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)