Five recordings were both deeply influential and a lighthouse: Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”, Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon”, Bob Dylan’s early acoustic work, Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska”, and Patty Griffin’s “Living With Ghosts” – all solo studio recordings. The performances are sourced from the root of their deepest self and the writing works like a collection of short stories or poems, distinct from one another, and yet interlaced by its themes and repertoire of images. “Public Songs For Private Use” was left just as sparse to hold the strength of the song and the performance, and to allow me, as developed as a person, or undeveloped, as I truly am, communicate my truth within my own time.