Like a groundhog uncoiling from a nightmare and peering out through the snow for the first time in months, squinting optimistically to see if The Sun promises warmth; that's how it feels to be in the united states today. There is a lot to be mended and my view of this country, as an outsider on the inside, will take much before it is rectified. But the air carries a hint that even this Herculean task may be performed.

It was a long, cold lonely Winter, and although I have been quiet here for much of it, that was only because I was so extraordinarily busy behind the scenes.

Most of you know that as well as being a musician I am also a filmmaker and in 2008 a lot of my energy was turned to that side of life. I'll be making more announcements at the appropriate times but a new screenplay, a short film and an independent feature have been taking up a lot of my time.

I have also been in the studio quite a bit. Early last year I finished co-producing Incomplete Denial's debut CD Our Existence Is An Accident which will soon be available on CDBaby, iTunes et al. It is the most cutting edge project I have ever embarked on and the result is, if I may say so, a groundbreaking opus that could not have been achieved until today.

Incomplete Denial immediately went back into the studio to begin work on a follow up album, working with some of the finest musicians in the world. Again, I'll tell you more when the time is right.

On the home front, there were plans to record a new People On Wheels CD which was to be a more introspective, sombre and expressive album. With the recent changes, that no longer seems appropriate and I have been in conversation with Wooden Jazz Records to begin a new project designed purely to put smiles on faces and laughs in hearts. It is something I am very excited about and am anxious to get underway, simply because I can't stand not telling you yet.

Fear not, fans of sad and beautiful songs, they will see the light of day, but first some healing laughter is in order.

Stay tuned! 2009 (2552) is going to be a wild ride!

--Stephen

PS I thank everyone for their comments and messages. I apologise for not being able to reply to all of them, but they are all greatly appreciated.

PPS If you are one of the few who haven't yet picked up, or downloaded, your copies of The Story So Far... or INANUTSHELL then do so now while supplies last! The prices are the best they've been so far and they are now available virtually anywhere on the 'net, including iTunes, CDBaby, Amie Street, Napster, eMusic, Indienink.com, Fliptunesplus.net and more!