Last night, for the first time, I watched my YouTube playlist - Rise to the Night - on my new 65" Samsung The Frame TV with my Bose headphones, and I can say without reservation that it was the most exhilarating audio/visual experience of my life. On April 19, 4 days from today, Rise to the Night is being released to all digital online retail stores and streaming services. This completes the largest and most comprehensive project of my career - Project 2026. Rise to the Night pairs with After the Fall for a double album release of 29 songs. After 54 years of writing/recording as an indie recording artist, Project 2026 will be my final offering, at least for public consumption. The final song I wrote for Project 2026, I will share with you in this blog, as it completely expresses my lifelong interest and compassion in songwriting and the sharing of it. I appreciate those who have taken an interest in my original work. As my book states, I have always, and for good reason, pursued 'this thing I do' for me, and my enjoyment in the pursuit of happiness. I have always been 'life engaged' and successful at it.
This song emotionally describes where I came from, my intentions along the way, and where I have arrived. Here's my YouTube link, should you want to view the video. https://youtu.be/iZMrm8mWEzI

Never Nothing Left to Say
I woke up this morning resolute
My sleep broken with a nocturnal nudge
Encouraging me to end it
With a smile and a tender touch
I've worn my heart out on my sleeve
I've shared everything I knew and thought
I've challenged the status quo
Side stepping main street climbing out of the box

Always wanting to make this world a better place to be

I've sung of politics and philosophy
Of love songs now gone cold
I've sung of being the judge and the jury
I've sung of reflection and ofcourse the aged mould
While expression of the heart
Was always tempered by the head
Truth and honesty to the self
Was where I always wanted to be in good stead

Always wanting to make this world a better place to be

I've seen relationships live and die
Love and lust both having their day
I've seen tender turned to trauma
I've seen predator turned to prey
So as it began it shall end
I've always known my way
Embracing the want to celebrate
With never nothing left to say

Always wanting to make this world a better place to be


J. Brian Copyright ©2026 Star Stuff Music (SOCAN)

After the Fall is the first 14 songs released from Project 2026 started its journey in the summer of 2025. By October I had 28 songs written and temporarily arranged and recorded on my iPhone. I started production in mid-October. By the end of December I had the album ready for release (January 07 - 2026) complete with accompanying videos on my YouTube Channel. I have been listening/watching this album since its release and I am satisfied and completely convinced that it is my best work yet in my storied 54-year writing career. And, no worries, I am more than comfortable with that 'subjective' assessment. My joy at times is overwhelming while at times I am saddened by the fact that my 'reach' in the industry is almost non-existent. I write for myself, why, is explained in my book. My songs have always required curation, some world class attention and intervention. I know that. Everything you hear and see is the result of my effort, 100% my creation. I'll never stop trying to extend my reach with the thoughts of having some of my material covered by a signed artist that can get it heard on a global scale.

Can't say that after the release of End Song - July 11th, 2023 - that I would've put in the work to produce another two albums containing 32 new songs. It continues to be a labour of love as it always has been est. 1972. The Dash Between had a very emotional start to its write, with the passing of good friend and long time same old face - Eric Green. Eric included our relationship in his self-authored eulogy that included a profound and impactful message that stated; "no one will be remembered for the two dates on their headstone, the start and finish, rather, they will be remembered for their life lived in the - between. That brought me to tears. I wrote a song, recorded it on my iPhone in skeletal form, put it on my YouTube, and it was played at the spreading of his ashes ceremony at sea. I was honoured to have been a part of his celebration of, the living of life in the dash between.

Happy to report my website is up to date and now has accessibility to my YouTube Channel that boasts 95 videos. Today I linked my new album A Walk to A Run and 15 accompanying videos, after uploading all 15 videos yesterday. Nice response thus far without any promotion to speak of.
I spent more time on this video package than any before and I have to admit that the video support for the album's songs effectively serves to enhance the viewers listen of the song. I'm a very very happy creator at all levels of 'this thing I do'.

With End Song promoted as my last album, let's call A Walk to A Run; one more last album… 15 new songs accompanied by 15 YouTube videos. I plan on releasing this project on YouTube in the Spring of 2024. I may give the audio one more shot at online sales. I'll see about that… This production has resulted in another level of arrangement and performance, with much more emphasis on guitar than in previous productions. I'm very very proud of this product.