I Am Me Because You Are You

New song: I Am Me Because You Are You. Recorded this a few weeks ago through the internal mic on my computer. It's my debut on ukelele! I wrote the song summer 2011 in Kenya with a high school student named Noah from Switzerland, and we practiced it with some Kenyan high school students. It's appropriate that the song was created with such diversity, because that's what it's all about. Trying to put the concept of "ubuntu" into song. 

Bicycle

I'm a bike dude now.

Mom and Dad

Reflection

Posted this on my facebook last week. Just a notice of where I'm currently at in life: 

After much reflection, I've arrived at this uncomfortable truth: my existence brings more harm than help to my fellow human beings and planet. I would have to make extreme changes to my current lifestyle to fix this - changes I'm not ready to make. In the short term, I acknowledge this. In the long term, I must find the courage to adjust my lifestyle; otherwise, I will know myself to be a coward.

MLK Day of Song & Service 2012

January 16, 2012 in San Francisco's Mission District. Just a block from my home. Another great day to be alive with my fellow human beings and serving the world. I worked my ass for this. 

Honoring the Web of Life

Over on ServiceArtist.net, I recently wrote this article on Aaron Appleton, a very cool person I met earlier this year in Kampala, Uganda. He is the Founder and Creative Director of Ensigo, an organization that has big ideas to save our planet through music and art. Click here to read his very unique thoughts on biocultural diversity and development work. 

Row Row Row Your Boat

From Phish drummer Jon Fishman, this is my favorite piece of writing I've ever read:

"I heard someone say once that great lyrics make you think thoughts and great music makes you feel feelings, but a great song makes you feel thoughts. With this as my guiding criteria, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" epitomizes this sentiment. The lyrics encapsulate the concepts of discipline, perseverance, individuality, respect, a positive approach to life, and a reminder not to take it too seriously after all. Better, and in fewer words, than any self-help publication could ever hope to accomplish. This highly concentrated virtual psychovitamin recipe for a successful life is honeycoated in a melody so simple and sweet, most people can only dream of coming up with something like that on their own. To top it off, the whole package is metabolized like water as a small child and ages like a fine wine in your soul until the day you die. Pretty good song."