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Dermot Kennedy: Live at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, North Carolina

Photography by Casey King

There was an unseasonable chill in the air as I loaded my overnight green polka dot bag into my car, said my goodbyes, and began my trip back to Charleston, South Carolina from my second Dermot Kennedy show of the Sonder tour. Less than 12 hours prior, I’d been singing at the top of my lungs with approximately 6,000 strangers at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, North Carolina as we all witnessed one of the most powerful vocalists of a generation. The cold I felt was a stark contrast to the evening before, where the heat of the day felt unbearable at times, leaving you searching for shade anywhere possible. The crowd didn’t seem to mind. As the doors to the venue opened everyone was all smiles while stopping for merch and a quick bite to eat before settling in their assigned seats. The staff was helpful and friendly. One staff member even saved me from a spider that had somehow found its way onto my shirt. After checking out the merch table and grabbing a bottle of water, I settled into my, thankfully shaded, seat and patiently waited for the show to begin.

Mehro took the stage first as Kennedy’s support for the night filling the evening with his airy vocals that are both delicate and powerful. He quickly gained the crowd’s attention. It didn’t take long to figure out that Mehro didn’t just plan to play a few songs and leave in hopes that he’d gain a few followers. He was there for connection as evidenced in the vulnerable stories he shared about his songs and the reminder he gave to the crowd to be grateful for the people in their life and not take each other for granted. It was such a beautiful opening to the show as Kennedy himself would soon make a similar request. As Mehro finished his set the preshow playlist filled the empty space with a genre of music that inspires Kennedy, hip-hop. 

photo credit: Casey King

We all sat waiting, anticipation growing by the second, as songs by popular hip-hop artists such as J-Cole, Vince Staples, and Dave vibrated around us. As the sun finally made its way to the horizon a steady mist of smoke was released into the air signaling to everyone that it was almost time for Kennedy to take the stage. Every show on the Sonder tour begins with a personalized hand written note to the audience. One by one letters appeared on the screen as if Kennedy was backstage writing them in real time finally revealing the message:

“When she speaks my name, I’ve never known a sound that’s so sweet. I need to hear you sing tonight, cause that’s a feeling I’ll keep. I’m glad I’m here North Carolina, it’s been far too long. Before we part, lift up your voices, leave your soul in these songs.”

The crowd roared as Kennedy took the stage and the show was underway. The opening song, Blossom, begins with the line “this whole life, you said, is like a dream that you don’t wanna forget” which set the theme of the entire gig. Kennedy confirmed at an early listening of Sonder that this line was the beginning of the making of the album, so it seemed fitting that it would begin the show. The next two songs, Power Over Me and One Life were obvious favorites as the crowd volume became increasingly more audible. The fourth song he played is the first song he released as a solo artist called, An Evening I Will Not Forget. How someone can simultaneously sing a song with such intensity yet cradle it as if they’re afraid of it cracking is beyond me, but Kennedy does it and does it well. As the song intensified I noticed the person to my right wipe away tears, and it wouldn’t take long before I was doing the same. In the spirit of Sonder, I couldn’t help but think of what caused this cathartic release of my neighbor. What had moved this person to tears? Was it similar to what I had gone through or completely different? 

The show continued with Lost, the opening song on Kennedy’s previous tour and one of my personal favorites. Young & Free was up next, a popular comeback kid for this tour and was welcomed by the roar of a train horn as it sped by on the tracks next to the venue. That wouldn’t be the only time Kennedy would be forced to out roar a train that night. It also happened during the more intimate part of the show as Kennedy took to his piano that, according to him, had ants all over the keys. He played Rome first, a song that has always reminded me of a trip I took there.  I’d never connected to the song on an emotional level, but Kennedy asked everyone to spend that song in a favorite memory. I obliged and the song took on new meaning for me has I held up my phone light as a torch, my mind swimming in the past. Next, he played Innocence and Sadness, making light of the emotionally charged song by cracking a couple jokes about the train’s horn being off key.

