The Story Behind Taking Flight
Tonight, I get to say something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time:
My debut album Taking Flight is about to launch.
When I first started writing songs for The RED Pelicans, I didn’t know exactly where it would go. It actually started with one song — “See It Through” — but that’s a story for another day. What I did know was that I needed an outlet: a way to take all the things I’ve lived through, the thoughts that keep me up at night, and the flashes of humor that get me through tough days, and turn them into music.
For me, Taking Flight isn’t just an album title. It’s a metaphor for what this project represents: finding the courage to leave the ground, no matter how heavy life feels.
Why Taking Flight?
When you’re starting something new — especially something creative — it can feel impossible. The weight of doubt, the grind of everyday life, and the voice in your head saying “you’re not good enough” all push you down. Writing these songs was my way of fighting back against that.
Taking flight means refusing to stay grounded by fear. It means chasing the dream even when the world tells you not to. It means believing that music made at home with DIY tools can still carry at least some of the weight as anything recorded in a million-dollar studio.
The Songs That Define the Journey
Every track on this album tells part of that story.
- “Excuse Me” — the sound of burnout, of grinding so hard you forget to live.
- “See It Through” — my anthem for perseverance, a reminder that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you get back up.
- “Tiny Waves” — a song about how even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple into something bigger.
- “What’s It All About” — that restless question we all ask: why are we chasing, and what does it mean?
- “Out of the Rabbit Hole” — a lifeline for anyone who feels broken or alone, a reminder that you’re not.
And of course, the fun side of me comes through in tracks like “Geek Anthem,” “Love Means Sweatpants,” and “True North Now and Forever.” Because sometimes the best way to face a tough world is with laughter, pride, and a little bit of silliness.
Punk Spirit, Modern Tools
I want to be honest: The RED Pelicans isn’t a four-piece band in a garage. It’s one songwriter with a lot of determination and the willingness to use today’s tools. FL Studio, Audacity, Suno, Moises — they’re my instruments, just like distortion pedals and tape decks were for earlier generations.
For me, that’s punk. It’s about honesty, DIY spirit, and making something real with whatever you’ve got. I’m not saying it’s directly comparable, apples to apples — I’m saying that with new technology comes a new way to get things done. That naturally means a slightly different sound, but it carries the same heart.
What I Hope You Take Away
At the end of the day, Taking Flight is about resilience.
It’s about finding humor in the chaos.
It’s about ending even the darkest songs with a spark of light.
Life is messy. Life is unfair. But through music, we can scream, laugh, and remind ourselves that it’s still worth fighting for.
If even one person hears these songs and feels less alone, or finds the motivation to push through their own struggles, then this project has already succeeded.
A Message to Dreamers & Creators
I encourage all of you to chase your dreams and make them a reality. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do it. Don’t let things like money or expensive equipment stop you. There are always workarounds if you try hard enough.
Just look at The RED Pelicans — we may not be traditional, but we still got the job done.
And to all the traditional artists out there: a big shout-out to what you do and continue to do every day. Thank you for inspiring me, and for reminding the world why music matters.
Tomorrow, We Fly
At midnight tonight, Taking Flight will be out in the world. 15 tracks of punk, humor, honesty, and hope.
I can’t wait for you to hear it.
I can’t wait for you to sing along.
And I can’t wait to see where this journey goes from here.
Thank you for being part of The RED Pelicans.
This is just the beginning.
– The RED Pelicans
