Happy July, folks!

So. 2025 has so far proven to be quite a year. It’s impossible to ignore the upheaval, distress, and gross displays of cruelty and disregard for others at home and abroad. I think it’s fair to say we’re all trying to hold on to whatever pieces of hope we can grasp, preserve our mental health, and protect our communities and loved ones as best we can.

For me, music has always been a space of solace and stability. But after experiencing job loss last summer (which eventually led to having to give up my home earlier this year) and the ongoing uphill struggle to secure work and transition into a career that more closely aligns with the direction I want to go in this chapter of my life, sitting down to practice–much less create anything new–has felt nearly impossible. It also feels like it’s not enough or even remotely useful given the gravity of this global moment.

Still, music is my center of joy. And that’s why I’m so grateful to have the opportunity every now and again to sing and share music with others. This past weekend, I once again joined my cousin Maritri at The Stowaway in Downtown Los Angeles as she hosted a singer/songwriter night. And once again, she surprised me with a stunning reimagining of my latest single, “Brand New Thing.” What made the night even sweeter was the addition of Les LRC Funk on drums, Dorian Cheah on electric violin, and Gary Dourdan on vocal ad libs. It was beautiful and glorious and a reminder of how our collective creativity can heal and repair. Even now. Especially now.

Get into this new vision of “Brand New Thing” below. And if you’re in the LA area this coming Saturday, 5 July 2025, come hang with us at The Stowaway! It’s a warm, welcoming room for everyone with a song on their heart.

Stream and download the original version of “Brand New Thing” on Bandcamp!