photo credit: Casey King
photo credit: Casey King
photo credit: Casey King

Halfway through the show is what I will call the holy trinity of songs, Dreamer, Moments Passed, and Glory. I may be biased because my favorite song is Moments Passed, but this trio was the heart of the gig. “Isn’t that worth something,” the last line of Dreamer, echos into the distance as the voice of Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, rings out with a message encouraging everyone to continue to create and to dream.  It’s at this moment that Kennedy stands upstage as pinkish red hues, landscapes, and glitching messages serve as a backdrop to him clutching his guitar to his chest, the vessel from which he brings forth his own creativity to the world. The distorted vocal loop of Moments Passed fills the venue as Kennedy makes his way back to his mic stand to sing the song that started my love of his music. The transition from Moments Passed to Glory isn’t a surprise to veterans of Kennedy concert goers, and became a fan favorite after its debut during Kennedy’s Some Summer Night special at London’s Natural History Museum in 2020. Kennedy poured his soul into the tune pleading for the crowd to sing out “glory” as loud as possible. We complied without hesitation, our souls joining his as we called out into the night sky under a full moon together.

photo credit: Casey King

Outnumbered was up next, a song that is no stranger to the people around me as evidenced by their shouts of excitement as it begins. After Rain, the closing song on his last tour, made the set as well and we all chanted “you won’t go lonely” until everyone there believed it. Kennedy played this song with such intensity that it was hard to believe he had anything left to give, but he continued still. Without Fear was next and was as stunning as ever as words and phrases appeared on the screen behind him. One phrase that really stood out to me that I don’t think I’ve caught at previous shows was “the scent of my soul.” There is an uncomfortable vulnerability in reading it, like it wasn’t meant for my eyes. Which, coincidentally enough, is exactly how I’ve always felt about the song. Kennedy closed out the show with Better Days, Homeward, Kiss Me, and Something to Someone, tunes that were more upbeat to help with the emotional recovery that everyone needed. He also surprised the audience with his new single, Don’t Forget Me, a song that has been on repeat in my mind still days after the show. As Kennedy left the stage the thought ‘please stay’ came mind, a feeling I usually have at the end of his shows. He didn’t stay, nor did he return for an encore. He poured everything into the performance. He gave us all of his soul and we gave him all of ours. 

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Innocence and Sadness – Dermot Kennedy Single

I remember when Dermot Kennedy’s music found me back in 2017. It gave me something that no other music had been able to give me. It served as a mirror to my deepest thoughts and memories, and every time I listened, it reflected some of the most beautiful moments of my life and some of the darkest moments of my life. When I wasn’t listening to his songs, I was reading his lyrics, and when I wasn’t reading or listening, my mind was always pondering over them. I’d never found a connection that deeply to music and had stumbled upon something that I didn’t even realize I was missing.

When you find something that special, I think it’s normal to yearn for more of it. With each new song release from Dermot, I look for something that will unlock a new part of me so that I can heal in some way, and that’s exactly what I found within his latest single, “Innocence and Sadness.” Back in the summer of 2020, Dermot teased an unfinished clip of this song on Instagram with the caption “Steady Rhythm Joy”, and I’ve been craving the final product ever since.

I was fortunate enough to attend an early listening party not that long ago where Dermot played the unreleased tracks from his forthcoming album, Sonder, due to be released November 4, 2022. Among these tracks, was the highly anticipated “Steady Rhythm Joy” or what we now know to officially be “Innocence and Sadness.” I wrote down my impressions as I was listening to each song, and for this one, I wrote, ‘this sounds like it was recorded live, it’s very raw.’ Dermot later confirmed that it was recorded live, in one take. Another thing I scribbled down was the phrase ‘souls hidden,’ from the line “some people spend their life heads down, souls hidden.” I remember hearing this and getting wide eyed. What a beautiful way to describe being guarded while also being an inspiring message for people to be vulnerable and open themselves up to the world around them. My favorite lines are probably, “all the love that just got stolen from your wide eyes…let your tears erode my shoulder like a cliff side.” I really dislike being any sort of burden to other people and tend to hold a lot inward. This line is so comforting in the way that it invites you to release your emotional burdens knowing that someone wants to be there for you through your darkest moments. The visual depiction of someone being willing to carry something that heavy with you is beautiful. 

While this song is emotional and touches on topics of loss and grief, it also serves as a reminder to cherish every moment, and that joy can be found in the simple, steady moments of life. Steady Rhythm Joy.

Dermot recently announced European tour dates. I’ve seen him live a handful of times, and he does not disappoint, so be sure to grab a ticket if you can. Click here for tour dates and other information.

