The Small Voice Record, Vol. 2

Living the Best Story

By fate or providence I found myself at two different conferences, on separate sides of the country, both on the weekend of my 30th birthday. One was called STORY and it was held in Chicago, and the other was called Storyline and it took place here in Portland. Both conferences were assessing the stories that we tell with our life, faith, and art, and the goal was to help us see and lay hold of the best story. The tales we all love are those that contain a noble vision, adversity, hope despite all odds, and heroic sacrifice for the sake of others. Naturally, I found myself sorting through the last three decades of my life, searching for clues as to what kind of story it is that I’m telling. After charting the most positive and negative experiences that I’ve had in my lifetime, I began to see a pattern emerge. Many of my lowest points were associated with experiences of rejection, and my high points were often connected to music and fellowship. The questions I’m left to answer: Will my wounds create character and compassion in my life, or will I let them derail my story? And, how can my gifts and dreams now be used for the sake of helping others? Grappling with these questions is fueling my current project.

Love & War & The Sea In Between

I started writing songs for my next album over a year ago, and now I have what’s proving to be a 20- song project underway! While the songs won’t necessarily follow a chronological storyline or cycle, they’ll definitely function as a family, cumulatively telling a story of love, loss, war, the sea, and return. Somehow these themes have become intertwined in my heart and mind, and each song feels like a vital character in a novel told through music. My hope is that these songs will connect with people at various stages of their own journey, and bolster a sense of courage to push through the low points, to believe in a redemptive story, and to end well. Here's a preview of "Ulysses" from Love & War & The Sea In Between Partnership Starting in October of 2010 I’ll begin the recording process as a full-time endeavor for a span of 4 to 5 months. I’ll be doing very few shows and almost no traveling during this time of investment and creation in hopes of having the album available by early 2011. If you believe in what I'm doing and feel that God would have you contribute towards this project, would you consider partnering with us? I truly believe that with the help of friends, family, and supportive listeners investing in this work on the front end, it will not only enrich the process but create a more dynamic, community-driven final product. For those of you who wish to give a one-time gift, or offer ongoing support for this span of months, be assured that at the very least you’ll be the first to receive an advance copy of the album. In the meantime, Michelle and I are dreaming of other fun ways to bless you and show you our thanks! Here's How: You can send a check to: Small Voice Records c/o Josh & Michelle Garrels P.O. Box 11500 Portland, OR 97211 or go to the “Store” section of my website click here to donate electronically. Stay Tuned! If you’re interested in knowing the approximate cost breakdown it’s going to take to produce this album, I’ll be sending out another newsletter in a few weeks focusing on budget and specific areas of need. I’ll also be introducing you to the family of musicians I’m working with, each offering their distinct gifts and sounds to make this album something special. Until then, Thanks for your friendship and support! Sincerely, Josh (and Michelle, Heron, and Shepherd) ©2010 small voice records | P.O. Box 11500 Portland, OR 97211