Singled Out: Project 86

I had a specific vision for this song. I wanted a song that would harken visions of epic medieval battles, where families fight for land against evil oppressors.

The picture I had in my mind was a metaphor for the obstacles we face as artists in this industry, but I also wanted it to symbolize the plight of any underdog in any walk of life. We employed the use of a mandolin and a hammered dulcimer to give the song an epic, dramatic sound.

As I wrote with my friend Andrew Welch over Skype, and the song came together, I got chills, even before the vocals were written. I knew we had a special song. Then, when I actually laid down the vocals in the studio while recording the album version-which was the first time I had ever sang them-I almost came out of my skin with joy. It was one of those moments that justifies all the hard work and sleepless nights which come as a part of doing this for a living. It was one of those moments that only happens a few times in your whole career, and that is if you are lucky.

We have all faced insurmountable odds, or a seemingly undefeatable adversary at various points in our lives. When we encounter a Goliath, how will we respond? Will we cower in fear?

When he falls, we mount his head on a pike, high amidst our camp, as a monument to this event in our lives.