Driving down Route 219 I had to take my foot off the gas because my eyes were welling up with tears. I’m generally not a cusser.
I screamed an obscenity in agreement with the growling howl of “Drowning” as Brandon Coleman of The Red Clay Strays sings:
Somebody help me I’m
Drowning
I can’t tread much longer I’m
Fighting
To keep my head above the water
So throw me a line, show me a sign
Everything’ll be alright
I’ve felt that. Every man has felt that.
If they say they haven’t felt it, they’re in a dangerous place, because they’re lying to themselves, or because maybe they just haven’t hit that hard part of life yet.
This past year, I discovered The Red Clay Strays on Spotify.
I instantly resonated with the rock and roller meets what country-music-should-have-always-been sound, and other than Podcasts, praise and worship music that I’m learning for church, and Mark Kroos and the Forest Floor, the only music I’ve listened to this past year has been The Red Clay Strays. I’m confident that 60 percent of their Spotify revenues are probably from my plays.
Imagine my elation when I see the new album had dropped.
Made By These Moments kicks off with Disaster, a blistering bluesy tune that doesn’t betray their signature style in the least. And then I see some familiar tracks that I’ve heard before, released previously as an EP. They belong here on this full album.
“Wanna Be Loved” is honestly the cry of every man.
If you are a woman reading this review, and you want to know what’s going on in your man’s head when he stops numbing himself enough to feel – this is what he’s thinking.
I’ve been afraid
And I’ve been alone
Sometimes I need someone to pick up the phone
I’m tired of the leaving
I need a home
Oh, I just wanna be loved
I just wanna be loved
Can you tell me I’m worthy or important?
Am I working hard enough?
Oh, I just wanna be loved
I just wanna be loved
And I want someone to want me
I want somebody there
And I need someone to need me
I need someone who cares
“Wanna Be Loved” – The Red Clay Strays
Men, we may not have the vocabulary to put it into words – but if we’re honest, this is what we’re feeling.
So much of this album speaks to that ache, that fear, that turmoil.
And the past year of my life, before the album even came out, while listening to The Red Clay Strays older songs, I was going through a lot of these feelings.
In my own life, I’ve had to fight like hell against my own devils. I had to face my pain head on and work through it. I had to talk about hard things. I had to look deep into my past and address the reasons that I think the way I do. I had to forgive people that hurt me. I had to forgive myself for the way that I’ve hurt others. I had to seek forgiveness from people I’ve hurt. It’s been a battle, with a constant voice in my head telling me to shove a donut or a slice of pizza in my face to make the pain go away – or to scroll TikTok a little longer for a dopamine hit. And I’ve been numbing like that with one thing or another for most of my life. And I’ve watched as my family and the people I love have suffered.
So when “Devil in My Ear” came over the speakers, you can bet I uttered some more of those words of agreement.
These guys get me.
Why, why, why can’t I seem to hold my head up high?
It must be the devil in my ear
I’m not good enough, so what’s the use?
Self-medicate and self-abuse
It must be the devil in my ear
I try to push ’em all away
But those thoughts they stick around
Thrivin’ on my pain and they keep bringin’ me down
I pray to God for peace of mind, for the gloom to disappear
I can’t find a cause to live with the devil in my ear
Why, why, why can’t I seem to fall asleep at night?
It must be the devil in my head
Depression and anxiety
I can’t shake the grip that they’ve got on me
I know the devil’s gotten in my brain
I try to push ’em all away
But those thoughts they stick around
Thrivin’ on my pain and they keep bringin’ me down
I pray to God for peace of mind, for the gloom to disappear
I can’t find a cause to live with the devil in my ear
Why, why, why can’t I seem to hold my head up high?
It must be the devil in my ear
I don’t wanna die, I wanna live
But my life can’t go on like this
And not another day with the devil in my ear
Well, not another day with the devil in my ear
Not another day with the devil in my ear
“Devil in my ear ” – The Red Clay Strays
These guys have been spying on me.
Seriously. It’s music that really speaks to my soul, not just lyrically, but in that Alabama, sweat-soaked, Sunday-Night-Revival-Service kind of way.