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Flowers-Fire – Kingfishr Single

photo credit: Casey King

I’ve always been interested in how the mind works and how human thoughts can, at times, seem very warped. For example, sometimes the loss of a relationship may leave us reflecting on our part in what went wrong. And then, while we are living in this state of self loathing, the mind, in some masochist way, will also remind us of the most sacred, special moments we’ve had with the person to ensure that we realize the gravity of our loss. How sad is that? Talk about salt in the wound. I’ve been pondering over this as I’ve been listening to Kingfishr’s tune, “Flowers-Fire.” This Limerick trio found their way to me by way of a friend that recently moved to Ireland.

“Flowers-Fire” pulls you in immediately as vocalist, Edmond Keogh (Eddie), tenderly invites you to share in his memories. Deep, rich vocals keep you hanging on every word as the story expands into its powerful chorus. This song is the example I mentioned earlier. You feel the pain, regret, and disbelief of loss intertwined with knowledge of a great love shared, which only enhances the weight of that loss.

Eoin Fitzgibbon photo credit: Casey King
Eddie Keogh photo credit: Casey King
Eoghan McGrath photo credit: Casey King

I honestly cannot believe this band is just getting started and, currently, only has two singles available. They feel like a seasoned group that has been around for a while yet just recently headlined their first show. This is one of the best songs that I have heard in a while. I’m very much looking forward to what they will release next. Give this tune a listen and let me know your thoughts. For more information, follow them on Instagram.

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My Journey to Fandom

The Fillmore. Charlotte, NC. 2020.

I never immersed myself into a community surrounding an artist until I started listening to Dermot Kennedy. I honestly didn’t understand them. I remember going to have my windshield replaced a few years ago and being overwhelmed with the amount of KISS memorabilia in the office waiting area. I’m talking signed guitars, photos with the band, photos at conventions with other fans, magazines, posters, etc. At the time, all I could think was, why in the world would you want or need all this stuff? I had my favorite artists, but I never had the desire to own keepsakes, follow fan or community pages, or meet strangers who just happened to like the same music as me. Little did I know that a couple of years later, I would understand the desire to be part of a fandom.

I had this idea that the word “fandom” had a negative connotation. I fully understood what it was to feel close to music and appreciate the artist providing you with that music, but I guess I drew a line at needing to understand the inspiration behind the song or connecting with other people who also liked it. Don’t get me wrong, if an artist shared personal information about the creative process, I found it very interesting, but I didn’t seek it out. The funny thing is that until you catch the fandom fever, you cannot fully understand how it even happens. It’s almost as simple as love and that old saying, “when you know, you know.” 

So, when did I catch the fandom fever? It was back in 2017 when I heard the song “Moments Passed” by Dermot Kennedy. I had my phone sitting on the counter near me while I was washing dishes and it started playing. I swear I actually looked at my phone and, as if it could understand me, said ‘okaayyyy,’ very excitedly as the vocal loop began. I knew you could love songs, but I fell IN love with that song. It felt personal. Something awoke in me after hearing it, and, for the first time ever, I felt the need to find out everything  I could about the person who created it.

After learning the name Dermot Kennedy, I went on a deep dive in YouTube to find any interview with him. Guess how many I found? ONE. I’ll link it here. I ended up going down a YouTube rabbit hole and found out that he had been in a band called Shadows and Dust and that he had done some busking. His age was a mystery, and soon, I started joking that he was immortal. After YouTube, I went to his Instagram where he had less than 15K followers at the time. It was good for new music and tour announcements, but it did not satisfy my desire to learn more about this, seemingly mysterious, artist. I remember one Instagram post, a few months after I started following him, where he was in a hospital bed and made a joke about how life imitates art because his current situation was similar to a scene in the “Moments Passed” video. I panicked a little. I felt an urge to call someone and make sure he was okay, only to remind myself that I didn’t ACTUALLY know him. That should have been my first clue that I was catching the fandom fever. My light research into an artist, to gather information to write about them, was quickly turning into heavy, unnecessary research. I am not exaggerating when I say that I searched his name at least once a day on YouTube for about a year (or more, yikes) to find new interviews. Some things on my mind were: What inspired him to start making music? What is his fascination with bears? What’s the story behind that sticker on his guitar? What does it all mean?!

Terminal West. Atlanta, GA. 2018.

