As a singer songwriter I understand the connection between emotion and art. There’s no doubt that the best performers and artists draw from a source of personal experience. The saddest love songs come from people who have experienced heartache, and happier music flows from beloved memories. When I perform it’s a given that I have to tap into my memories and experiences to truly make the music rise.

But what makes music so emotional?

From a medical standpoint, musical enjoyment comes from the pleasure center of the brain. Music can act as a stimulus resulting in dopamine production. Playing a large role in how we perceive pleasure, dopamine is a chemical messenger. Often called the “feel good’ neurotransmitter, dopamine tells us when to focus or feel something good. Fun fact: “Roughly 5% of the populations do not experience chills. This incapacity to derive pleasure specifically from music has been called musical anhedonia.” (Pyschology Today)

All science jargon aside, the emotions we feel when we listen to music are a very personal thing. Beyond neurons and the constant ebb and flow of chemicals throughout our bodies, our memories and experiences make up who we are and affect the outcomes of our future selves.  So when the music hits, it reaches a place deep within our psyche. It makes us think. It makes us remember all the events that made us who we are. That love song? It makes us think about our own heartaches and we grieve with the music. That obnoxious pop song that you keep bopping your head to? You dance with it because it triggers memories and feelings of happier times. It’s all relative, but still has a way of relating directly to you.

Sure there is more science behind how those memories are stored, but when I pick up an instrument, or when I open my mouth to sing, science is not what comes out. My past, my memories, my emotions, they're all that comes out when I perform. That’s what makes music really great I think. 

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Sometimes you have to let go to be something better. I’m no stranger to experimenting with music. I’ve tried it all from blues, to alternative, and a whole lot of indie. While I’ve learned something form the various music genres, nothing has ever felt as homey as country western music. But in the spirit of the Halloween season, I’ve decided to share with you guys a look at the time when I was just a little bit goth.

​Back in 2007 I released Ashcraft through Poizen Pop Records. It was a mix of indie and goth and explored supernatural themes throughout the album. It was a fun project, but following it’s release I realized that it just wasn’t who I was.

The thing about music is that authenticity is the truest form of creation and self-expression. The dark clothes and heavy eye liner were just a gimmick, and my music was a product of the image I was trying to hold. The music was good, of course I may be a little biased on that, but I feel like it could have been better. The thing is, how good can it be if I’m not being true to myself?

The truth is, I’m a good ol’ boy. I’ve got roots in Kentucky. I grew up listening to the Bakersfield artists. I connected with the rebel mentality of Outlaw country. Yeah, I might have a touch of twisted in my nature, but let’s just say that’s what keeps things interesting. Country is in my blood and is a big part of who I am.

So, this is where I’m at. For the past year I’ve committed myself to the development and production of my own style of country music. I had a few small releases of some songs here and there, but its time to kick things into gear. I’ve got a full album in the works and songs will be released over the following months. I’ve also got a show in production. The Stanford Lee Show will be releasing on YouTube very soon and I can’t wait to drop that first video. Lots of new things are happening and I’m so thankful to share every step in this journey with you guys!

It's almost Halloween. Do you have your costume ready yet? Well if you haven't yet, here are 5 ideas to help you put together your Halloween outfit this year.

Basic Cowboy

It’s a classic. Everyone knows what a cowboy is. Cowboy hat, vest, and maybe even a pair of chaps. The beauty of a basic costume is that you can set it up to be whatever you want and upgrade in any way you wish. Zombie cowboy? Sure! Just throw some mud and fake blood on. Vampire cowboy? Eh, why not. A little face blood can go a long way. Do whatever you want with it. Just remember to have some fun.

Cow

What’s black and white and full of laughs? A funny cow costume of course! Have some fun and let it all hang loose with a costume that will bring laughs wherever it goes. Just think of all the cheesy puns you can make as the night progresses. Milk it for what its worth and don’t forget to ask the most important question of all, can I have some moooooore candy?

Horse and Cowboy

Speaking of big inflatable costumes and cowboys, why not do both? Trot your way into a night of fun and mischief when two become one in this laughable costume. Please note that snorts and whinnies are expected but pony rides are not advised.

Hillbilly

Capture your inner mountain man and bring on the shine in a simple yet effective hillbilly costume. Put on a pair of overalls and sport a scruffy beard and you’re practically there. Please costume responsibly because at no point during the night will there be gold in them thar hills.

Redneck

​When all else fails, be a redneck for Halloween. Wear a white wife-beater with a pair of well-worn jeans for that grungy white trash look. Then complete the ensemble with a luxurious, or ratty you decide, mullet and patriotic bandana cuz ‘murica, that’s why. Put it all together and you can step out on the night with 100% confidence in nailing your new-found redneck couture.

The American Dream is a dream shared by many. It’s the heartfelt belief that anybody can do something great regardless of their social or economic status. I am a firm believer in the American Dream and I stand by it. Sure, it requires hard work and a lot of sacrifices, but its real, and its completely attainable. I know this because I am living it.

It wasn’t that long ago that my wife and I were barely making ends meet, but as the years went on, we pushed harder and made a life together that we are incredibly proud of. But while deeply embroiled in the rigors of day to day life my dreams still grew between jobs, husband and parent obligations, and life’s crazy moments. Art and music have always been at the core of who I am and it’s a passion I’m prepared to commit to 100%.

My Art

My art differs from most because instead of using traditional paintbrushes, I use razor blades to apply paint to canvas. This technique allows me to create textures difficult to achieve with brushes and lends itself to a surreal and abstract feel to my works. I’ve been working hard to promote my art through my website, www.razorartstudio.com. This month I’m holding a free print giveaway and I’m so excited to share my art with the world.
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My Music

I’m currently working on my first album as Stanford Lee. The patriotic theme fits well with the current national climate and I’m hoping it will resonate well with Americans nationwide. In conjunction with the album release, I am preparing to launch a new show featuring my music and the journey I’m taking to fully living my dream. We just finished filming the first episode and will be releasing the video this month. Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss the official release.

Well it’s October folks! It has been one heck of a long year, and I for one am glad to see the end in sight. With that being said, can we take a moment to think about how awesome October is? Now that fall is now in full swing, the weather is getting cooler and the air is a little crisper. Pretty soon the trees will be covered in crazy cool orange, red, and yellow leaves, pumpkins will be resting on porches and door steps featuring awesome carvings, and I just can’t wait to see all the Halloween decorations. What are you looking forward to the most this Halloween season?

Are you looking forward to anything? Thanks to the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19 is still at the forefront of everyone’s minds prompting communities to shut down trick or treating and other social events. I’m sad to see such a long-standing tradition be stopped for health and safety concerns, but I am optimistic that life will eventually return to normal at some point.

Not everything is bad though! Thanks to all the extra time at home I have been able to focus more on my music. This year I released a really awesome music video, Elon and the Hotrod Race. I began work on an album. Although I can’t say much about it now, I am super stoked to share it with you guys when the time is right. I’ve also got a YouTube show in the works. We just finished filming the first episode, and let me tell you, the raw cuts are looking so good!
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I can’t wait to share all these good happenings with you guys. Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss it when it releases. I’m also planning something a little fun for next month, so you definitely don’t want to miss out!