I can listen to the music and clearly identify the influences, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Lynyrd Skynryd, Aerosmith, The Alabama Shakes, and Chris Stapleton have all scratched their autographs into the side of The Red Clay Strays sound, but I can hear some other influences that others might not recognize. I can hear the pentecostal church. I can hear mama’s faithful prayers. I can hear anxiety attacks. I can hear desperation. I can hear the sounds of gospel preaching and bar fights and campfires and ghost stories.
This isn’t just music. This is soul.
The blurb on the back of the album cover sums up the message well:
“The hardships and uncertainties in life are something that can never be comprehended by any person. We will never fully understand why we chose to hurt each other or why bad things happen to good people day after day. This iniquitous reality paired with the unbearable weight of the world will quickly leave you feeling alone, powerless and without hope. However one thing we do know for certain is that holding on to hope and keeping your faith in God is the only way to prevail through life’s trials and injustices. By doing this we come to the realization that we are not alone in this battle and that the difficult times of which we were certain would destroy us become the key moments in our lives that actually makes us stronger. Much like a diamond cannot exist without first being exposed to extremely high temperatures and a pressure that is 50,000 times the pressure on the surface of the earth. There is always achievement after endurance. This album is the direct result of persevering through the many difficult times we ourselves have faced both personally and as a band. Made by These Moments shines a light on overcoming the battles we face in life like loneliness, depression, and hopelessness. We hope you recognize that our pain has purpose.”
I’d LOVE to get some of the guys from the band that write these songs on the podcast here at Manlihood. If anyone reading this has a connection, let me know! Thanks!
Join Josh Hatcher in a profound and captivating conversation with the accomplished musician, Mark Kroos, on the latest episode of the Manlihood Mancast. This engaging discussion delves into crucial aspects of personal development, such as self-love, mindfulness meditation, and understanding one’s emotions and fears. Mark generously shares insights into his personal journey of self-discovery, navigating through trauma, and emphasizing the significance of therapy in one’s life.
Discussing what it means to be a man, Mark highlights the importance of vulnerability, self-awareness, and the processing of emotions. Beyond the introspective moments, the episode also offers a light-hearted bonus with anecdotes from Mark’s touring experiences and valuable insights into his evolving music career, including his upcoming vocal album project and Christmas tour. The blend of introspection, music talk, and relatable life experiences creates a compelling narrative that is bound to inspire listeners and fans of Mark Kroos’s music alike.
Many years ago, I wrote this song as a tribute to the veterans who served our country.
When this song was recorded at a live concert, our drummer was Chris Stavish, a Marine Corps Vet.
The song has a lot of meaning to me, as I’ve had many members of my family and many friends who served our country, and I just wanted to talk about their heroism, and their desire to come home to “American Sand”
American Sand
by Josh Hatcher
I’ve been fighting in this desert for way too long And I’m starting to feel forgotten but I know I got be strong Cuz I want to make it back home… back to my own land I wanna pick up a fistful of American Sand. When I get off that plane I’m gonna fall down and kiss the dirt Of this land that gave me freedom long before it gave me birth
I can’t wait to get back to American Sand I’m going home when this war is over to American Sand.
Back home I’ve got a family. A wife and a couple kids How I long to see their faces. To give my wife a kiss. Cuz everything I’ve got’s in a America and I ache to get it back This foreign soil is empty and hope is looking black This kid I’ve known since Basic just died the other day And just before it happened, I heard him say.
I can’t wait to get back to American Sand I’m going home when this war is over to American Sand.
Some say we should be here… fighting someone else’s war. And it’s their right to say it that I’m fighting for But all this bickering on the homefront over whether we are right Doesn’t help me at this moment. Doesn’t help me win this fight. I’ve seen things in battle that keep me up at night The only thing I hold on to – that gets me through the night Is American Sand —
I can’t wait to get back to American Sand I’m going home when this war is over to American Sand.
In this interview with Manlihood, Mark Kroos talks about his career as a guitarist, the lessons he’s learned in life, and the truth of manhood and masculinity in a modern world.
Mark Kroos plays an Ovation guitar with two necks at the same time. His shows are energetic, magnetic, and Mark’s personality is as welcoming as his playing is spectacular.
Acoustic Guitarist Mark Kroos is a phenomenal musician, and a great example for men to follow
“Mark Kroos is one of the most intelligent musical forces of the new guitar generation.”
