What’s your favorite collaboration between artists?

The Brilliance re-released their song Brother on their advent focused album featuring spoken word artist/rapper Propaganda. It adds so much to an already great song. It's particularly poignant in this day and age were dehumanization is so popular. For a look at his spoken word, check out this video which is inline with the song.

Which song would you use to introduce yourself to someone new?

I'm going with Gloria by Mineral for a number of different reasons.

1. Mineral has long been my favorite band.
2. Gloria is one of my favorite songs by them or any band.
3. I think at different times different parts of the lyrics have stood out for different reasons. Life, faith and everything swirling around it is quite a journey and there are aspects of that captured well by this song. Finally, I love the last, "glory is a silent thing."

Share a song that tells a great story.

The first song that came to mind I've already done so I'll do the second: The Story by Brandi Carlile. It's a great song that documents the story of life - aging, the adventures we go on and most importantly the people that were meant to hold them. It was my introduction to Brandi Carlile and in general is such a great song. The ache and gravel in her voice is perfect.

Share a song that makes you want to dance every time.

Son Lux immediately came to mind thinking about this prompt. In particular there album Bones never fails to have me dancing around the kitchen while cooking. Change is Everything is the goto song that comes to mind. I love the whole album though so much. It's a great listen.

What was the first album you ever bought? Pick your favorite song off that album.

First album I every bought myself was by Hootie and the Blowfish. It was (I think?) their first: Cracked Rear View. I was 13 at the time and if memory serves: I used birthday money to pick it up for my new discman. Yeah those were the days! My favorite tracks from it are Only wanna be with you and Let her cry. Only wanna be with you is probably the one that would spark the most joy these days although Hootie and the Blowfish aren't really a band I turn to much anymore.

Share a song that captures the moment when seasons change.

One immediately came to mind for this! Reliquia by Rosalía! This song, from what I've read, is inspired by Saint Rosalia of Lima who left relics in all the different places she visited. In the song, Rosalía sings about the pieces of herself she's left in all the different places around the world she's visited. This song came to mind as the feeling it inspires in me is that idea of the seasons of life and what we leave in the places that shape us. One of the coolest parts of the song is near the very end where the music stops, there's a sound like a page turning and then it immediately drops in with this fast paced hopeful musical outro. No lyrics - those pages haven't been written yet because there are new seasons coming.

Share a song that makes you want to call an old friend.

Haunted Church by Rose Blossom Punch immediately came to mind. Their album Ephemere came out originally in the late 90s and was a favorite of mine. They recently reissued it (July of 2025) and until then it hadn't been on streaming. Upon first listen I immediately wanted to message my cousin. We've been regularly (weekly almost) talking about music since then.

What's your favorite song to sing in the car?

I don't do much singing these days. I listen lots and especially in the car. Currently one of my favorites to turn on and turn up is No Halo by Sorority Noise. It's a few years old now but will worth a listen. It's great energy for a car ride.

What's a song you only listen to when you're completely alone?

Not sure I should admit it. I listen to it alone because I shouldn't like it. Alas I do. Tate McRae's You Broke Me First. There was a season in life it made a lot of sense and was something of a comfort (as good pop music should be).

What is a song that makes you think of your first job?

We Will Rock You by Queen. My first job was cleaning up an arena after games. This was middle school or early high school and didn't pay much of anything. I think of it on occasion with rock anthems like this.