Happy New Year?

Happy New Year?

2025 had no dull moments—many shows, recording projects, lots of skiing (and even some racing), the revival of my podcast, Conversations for Convergence, national, international, and cosmic travel (and Burning Man), my parents’ 50th anniversary, seeing the living legend, Sir Paul McCartney live, continued education (formal and otherwise), new incredible friendships, the deepening of old ones, and reconnecting with family. Seeing some of my music finally reach a wider international audience has been an unexpected gift. In a world where so many live in a constant state of emergency, my good fortune is not lost on me. And in that spirit:

It feels dishonest, even cowardly, to avoid the obvious.

For what it’s worth, I don’t think 2026 will be the year to “shut up and sing.” I’ll elaborate soon—not to turn up the temperature, but to square my conscience and to share my thoughts with anyone interested.

In short, I hope morals and humility make a comeback in 2026. Too many among us have been scared into accepting the falsity that the world is nothing but a struggle for power, and that ethics (or niceties as some would say) are mere virtue signaling—luxuries we can’t currently afford. History abounds with evidence to the contrary. As the stakes rise, our ethical duties to ourselves and each other do not lessen, but rise. 

Meanwhile, a handful of morally bankrupt, megalomaniacal bullies—at home and abroad—are doing everything they can to break up families, international alliances, and the very fabric of our country. Make no mistake, this comes at our peril. 

I pray for principled, ethical, practical, measured, honest, charitable, and collaborative leadership. Most depressingly, I don’t see these values winning the day. 

Should it need to be stated, I actually care deeply about alleviating suffering and loving thy neighbor. I don’t believe might makes right, or that strength and kindness are mutually exclusive. Many would say these are Judeo-Christian values; some might call them humanist ones. I don’t care what you call them, or from which political party or tribe you claim them. I do care that you share them.

My ear will remain open to anyone seeking to engage in good faith, regardless of political affiliation. I implore us all to be guided by conscience, values, and humility, now more than ever. 

Dialogue is the last bastion against violence.

Much love,

Eric