– Randall Williams
In this conversation with Mark Kroos on the Manlihood ManCast, we talk about his music, the challenges of life on the road, overcoming adversity, and more.
Double-Neck Guitarist
In 2011, Mark competed in Guitar Player Magazine’s International Guitar Superstar Competition in Nashville for host Larry Carlton and renowned judges Muriel Anderson, Reeves Gabrels and Carl Verheyen, taking 1st place out of 5 invited competitors and thousands of others who had submitted online.
“Mark Kroos plays with a sensitivity to the music and positive energy that is truly refreshing.”
Muriel Anderson
1989 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion
Mark has since shared the stage with guitarists Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, Phil Keaggy and Stanley Jordan among others during his past 8 years of touring through the US and Canada. He has also picked up full sponsorships with D’Addario Strings, Planet Waves Cables, Genz Benz Amplifiers, Ovation Guitars, Kopf Percussion and Kyser Capos.
Facing hardship “like a man”
In this episode of the Manlihood ManCast, one of the things that Mark talks about is the things he learned when covid shut down his ability to tour with his music. That experience deeply affected the way he processes things as a man.
I see a guy on the street, and I think, ‘that dude has his act together!’ But I’ve had a lot of really great moments over the past few years and realizing that, nobody has their act together. It feels really freeing and incredible to see that.
We try to appear hard, walking with our shoulder back, and chests out, and so much of this work over the past year has been about softening, and not taking myself so seriously. Because I really felt for a long time my guitar career was the most important thing in the world to me. Then I saw the world without my guitar career. The world was doing just fine.
Singer / Songwriter JD Casper (The Voice: Season 20) has released his new single “The Life You Make” – and he sat down with Manlihood for a quick Question and Answer session.
Q: The Life You Make is a moving song, clearly with a message. What inspired this song?
A: I do the best I can to wake up and write in the mornings. Get somewhere quiet, drink my coffee and pick on some chords. This song poured out without much effort during one of those morning sessions. I didn’t sit down and say “Okay, it’s time to write a song for my kids.” It wasn’t intentional. In the moment, I didn’t realize what was coming out until it did. And then I looked & thought, “oh wow, this is really a beautiful sentiment.”
Q: It sounds like you are addressing your children in the second verse. What other things do you want your kids to know?
A: I just want my kids to always stay true to themselves. Pursue a meaningful life and don’t get caught up in the negativity out there. Life is to short so enjoy every bit of it. Wake up and pursue your passion everyday. And always be a kind, forgiving person. The high road is the right road.
Q: The first verse says, “Any given day is an opportunity and a chance to make your dreams come true” Does this mindset drive you?
A: Yes. I think it should for anybody with a dream or a specific life goal in their mind. There were multiple avenues my life could have stayed on and I would have never gotten to where I am now. It took leaving comfortable jobs. Comfortable living situations. Moving away from friends and family. And staying disciplined. Treating my passion like punching a clock and grinding away. I feel like if you know what you want to do with your life then the only thing standing in the way is your self doubt. You shouldn’t settle on anything short of the vision you have for yourself. And once you get there, then the finished line gets moved further away and the expectation for yourself grows.
Q: I know that sometimes you play with a band, sometimes you are the band. Did you work with other musicians on this?
A: This song was written on my own. I took it to the studio with a finished product. We just set up the microphones and captured the performance. Q: Many men today find themselves unable to express how they feel. Does music give you an outlet for those emotions? A: It definitely does. Something very therapeutic happens when I write out my feelings. I start with a chord structure, then I will start singing whatever words come out in the moment. Before long, it’s a meaningful song that somehow represents how I felt in that moment. It’s really an amazing thing and I’m so fortunate to have found something that works for me.
Q: Since we last interviewed you, you’ve had a pretty exciting experience – I’m sure we’ll talk about it more when we interview you in person for the podcast – but after appearing on NBC’s The Voice for a brief stint – what opportunities did that open up for you?
A: Quite a bit. It was a really amazing opportunity that I’m grateful for. Just so surreal watching yourself on TV like that. My phone was just blowing up in real time when it aired. It was the first time I’ve ever experience that kind of exposure and I really learned a lot from the experience.
Q: While this song may have been written to your kids in particular – it’s good life advice. What other life advice do you have for the Manlihood audience?
