Introduction - Silence 🌒

It has been a long time. Too long.

A couple weeks ago, I found a new YouTube Channel called “The Hope Archives” where they are remastering music videos and providing them in the channel. A song that I had not listened to in many years began playing - “Carry Me Down” by Demon Hunter. The lyrics, “For every word we never spoke” hit hard. I began this newsletter to share the positive, to offer hope, and to be a bright part of someone’s day. I never stopped writing but I stopped publishing. It is time to begin writing again.

Beyond the emotional response to a forgotten song, it reminded me of another memory. I was heavily involved in youth group in high school and one of my highlights each week was looking forward to the “music video” that we would watch. Growing up in a home where MTV and VH1 were stripped from the TV (yes, I know that I could enter the channel directly with the remote which is why MTV channel 28, VH1 channel 36, BET channel 37 or something like that will be etched into my mind forever). I lived off of sampler music video DVDs from labels like Trustkill, Solid State, and Tooth & Nail.

At some point, I became the curator of the weekly music video and I am to this day convinced that if they did not leave with a heart for Jesus, they left with a healthy dose of Norma Jean, Zao, Hopesfall, Underoath, or Emery.

I could never get enough music. The small flicker of a candle or match will bring light to a room. Likewise is the power of music; where a single note carries memories, emotions, highs, lows, and hope. I am ready to get back to covering these defining moments in this edition of the emo setlist.

The year is off to a strong start with amazing shows and new releases.