Dan Alive is a new producer project covering a wide range of popular genres. Expect “collaborations” with my other projects, like Arkastra or Score One for the Underdogs, as well as instrumentals available for enjoyment on their own or for licensing to any variety of external products. I also would like to collaborate with other musicians, contributing remixes, beats, tracks, or string/horn/orchestra arrangements.

Dan Alive’s first album, First Steps, is coming on November 6, 2025. I’m calling it a mixtape, because besides being a standalone project, it is a sample of what I can do. In the future, elements from this mixtape could turn up in other projects; they could potentially even evolve into full songs with vocals.

I expect to be quite busy as Dan Alive, as I am actively planning to expand beyond my more moods-based previous projects. Which isn’t to say I’m leaving them behind; I’m currently trying to decide where/when to prioritize the next Duncle Dan lullaby album. I am also working on a full orchestral project for Arkastra to showcase that side of what I do.

Stay tuned!

That first Duncle Dan lullabies album was so much cuteness and fun that I just had to release another album to celebrate my niece Willow’s first Christmas. It features 19 holiday favorites and 1 original tune, and comes in two versions: one for piano and one for music box. Be sure to add it to your holiday mix so that those sugarplums will keep dancing in your head all through the night!

Listen now!

Once again, here’s a new track by From Embers on my Rain on the Window imprint. It’s an original melody paired with accompaniment similar to Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata. I hope you like it! And as always, be sure to save it to your appropriate playlists if you’re vibing with it.

Listen now!

Here’s another new track from me as From Embers on my Rain on the Window imprint. “I’ll See You Again Someday” is a simple piano melody with a title derived from the words I imagined gracing the final line of melody. Maybe in the future I’ll write lyrics and turn it into a proper song. What do you think?

Listen now!

I’ve created the new imprint Rain on the Window as a home for instrumental mood music for relaxing, studying, etc. The first release is under the artist name From Embers, and the track is titled “Dawning”. It’s a simple, pleasant solo piano track that is perfect for playlisting. Have a listen, and if you like it, add it to your own collections!

Listen now!

Out now: Innerstellar’s new work “Who’s to Say This Will Make More Sense the Next Time Through”. It’s my collaboration with poet Audra Almond-Harvey in support of Nashville’s dance ensemble FALL (falldance.org).

In June 2022, FALL presented A Bending of its Own Kind 2.0, a contemporary and aerial dance performance inspired by founder Rebekah Hampton Barger’s experience with chronic pain. “Who’s to Say This Will Make More Sense the Next Time Through” was commissioned for the event, and now it is available for all to hear.

Innerstellar’s music creates a complementary sonic space for powerful poetry written and recited by Audra Almond-Harvey, her poignant words expressing the collected experiences of those living with chronic pain. It’s a profound depiction of the journey through fear and uncertainty to hope and self-kindness.

Paired with it is the instrumental version, titled “What Stars We Can See”.

LISTEN NOW!

Cover photo: Martin O’Connor