Protocol

À propos

"Protocol" is very different from my other original material and is probably the most political and angry song. I’m sure the subject matter will make some listeners uncomfortable, but to me, that’s what art is supposed to do. It’s a form of expression, a way for some people to communicate their thoughts. "Protocol" began in 2018 when my musical friend Julia Michelle Sample wrote some lyrics about the first Trump administration and the Ariana Grande concert bombing. At the time, Michelle introduced me to the music of Marillion, and I was fascinated by their two lead singers exploring sociopolitical themes throughout their discography. Michelle wrote some lyrics for an imaginary song that was in the style of Marillion's protest epic, "Forgotten Sons." I started recording Michelle's lyrics while adding my own lyrics and adapted the three musical sections in the style of "Forgotten Sons"; however, I wasn't happy with the final result. Fast forward to early 2026: I listened to Springsteen's protest song "The Streets of Minneapolis" and decided to write new lyrics for "Protocol" while retaining a lot of Michelle's lyrics. A new computer with amazing drum sounds also helped me record and start this new version of the epic. After completing the new version, I felt like it was the right time for me to get this song out into the world. I hope you like it.