A friend who is a social worker suggested I write a song about sleep for their project. Unbeknownst to them I was in the middle of helping an uncle in hospice who would pass shortly after I finished this song. 

Composing the melody and lyrics were a catharsis I had not realized. The reflection helped me realize the powerful emotions of helping family, understanding your needs, and the connections we make in life. 

This is the first full demo before I start to record it fully with the help of friends. Created without a click track using the Voice Memos app. Key of E.

Copyright 2023 BMI Music.

When You Sleep (demo v1)

Originally composed in 2009 while on a camping trip to Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara, California. I was walking the beach while playing very late at night, inspired by the crashing of the waves.

Refugio (demo)

I wrote this song for my daughter after she embarked on a pre-college gap year. She was in Big Sur with her mother when she realized that if she didn't go now, she would never leave this amazing part of the world. I envisioned that thought in the context of an older woman who is looking back on her life and the decisions she made.

Copyright 2023 BMI Music.

If I Don't Go Now

An exploration of the relationship between a bartender and singer on a Friday night.

Photo: Coromandel Town, New Zealand, which really is a place that people come around and will never let you down.

Featuring Mark Whittington on bass.
 
Copyright 2023 BMI Music.

Friday Nights

A fictional account of a young American woman discovering and falling in love with New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa in the native Maori language. It’s inspired by my daughter, who spent her gap/year in New Zealand as an artist-in-resident at a ceramics studio. Our visit with her over the holidays added a few more experiences that built this character. 

Picture: Ceramic artists gathered around an anagama kiln built at Driving Creek, on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Copyright 2024 BMI Music.

Aotearoa (New Zealand)

My daughter got sick in Italy and Switzerland while finishing up her gap year, and I used her tattoo as a guide to find her healing as well as home back in California.

Photo: My daughter illustrated and then had an artist transfer this tattoo while in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Copyright 2023 BMI Music.

Distance

This is dedicated to John Orr, a blues believer. The Short Street Ramblers are Mark Whittington, Rich Flaig, Nick Chiulos, Brandon Swanson and CJo Gough. 
© Mark Whittington, 2024

Dr Gone

The phrase "Keep Calm and Otter On(line)" sprang up on campus when Cal State Monterey Bay moved its instruction online on Monday, March 23, 2020 because of COVID-19. Home of the Sea Otters, I wrote and recorded this as a way to cheer up my co-workers and students who are stuck at home. Vocals, backing vocals, lead guitar, and rhythm guitar by Greg Pool. Co-produced by CSUMB Professor Lanier Sammons, who was also mixing engineer, keyboard, and outro guitar. Bass by Mark Whittington. The song's melody is a parody based on legendary singer-songwriter Steve Forbert's "Good Planets Are Hard To Find." Please support him by visiting steveforbert.com

Keep Calm and Otter On

The Short Street Ramblers are Mark Whittington, Richard Flaig, Nick Chiulos and Brandon Swanson. 
©Mark Whittington, 2020

Death Comes Knocking

The Short Street Ramblers are Mark Whittington, Richard Flaig, Nick Chiulos and Brandon Swanson (lead vocals). 
©Mark Whittington, 2020

Dr Gone

Mark Whittington 3

Related tracks