The opening track, Be Alright, was the last song I recorded for the album. After a tough phone call, I was burned out on lyrics so I just sang this.
STRESS DREAM
Link in bio
“Twenty-Four”
This song has been through so many versions…different instrumentations, different moods. Even the version that made the album came together last minute. I was pushing too hard to make it into something it wasn’t. So I went back to how it began and built from there — just me and a guitar. It’s part of the process, though — sometimes you have to go through it all to realize the way it started was right in the first place.
thank you, Kenny for capturing this performance perfectly. Every part of me..flaws and all.
Full performance on YouTube
Recorded by @kennyriley@riograndestudios
Video by the amazing @wild.child.productions
This record came out of some heavy seasons.
It’s about worry, loss, and the weight of the unknown—yet somehow still finding hope in it all.
This is my fourth LP, Stress Dream—and honestly, that’s hard to believe. Whatever happens with it, I’m proud of it.
The album feels like one continuous stress dream, with some moments of reprieve. But the album closes in a different light.
It was written during a time when I was terrified of losing someone I loved. That fear became reality.
It felt like getting knocked off my bike in a stress dream—enter the album cover. But still, I’m keeping an eye out for the good. I’m grateful for my wife, my son, my dog—and all my family and friends who helped me through the hard times. Honestly, I have the best life.
If you’re going through something heavy, I hope these songs can meet you where you are.
Stress Dream is out now. Link in bio
Photo by @davidbean
Make up @abigaillynnkelly
Volume up, please. I was stopped in my tracks by a video that @tate.tj had posted of a song he recently finished writing. It was on a forum and I didn’t know him personally. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and I had the honor of helping bring a couple of his songs to life alongside my friend @armonjay (including the song playing in this post). Those songs are out now. Please look up TJ Tate wherever you stream music and follow him. He’s got a lot of stories to tell, and you can be early to the party at this point.
The conversation around what music and its future looks like with AI and other factors is certainly happening at scale. I honestly don’t care much about how other people in music are using AI; I can understand all sides. For me, the conversation has helped me realize that I enjoy the struggle around each song, its imperfections, and capturing those moments. I really don’t want to smooth out that process. Making music with @natalietaylormusic the past 17 years has reinforced that. Working with TJ was also a great reminder of it.
We used full takes with no click. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s a specific choice in today’s world and I think people still want to hear music the way it naturally comes out. At least some of the time. Cheers.
“Ebb & Flow”
Track 9 from Stress Dream
Thanks to @dashboardconfessional I got to see the beach this weekend. We Played a show in Pensacola, and the band was at this beach house right across from the water. Since it’s off season, there was hardly anyone around. At night the sky looked like a dome.
Ive been a little stressed lately so this song seemed fitting. If im not keeping my eyes out, i can easily miss the good stuff. I’m grateful that I had a chance to listen to these waves.
“NO EXPECTATIONS“
On this song, I took my time telling the story. I couldn’t just rush to some chorus. In fact technically this song doesn’t have a chorus. This is verse 3 of 4. For those of you that listen, hopefully it means something to you like it does for me.
The song is actually about a good dream. It’s happy sad. I felt a lot making this little video.
Track 10 - “No expectations” from my album Stress Dream
Most of you probably know this already but incase you don’t, I also make records for other artists. This one I’m especially proud to be apart of. @abigaillynnkelly is a slayer in all the ways. Such a good songwriter, and her vocal can cut through anything it’s crazy. She had a strong vision for this and I was stoked she let me in on it. Such a fun one. Go give it a listen
Produced by me and @abigaillynnkelly
Mix - me
Master - @reuben_cohen1111@lurssen_mastering
Additional Guitars - @evancoulombe
Drums - @alex.mcvey@jschrodt
This one is about an actual stress dream. In real time. Bet you can’t guess what though.
Also Band is sick on this one @joshua_james_official on drums ..also the best tambourine player
Guitar slaying by @evancoulombe
TRACK 8 —OPEN YOUR EYES
Here’s the full clip of “Twenty-Four”
I loved all the kind messages. Thanks for listening!
Track 3 off my new album “Stress Dream”
Recorded by @kennyriley at @riograndestudios
Video by @wild.child.productions
The stars aligned while I was in ABQ and I had the best day with @kennyriley at @riograndestudios . Thank you for having me Kenny! Keep an eye out for a performance video soon!
Thanks @wild.child.productions for tagging along to document and making it happen!
