Growth, Unplugged and Uncensored, is a concept album that is based on the story of my personal growth. The setting begins in my early adolescent years in New Jersey and leaves off at graduation weekend, in Burlington, VT. The release of this album is a huge step forward for me, not necessary because it is publishing 10 original tracks, but because it was a chance to confront a couple of my weaknesses, one being my habit to leave projects on unfinished. Having an album based on the theme of growth is something that I’ve thought about doing for years, so actually completing it is a dream come true, and inspiration to conquer more projects. The other weakness I had to confront in order to release this album, is my reluctance to expose my vulnerabilities. It definitely can be a bit unsettling to release a project that shares so much about yourself at once, but it’s also freeing to not care. There are some pretty sad songs in this album, which I wasn’t a fan of at first, but they are certainly an important part of this album, because sometimes you need some darkness to truly appreciate the light.

Because this piece of art is, as far as I can think of, the most personal project I’ve worked on, I thought it would be an appropriate time and place to show thanks to everyone that has been there for me to help me grow, both as a musician and as a person, because I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be anywhere without yall. And It doesn’t matter to me whether or not you like my music, your support to me as person is what has mattered most. The list is pretty damn long, so if you don’t feel like reading it I’ll summarize it by saying that there has been an overwhelming amount of amazing people in my life that have lifted me; from family and friends, to acquaintances, to the wider community, and I am very grateful for you all. So, if you have had any impact on my life, as small or as large is it may be, thank you.

First off, thank you to those who directly contributed to the album: Ethan, for graciously offering to help me record this album, and for all the time and effort you put into the mixing and production. It was an awesome experience and I am absolutely stoked on the way it turned out. Thank you Haley, for putting together such a beautiful piece of art that fits the album so well. And thank you to Bella, for driving up from Montpelier to lay down some sick vocal licks on track number six. You all deserve all the success you desire in your respective pursuits. And to those the that offered their help for this album, you know who you are, thank you, too. It’s an honor to have the support of such talented peeps, and I don’t doubt the album could have been enhanced with your musicianship, but I ultimately decided to keep it simple, and to use this as chance to reexplore my instrumental side, which I have neglected since getting more into songwriting. It certainly was a humbling experience, I’ll say, and I am glad that now I have learned what I need to work on.

Now, to those that were not directly involved in the album: first and foremost, thank you to my loving parents, who have been there to support me and my ambitions no matter how seemingly ridiculous, and sometimes dangerous, they can be. I love you both so much. Thank you to my three older brothers Adrian, Alex, and Andrew, who have been such great friends and role models throughout my life, each in their unique own way. I believe it is so important to have mentors in your life to help you grow and develop, and I couldn’t have been more lucky to grow up with three of the best. Thank you to my little sister, Robin, always one of my biggest fans, best friends, and greatest inspirations. You are a badass, Ra.

Thank you to all my extended family, family friends, and all of those who have been a part of Sunday’s at Aunt Dale’s. I am so blessed to have had that growing up, and it is not something I ever want to take for granted. Love you all. Big thanks to my cousin, Gabriel, a lifelong mentor, and my first musical inspiration. You were always such a cool and wise role model, and I cherish those memories staying up late in hitting the studio with you. Thank you to Gladis for being such a bright light throughout my childhood, and all you have done for us.

To all the peeps back home, thank you for all the kick-ass times during all those years in Monty, all the beach weeks, and all the times in Brunswick the last few years. And to those who have stuck around Jersey, thank you for always welcoming me home with open arms. Your love and support means a ton to me. I owe a special thanks to Steve, my best friend throughout adolescence, who has been there for me through thick and thin. Love you, dude. Thank you to Danny D. and the Dinapoli’s, for all their goofiness and hospitality they gave me growing up. I know we haven't spoke in years, and you might not ever read this, but nevertheless, you were a big part of my life.

Huge thanks my friends I made this summer in the Cape, especially Haley and the Landon brothers, for showing me the ropes in a new place and having my back throughout it all. Specific thank you to Lando for inviting me to work out there. It was truly an epic experience, that lead me to this point today.

Next, thank you to all my friends from Burlington/UVM. The awesome people here are the reason I stayed in school and why I came back for most of this Fall. Thank you to the homies in Germaine for your hospitality during my stay here the past couple months. I am grateful to have you guys in my life. Shoutout to all the members of Guitar House and CME. It was an absolute blessing to have had the opportunity to live amongst such kind, incredibly talented, and inspirational people, and I am no doubt a stronger musician and person because of you all. The memories, all the things I learned, the events: there is no other way I would have wanted to do my college experience. You all are such skilled mofo’s, and I really hope you keep playing music.

Big thanks to my good friend Andre, who was my first (informal vocal coach), during that freshman year songwriting course. Thank you for inspiring me down this path and helping me find my voice. Thank you to Max, Russell, Jacob, and Dustin from Apocalyptic Paradise, for all the awesome times we had in the practice room, the Fletcher basement, raging at the amp, etc, and thank you for believing in me as a lead vocalist, and for giving me that opportunity to grow as a singer and performer. Who knows, maybe we’ll have rageunion one day (now ya do what they told yuh ;)). All the other musicians at UVM, thank you for your inspiration and support, and special thanks to those that participated in Amps at The Amphitheatre. It is mind boggling how much talent I’ve been surrounded by the past few years.

Next, thank you to everyone in the broader community, who spread kindness and positivity. Almost everyone I’ve met here has been nothing but kind to me. And even if we don’t really know each other that well, or even if we only met one time at party, in which I may or may not remember, it is the good vibes and encouraging words that you guys have provided that have really helped me get to a better place. And I know I’m not always the friendliest person, as I tend to be in my own world half the time (I am working on it), but know I appreciate the love. Lastly, huge thanks to everyone who has supported me while street performing in Burlington, Vt this Fall. To those who don’t know, that was how I supported myself during my stay here, so my belly thanks you, too. And not just thank you to those who donated, you know, to be honest, a smile can be just as valuable sometimes. Especially during those moments when you might not be ‘feelin it’. It’s been a dream come true being able to support myself doing what I love, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Much Love.