PhilSjoquist

Music

 

 

Bearings
Where am I? Where am I going? Is it the right direction? What lies between me and the right direction? These are questions that I always find staring me right in the face. The "strange feeling" that "can't be ignored" and always returns is the feeling I get when I am off course. I can run and distract myself from reality for a while but eventually I will have to confront whatever needs to be changed in my life.

 

Memories
We all have places in our lives that bring back strong memories and nostalgia. Each day we create new memories, meet new people and pass hundreds of strangers. This song came from the place in my heart that kept wanting to go back. To live the way I was living before, with the people that were in my life at that time. We only get one life and each season can never be relived. Cherish memories but let them remind you to really cherish the present.

 

As the Rain Falls
This song was written about a few different experiences that I have had. One being that nothing in this life is guaranteed. Success in the past does not guarantee success in the future. The United States economy may have had ten years of economic success and jobs for everyone, but we all saw how quickly that can change. The song also speaks about a unique experience I had when a homeless person asked me for some money. The Rain is a metaphor for love. No matter what happens to us or who we are, we are all loved the same.

 

 

Shine On
The world is a beautiful place. Each moment has its own beauty to unveil. I have discovered that its full beauty can only be realized when you are completely present and aware. We miss so much of what is really going on around us because we are stuck in our heads. This song is about moments of rich experience and also how quickly we can lose touch with the present and get lost in our ego. Ultimately the single message of the song is to shine whatever light you have for those around you. No matter what you're going through, SHINE ON.

 

 

Reflections
I picked up my electric guitar one day and discovered a new tone that I hadn't played with before. The tone itself inspired me to write this instrumental. The guitar parts come purely from a feeling of lamentation, and from my reflections on my past.

 

 

 

 

Straight Ahead
Crank up the music, roll down the windows, step on the gas and don't let anything stop you from doing what you love and being who you truly are.