Hello Old Friend
It's been a while
About a year and a half ago I went on my last (for now) tour…I actually flew home in the middle of it out of fear of an impending mental breakdown. I shut down pretty much everything that had to do with my dying music business…the LLC, the website…the email list. I saved the list and just imported it here to Substack, hoping there’s a few of you that may be interested in my new endeavors. Which still totally include, perhaps more than ever, songwriting and art-making and exploring the depths and heights of the human experience. My ask is that if you want to unsubscribe (totally reasonable) please just remember kindly that you did sign up at one point and don’t report me for harvesting your email illegally or whatever it may ask as you go? I’m trying to figure this thing out, gracefully, no pressure to stick around.
(By loving the shadow, all parts of ourselves, we clarify the mind and see the pure light of G*d, LOVE, above, below, and within us. Ommmm & Amen.)
Though I can blame a host of outside sources, people within the structure of the music biz that treated me poorly etc. etc…the truth is I needed to withdraw and learn to love myself. I have, and I’ve learned to relate to myself, my art, my world, my G*d…with playfulness, reverence, joy, and creativity. I feel now that a part of my healing process is to be even more honest about what I’m up to, to really let all the walls down I’ve kept between me in the world, and to share stories and insights about what has lead me to now…sitting in the lobby of the church where I am training to be the music pastor. Whaaat? The God is Just the Universe guy leading at a Christian church? Believe me, I never thought I’d wind up here…but I’m happy these days. It’s weird. Sometimes I don’t trust it to not give way. Actually, I know it will someday. It’s that equanimity in all things…peace. I’ll keep this one brief, just wanted to greet you since you didn’t exactly plan to subscribe to this iteration of material. There isn’t anything for sale, although there is an option to pitch in financially if that resonates with you. I’m broke but my family loves me and I always find some way to pay rent and get beans. The church I help out at is struggling to stay alive too, it’s a very weird expression of inclusivity and light…not really operating by the model that gets handsomely rewarded in our country and culture. We shall see how it plays out, join me if you like and drop a line! Love and gratitude,
Corey Kilgannon
Dear Corey,
I was surprised to see your message in my inbox today. I do not normally respond to things like this, but I wanted to congratulate you on your journey. Your passion for creativity and your empathy for the human population will always draw many to both you and the beautiful music you create. I have listened to your music for many years, through the ups and downs of a journey not too different from your own. I have related so deeply to your lyrics and have always been so drawn to your philosophical themes. Know that you are in my, and many of your other fans’, thoughts and prayers.
Pax,
SRO
Hey man, I’ve always appreciated the honesty and exploration in your music and believe God is using it. Because I believe music is communal, and not meant to be driven by consumerism (as it is so much today), I would love to keep hearing about your exploration of our humanity, seeking of God in all of this, and following of Jesus. I’ll say a prayer that he keeps showing up when you seek and knock.
Blessings,
Martin