A: I would say always check your lug nuts. If even 1 lug nut loosens, your tire will turn uneven and before long, all your lug nuts will be loose. At that point, your whole wheel could fly off on the highway at 80mph. It’s up to us to safely check ourselves and our friends to avoid major catastrophe. And I mean this literally and figuratively.
Q: What is the best way for folks to show their support for your new song?
A: Stream it on Spotify. Subscribe to the Youtube Channel. Follow on Instagram, Facebook. Anything. My goal in creating art is to be heartfelt and true to myself. Put it out in the world and hope it finds the ears that need to hear it. As that’s what my favorites songs & artists have done for me.
Hal Walker is an internet sensation. In his 50’s he probably never expected to be the cool guy on the internet, but his cool spirit, determination, and penchant for ancient instruments have made him a star.
Low Key Gliding on the Khaen
Hal’s ticket to internet stardom started when he shared a video playing an ancient instrument from Laos called the Khaen – an ancient predecessor to the modern harmonica. The song became a TikTok hit, and it’s been remixed, sampled,and spread across the interwebs faster than “Gangnam Style” back in 2013.
80-90 percent bedridden
Hal sufferers from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, abbreviated as ME/CFS. He’s in pain, and struggles with fatigue. His story is both tragic and beautiful as he fights to keep creating and making his art.
Hal Walker on the Manlihood ManCast
Hal talks with Josh about his illness, about his journey, about his music, and it’s an inspiring and intriguing listen.
In this Episode of The Manlihood ManCast, Josh Hatcher interviews Austin Stirling about his life as a touring musician, his new album, “With the Wolves” and more.
JD Casper released his new song, Living in the Past this week, and Manlihood has an exclusive first look.
We sat down for an interview with JD Casper, and we’re excited to share his new song with you for our Creative Thursday feature!
Living in the Past is like walking into your grandfather’s house after he’s passed on, and as you’re cleaning out the cupboards, you find a coffee can loaded with cash. There’s the blessing of finding a rich treasure, but also the nostalgia of a simpler time, and grandpa’s old wisdom. JD Casper builds on an old tradition of folk and country music with his tender acoustic musical arrangement, but the depth of his lyrics are in the simple truths they communicate.
“Don’t look back in anger, hold on to your memories. Learn from your mistakes and all your apologies. With good help and company, a soul can be set free with a good melody you can make your dreams reality. Hindsight staring through the glass Broken hearts can heal without a cast. They say good times come from living like each day could be your last. Oh what’s the point of living in the past.”
JD Casper, “Living in the Past”
Check out the video for JD Casper’s “Living in the Past”
Manlihood: Your new song, “Living in the Past” has so much depth. There’s a message you want us to hear – tell me about that.
JD Casper: For me, the song serves as a modest reminder to be present everyday. Engage with your loved ones and don’t dwell on the past. You’re not your childhood traumas. You’re not the bad decisions or the bad break ups you’ve went through. Your hardships don’t define you. There’s always hope for a better tomorrow. For all of us.
Manlihood: There’s an earnest and rich earthiness to your music – it could have been recorded yesterday or 100 years ago. What is it about that folk style that drew you in?
JD Casper: As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather. He’s had country radio on in his living room and garage 24/7 since before I was born. I think it was imprinted into my subconscious for better or worse. But I really started to embrace the sound about 10 years ago. I like music that bleeds emotion.
Manlihood:Is music your full time gig? What does that look like for you? Is it hard work?
JD Casper: Music has been my full time gig for about 5 years now. My schedule has been pretty consistent. I play six shows a week. It’s a lot of singing, strumming, and stomping. But I get paid well and get to spend the maximum amount of time with my family. Which is very important to me having a son that’s turning 3 this month.
Manlihood: You’ve been a musician since you were young. Did you ever dream it would look like what it looks like now?
JD Casper: If you had told me, the 12 year old boy from Lewis Run, PA that this was going to be my life at 27, I don’t think I would’ve believed it. I’m living my dream. Truly.
Manlihood: This song dropped this week, where can I buy it?
JD Casper: You can get it everywhere! Stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon music, or download it on iTunes, or the YouTube video. There will be a bigger EP coming soon with 5 or 6 more songs. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