I finally got to see him live in the fall of 2018. I had been living in his songs for a year and never been more nervous before seeing a show in my life. If you’ve ever seen Dermot live, you already know that it’s absolute magic. There are no words to adequately describe how I felt after that show. I remember not sleeping at all that night. The gig felt personal. It always feels personal because he is intentional in everything he does when it comes to the music. I often tell people that it feels like he read my journal and wrote a bunch of songs about all my secrets.

When friends and family didn’t seem to catch the same fever I had, I realized that I needed people to talk to that understood how close I felt to these songs. Not long after, a few fan pages started popping up on Instagram, and I reached out to the owner of one of them. Mind you, I’d never talked to someone online that I didn’t know in person. I was basically taught that if you did that, you’d probably end up dead in a ditch. I’m alive and well so I’d say the conversation went alright, and I made a new friend. Since then, I’ve met several other Dermot Kennedy fans, who all feel the same closeness to him and his songs as much as I do. There is a beautiful community that surrounds Dermot, full of some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. Our gratitude for him goes beyond a few songs. We have gratitude for the friendships we’ve made. For the experiences we’ve shared. For the family we’ve created. So, take it easy when we are a little extra passionate in our opinions when he releases new music or makes changes to his setlist or plays a new guitar. As I said, it feels personal. 

I no longer think negatively when I hear the word fandom. Connection through music is a powerful thing, and I hope everyone finds music that gives them a sense of community.

Dermot is currently performing in cities around the world to raise money for various charities by way of pop up busks known as the Sonder Street Sessions. Keep an eye out, your city may be next! Dermot’s sophomore album, Sonder, is due to be released November 4, 2022.

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Banks – Serpentina

If Banks’ latest album, Serpentina, is not my most played album this year, the Apple Replay gods will need to do some serious recalculating. I have had Banks in heavy rotation since a friend recommended her a little over a year ago, and as far as I am concerned, anything she touches becomes a masterpiece.

There is a liberating feeling you get when listening to Banks. Often times, we hide parts of ourselves from others. Maybe we feel like we aren’t allowed to be a certain way. Maybe we feel like no one will understand. Maybe we feel ashamed or scared. Whatever the case, Banks’ music is a safe space for you to be you. Within her music, you are allowed to be vulnerable, passionate, independent, and raw. You do not have to hide parts of yourself that you fear will be misunderstood. Perhaps that is why the opening track, “Misunderstood,” hits so hard as it beckons the listener with pleading lyrics to, “please let me be misunderstood.”

I like to be in control and I am a bit cynical. These are two things that I have to keep in check constantly. Too much of either, and I will be a lonely gal. Confidence radiates through this album on tracks like “Meteorite,” “F**k Love,” “The Devil,” and “Skinnydipped” in a way that helps those parts of me feel empowered rather than feeling like I need to snuff them out, and creates an environment where I can release emotion in a very cathartic way.

The production throughout this album is stunning. I cannot think of another artist whose production I prefer more than Banks. Distorted hip-hop beats drive most of the tracks and are accompanied by unique soulful melodies that dare you to box this record into one genre. Banks’ vocals float over the more vulnerable tracks like “Birds By the Sea” and “I Still Love You” guided by intricate piano melodies. “Holding Back” is my favorite track. It is one of those songs that gets you excited about music, a song that you lose and find yourself in simultaneously.

This is my number one this year. I do not anticipate anything else to surpass the genius that is this record. Give it a spin and let me know what you think. Click here for upcoming tour dates. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Banks live. Don’t miss out!

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TAVIA – Face My Fears

In March 2020, right before COVID lockdowns began, TAVIA traveled from California to London to create her debut album. Not long after arriving, she realized she would be required to cut her time in London short due to COVID. With lockdowns approaching, she had a total of five days to complete the project before returning home. Talk about PRESSURE! Over those five days she poured her soul into creating, and completed the entire ten track album.

The album flows like a conversation between friends, weaving delicately through emotions and reflective pauses until ending in a cathartic release with the final track, “Face My Fears.” The second song on the record, “Fine*,” is about that little lie we all tell ourselves and everyone around us when we are hiding from how we feel. If you have ever said the phrase ‘I’m fine’ when you are the opposite of fine, then you will relate to this song. “Healing” and “Sails” are proof that track list position matters. There is a seamless transition between these tracks from finding peace within “Healing” to taking your first breath of freedom in “Sails.” When I got to the last track on the record, I cried through it. This album does such an incredible job of including you in its self healing journey that you can’t help but experience that final emotional release with the artist. We all know what it is like to go through something difficult, and the peace felt when you come out stronger on the other side. Whatever you are trying to work through, TAVIA has created an album that will serve as your friend, your guide, and your comforter.

