As 2025 comes to an end, saying I’m glad it’s over feels like an understatement. It was a heavy year in many ways, but even in the chaos, there were moments that truly mattered.
This year brought ISSA Award nominations, the recording and release of the Isolated Dew EP for charity in support of the PEF Foundation, and features in Lazie Indie Magazine and Into the Void Press. I was interviewed, finished Journey to Starlights, and spent five months on air at 99.1 PLR.
I had the privilege of meeting Fernando Perdomo, A. Michael Collins, and George Usher in person—and nearly all of Collective Soul (Ed—one day!). I formed friendships with Greg Richling of The Wallflowers, Danny Ayala of The Lemon Twigs, and Johnny and Will through Collective Soul connections I don’t take lightly.
I formed a band with the incredibly talented Collin Levin called Chasing Nothing. We’ve got much more coming next year.
I was accepted into Berklee College of Music, even though attending wasn’t financially possible. Still, I took real steps forward by setting up a tour and launching merch to help me move toward independence. I also began my studies in Environmental Science at SNHU.
There were losses that hit hard, too. I said goodbye to two great friends—Joey Molland of Badfinger and Terry Draper of Klaatu—and one major inspiration, Justin Baren of The Redwalls. Those losses still hurt, and they always will.
More than anything, 2025 was the year I discovered who I am—and learned to stand proudly in that truth. Pride and mental health advocacy aren’t just causes for me; they’re lifelong commitments. I’m deeply thankful for my friends: Taylor, Ivan (Purrin), Collin, Callista, Mikey, Matt, Sean, Josh, and Owen.
Here’s to moving forward. Special thanks to my therapist, my doctors, David Skaff, Jimmy Koplik, Tim Sheehan, Paul Chastain, Crystal P., Dennis S., Ivan A., Kevin Begley, the J. Edmond team, and many others for keeping me going.
Love,
J
P.S. If you’d like to help support the upcoming tour for J and friends, consider preordering the new single “Dear Therapist” or grabbing some merch from our shop here.
Want to stay connected? Join our mailing list—details are here. Sign up now and enjoy a free download of “Some Way".