“Taos” is my legal middle name. Before I was born, my mother lived in Taos, NM and she fell in love with the land, people, and energy of creativity. She had sacred experiences there. So when I came along, she gave me this name. At the beginning of my music career and it came time to pick a stage name, it was the only choice. With this in mind my new album, “juniper,” (named after the street on which my mom currently lives in Taos) is a full circle moment for me as a person and artist. The record is a collection of songs written, recorded, and self-produced over the span of five years in New Mexico. All of the visual content was shot there as well. Sonically, “juniper” is a back to basics project: it’s little more than acoustic guitar, a Stratocaster, bass, and a drum kit. It’s a gentle slice of modern Indie Americana and classic singer-songwriting. Thematically the project covers a 5 year period of my life: a break up, new love, the trappings of dealing anxiety/depression, and the death of my father. Overall though, “juniper” is dedicated to Taos, the state of New Mexico, and my mother. I thank her for introducing him to this wonderful place that has served as a special enclave for me to retreat to for creation and reflection. Many of these songs were written on the many long dusty drives from LA to Taos with only the open road, big sky, and red rocks as inspiration. It feels fitting to finally release an album in honor of the place for which I’m named. I hope that those who listen to “juniper” will close their eyes, listen, and feel the high desert sun shining through each song.