And, as if the music itself was not enough, TAVIA created stunning visuals to accompany each song. That’s right folks, a full visual album will be released soon. Follow TAVIA’s Instagram for updates!

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Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under

We live in an unpredictable world, that crumbles a little more each day. Sometimes it feels like there is no hope for humanity because we seem to have lost the ability to find common ground or the ability to effectively communicate. But, is that really the case, or are we victims of being force fed media poison until we believe there is no common ground?

These are some of the thoughts that sift through my mind as I sit and listen to Sam Fender’s sophomore album, Seventeen Going Under. This record is a beautiful depiction of growth despite the uncertainties of the world around you and how, together, they shape you become.

I am not the best at journaling about my life, but this is an album that I can hand to anyone and say, ‘this about sums it up.’ The title track is every moment in my youth that I wish I would have done differently highlighted by the lyrics, “The boy who kicked Tom’s head in, still bugs me now and that’s the thing it lingers and claws you when you’re down.” Growing up is not for the faint of heart, and you will likely feel lost most of the time. In reality, most people are winging it, even when it appears that they have it all together. Songs like “Aye,” “Long Way Off,” “Mantra,” and “Paradigms” represent my own frustrations with the media and politics. “Last To Make It Home” is my favorite track on the album. I tend to be my own worst critic and can relate to the self loathing lyrics as the production pushes you through, feet dragging heavier with each step. “The Dying Light” ends the record (standard release) with anthemic lines that leave you with a bit of hope to fight the good fight even when surrounded by despair. I really appreciate how Fender uses his platform and talent to voice opinions on topics others feel uncomfortable speaking about publicly. This is the kind of music that matters. This is the kind of music that is timeless. This is the kind of music that represents an entire generation of people. 

I genuinely believe that when I’m dead and gone, people will still speak of the brilliance of this record. Give it a listen and let me know what you think below. For Sam Fender’s website click here. 

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Emmit Fenn – Far From Here

I grew up in a home where there was a lot of yelling, and I felt like I was in a constant state of being on edge. The only thing that helped me escape was music. I would go to my room and turn my stereo up as loud as I could to drown out the noise. My room became a safe haven. It replaced the harsh noise with a soundscape that eased my mind and took me to another place. It has taken me a few weeks to pin point why Emmit Fenn’s music resonates with me so much, and I have finally solved the mystery. Listening to his music is like catching a ride along a neural pathway in my brain, straight to my mind’s safe space. The title track, “Far From Here,” beautifully demonstrates this feeling by opening the album with welcoming strings to Fenn’s most venerable thoughts.

I first heard of Fenn when a friend told me about him last December, but I really started taking notice a month later when he began releasing singles for his debut album, Far From Here. He posted a short clip of “Edge of The Dark” on Instagram the day of its release, and my eyes widened with excitement. The track’s steady rhythm of drums coupled with its sensual tone puts me in a trance. When the song reaches its climax, a euphoric sensation washes over you as light pours in and darkness is left behind. I honestly cannot get enough of it. It is my favorite song on the album.

I had a 4:30 AM wake up call the day of the album release, and my plan was to listen to the album to and from my morning kickboxing session. I figured I would be safe listening to the vulnerable tunes while on an endorphin high. I was wrong. “Closer to You” was the next song in queue when I got back into my car. The analgesic effects from my endorphin high, that were supposed to protect my mind, were no match for this track. Swimming in grief and loss, the song left me wanting to crawl in a corner and curl up in the fetal position. It also gifts you with the most beautiful part of the album as Fenn’s voice soars over the lyrics, “Oooooo, you left your heart in my head.” Good luck with that one folks. Consider this a warning.

