me to play. And surprisingly the majority of songs requested were off the first record.

Recently, I have been asked by many people if I would ever put the record on Itunes or sell it at shows again. And after much contemplation I've decided to rerecord the entire record this Winter. I'm attempting to match that vision I had almost 5 years ago. So I'm going back...

I'm doing the same songs. There will be no drastic changes. Just what I intended all along. Here is the original track listing.

1. Golden
2. Lucky Scars
3. Summer is Over
4. Lost in July
5. When You Fall
6. If I Died Tonight
7. Autumn
8. Crack One More Smile
9. Clovers
10. Some Place New
11. Prince of Pain

I just want to thank everyone that has been sticking with me the last 4 years. Its been a crazy ride and it has certainly had its ups and downs. But I'm starting to feel very settled here in Utah. I'm starting to really fall in love with the mountains and the amazing people that live here. I'm going to call this place home for now on.

My new record comes out at the end of this month and It has been killing me that I haven't been able to release it earlier. I put more effort into this record than anything I have ever done in my life. It's the most personal thing I've ever released and it seems to be the perfect time to let it out.

I think I've finally found the type of statement I want to make with my music. I finally found myself. This record is very "me".

I'm nothing without the people that have believed in me and spread my music the last few years. I am indebted to you all and I intend to tour very hard in the next few years to get out to see you all. I'm not just talking out the midwest....but canada, sweden and japan. I mean you as well.

If you write me I will do my best to always write you back. Your messages mean the world to me.
My wildest dreams are starting to come true. I'm going to try my best to keep the music coming. I love you all.

JA