September 01st, 2024

Recording "Head From My Heart" at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio:
When it came time to record my new song, "Head From My Heart," I knew it had to be at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, the legendary 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama. There's something about the history and the energy of that place that feels like pure magic — a magic that you just can't find anywhere else. And to top it all off, I was joined by an incredible lineup of musicians who helped bring this song to life in ways I could only dream of. muscleshoalssoundstudio.org

The Musicians Behind the Magic
The session was filled with some of the most talented and accomplished musicians around, each bringing their unique touch to "Head From My Heart." I had the honor of working with Will McFarlane, a Musicians Hall of Fame guitarist whose soulful playing has shaped countless hits over the years. On keys, Jeff McMahon brought his ACM-nominated flair and experience from his days with the Dance Hall Doctors, adding layers of emotional depth to the song. The rhythm section, held down by Jamie McFarlane on bass and Justin Holder on drums, gave the track its heartbeat and drive, turning it into something truly special.

The Heart of the Song"Head From My Heart," co-written with hit songwriter Mark Narmore, delves into the internal battle between logic and emotion. It's about those parts of us that we can't quite control — the quirks, traits, and decisions that tend to blow up when we least expect them. In the lyrics, I explore the push and pull between the head and the heart, that constant struggle to find balance and clarity in life.

"If I could only get the two to work in my favor,
There'd be no more push and pull,
No more second-guessing my first instincts..."

This song speaks to the universal experience of overthinking, of getting caught up in "what-ifs" and near-misses, and ultimately, the longing to find a way forward that feels true. It's a reminder that sometimes, the biggest obstacles we face are the ones we create ourselves.

The Recording Experience
Recording at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was like stepping back in time to the golden age of music. The walls are alive with the stories of legends who came before — Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd — and you can feel their presence in every note played. We wanted to capture that raw, authentic sound that Muscle Shoals is known for, and these session players brought that spirit to life.

Will McFarlane’s guitar work added a gritty, soulful edge that perfectly complemented the emotional pull of the lyrics. Jeff McMahon’s keys brought warmth and texture, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. Jamie McFarlane and Justin Holder locked in tight, giving the song a solid foundation while allowing space for every instrument to shine.

Breathing Life Into the Words
​The sessions felt like magic unfolding in real-time. The moment we started playing, I knew we were onto something special. The sound that filled the room wasn’t just music — it was a conversation between my lyrics and the talents of these incredible musicians. Each verse, each chorus felt like a chapter unfolding, telling the story of that eternal tug-of-war between mind and heart.

"I think, therefore I am always overthinking,
All the what-ifs, every near miss driving my drinking..."

The song's vulnerability was amplified by the musicians’ interpretations, with Jeff’s keys providing a haunting undercurrent to the words about overthinking and self-doubt. Will’s guitar solo echoed the yearning in the lyrics, while Jamie and Justin kept the groove both steady and unpredictable — much like the journey of trying to find balance in life.

Why This Song Matters
"Head From My Heart" is about those moments when we feel stuck in our own heads, wishing we could just follow our hearts without hesitation. It's a song for anyone who has ever struggled with indecision or felt torn between what they think they should do and what they truly want.
In Muscle Shoals, surrounded by legends and stories, the song came to life in a way I never imagined. It was as if the studio itself was adding its own voice to the recording, infusing every note with a sense of history and depth. This is a song about finding your way — and in that studio, we found a new way to tell that story.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. The magic of Muscle Shoals, the talent of these extraordinary musicians, and the depth of this song have created something truly special. I can't wait for you to hear it.
Stay tuned, and keep listening with your heart. 💙

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