“Where I Went Wrong” is quickly becoming a favorite. I love how it builds off the piano and crescendos from a ballad to an uptempo dance track. It is followed by “Until We Leave The Ground,” a tune that found its way into the Netflix popular movie To All the Boys: Always and Forever.  “We Could Have It All” continues the positive shift on the album and contains my favorite lyrics, “they say life’s better if you look through the dark.” I love how this line embraces darkness and faces it head on with hope that everything will work out in the end. Just when you thought you were emotionally safe, and let your guard down a bit, Fenn hits you right in the chest with “The Table,” a song about feeling helpless when things are out of your control. Ah, but there is a light at the end of this album. Fenn ends with the stunning tune “Moving On,” which really encompasses the album’s theme of being hopeful when it seems impossible.

I am pretty blown away by what Fenn has to offer, and I am extremely fascinated by his musical brain. His interactive website is also something to behold. He has clips of behind the scenes footage for each song within the digital sculpture created by the different album artworks. To top it off, each artwork is being sold as an NFT. 

My list of must see performers is growing and Fenn just made top of the list! Give his new album a listen and let me know what you think. 

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Banks – III

I really love having this space to discuss music, especially when an artist like Banks is suggested to me. I cannot believe I had not heard of this powerhouse artist until a few weeks ago! Her latest album, III, was released back in 2019, and I cannot get enough of it.

Empowered. That is how I feel when I listen to this record. This woman is fed up and ready to rid herself of toxic relationships. The album begins with the stunning opener “Til Now.” There is a beautiful release of emotion within the song as heavy breathing begins to surround each line. You can literally feel her crawling out of a pit of darkness, each exhale representing one more step toward liberation. There is a definite shift in control from the first to second track, “Gimmie,” with an encouraging message for women to stand up for themselves. Confidence bleeds through the song with the lyrics “gimmie what I want, what I deserve,” as she discovers her new found sense of worth.

This confidence carries throughout the rest of the record, exploring desires in a freeing way. The album does a magnificent job of conveying the internal struggle of wanting to be seen as strong and independent, but yearning for genuine love and connection. While the first few tracks take us through a roller coaster of relationships that leaves love feeling a bit jaded, the second half of the album introduces a more hopeful view of love with tracks like “If We Were Made of Water” and “What About Love.”

The production of the record is phenomenal. The shift in the bass line from a harsh distorted sound to an 80’s funk on “Stroke” is one of my favorite things on the album. Unpredictable moments like that in a song are what I crave. My favorite track has been changing daily, and I cannot really pin one down. I find that I am most drawn to “Til Now,” “Gimmie,” “Stroke,” “Swazall,” and “The Fall.”  

I cannot recommend this artist enough! Give her a listen and let me know what you think. For more information on Banks click here.

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Novo Amor – Cannot Be, Whatsoever

What do you fear most? Whenever someone asks me this question, I usually give common answers like spiders, snakes, or heights. While all of those things are true, my more thought out answer is regret. I am so scared of making a wrong decision because of the negative impact it might have later. This usually leads to questioning every decision with uncertainty while attempting to predict every possible outcome. Perfectionism at its worst.

Novo Amor’s sophomore album, Cannot Be, Whatsoever, was released earlier this month. It has been hard to find the right words to express what this record means to me, but I will try my best. For me, this album is about making peace with your decisions through embracing the uncertainties of life. It has also been extremely cathartic in helping me see past situations with new perspective. I went for a walk when I listened through for the first time. When I got to the last track I remember smiling and thinking, ‘Oh my gah, he’s a genius’ and ‘This is the most perfect record I’ve ever heard.’

The opening song “Opaline” sets a hopeful tone for the album with its message of being okay with moving forward to a new chapter in life. This seemingly positive note begins to fade as second guessing seeps in with “No Plans,” a stand out track to me because it has a more alternative sound than a typical Novo Amor song. The track I went back to first after listening through was “Keep Me.” I love the idea of a memory being enough to keep someone close to you and hoping that memory is  just as meaningful to the person you share it with as it is to you. My favorite track is “Halloween.” It is honestly one of the best songs I have ever heard and a turning point for the album. While listening to this tune, I felt at peace with the uncertainty and confusion that takes over when making decisions because underneath the fear of the unknown lies so much room for growth and learning. “If We’re Being Honest” is the song that never fails to make me smile. In a way, it is about accepting things for the way they are instead of what you think they could have been. Finding that level of peace is definitely something to smile about.

This might be my favorite record from start to finish that I have ever heard. It is a bit comical that I find it to be so perfect considering that it highlights, what I think to be, my imperfections. I really cannot recommend this album enough. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think.