Today's Newsletter

Hello my dear friends!

My communications have become quite sparse, but between the mid-term elections and marketing emails hoping to sell the answers to all of your needs this holiday season, I'm sure you didn't mind (or notice) my absence.

I have an unexpected bit of downtime today because I am covid-positive. Luckily, my symptoms are cold-like and I appear to be on the mend. It's nice to have the time (and desire) to write. Creativity sometimes feels like the annoying little sister that tags along behind big sister, Boredom. If you can wait it out, get over your ego about playing with such a weirdo and give her a chance, she usually proves to be a fun playmate.  Anyway, this time of year I like to take my mom's advice and "give in to hibernation." Quiet contemplation is maybe the most beautiful part of a Maine winter. You have to slow down and if you didn't get the memo, mother nature will give it to you repeatedly until about April.

So what's been happening?

I fell ill shortly after recording this little solstice greeting and song. My ancient phone from 2017 decided it could do no more work once it posted the video to Instagram, so you'll have to watch it there.

I have officially begun my YearCompass, a reflective exercise my friend Jessie Alsop turned me onto 5 years ago when I decided to start taking my music-making more seriously. I highly recommend it. It's beautiful to look back and realize everything that can happen in a year, and then take a little break and start imagining what can be. A little intention can go a long way.

And Lastly,

I am continuously grateful and surprised when radio stations pick my songs up. On Monday, December 26th at 10pm, my song Good Company will be featured on Boston's 92.5 The River's Homegrown Talent Showcase.

And THEN! 89.9 WERU, which has been incredibly supportive of my work, has made me the featured artist of the week starting tomorrow! See below about that. :)

So here we are on Christmas day. If you've made it this far, you are a champ! If you haven't already, I hope you'll think back to a song that makes you smile and give it a spin (and if you want, send it to me! As I said, I'm a little bored). I chose music a long time ago, and no regrets so far. It is true magic-making. I thank you all for listening along.

Much love,
Hals

MANY THANKS to 98.9 WERU for making me the artist of the week! I discovered one of my new favorite artists on the show, "Cosmic Country" (S.G. Goodman - look her up, she's awesome). They do a lot for Maine artists!

On Friday morning (12/30) I'll be interviewed with music director Denis Howard. I'm looking forward to it! Tune in here.