"Q" ist ein emotionaler Pop-Rock-Song über die tiefe Verbindung zwischen Mensch und Tier. Er erzählt die wahre Geschichte eines besonderen Hundes, der nach schwerer Geburt ins Leben zurückgeholt wurde und seinem Besitzer half, aus einer dunklen Phase herauszufinden. Mit einer rauen, warmen Stimme und organischen, kraftvollen Instrumenten fängt der Song die Themen Dankbarkeit, Hoffnung und bedingungslose Liebe ein. Eine Hymne auf das zweite Leben – und auf jene, die uns retten, wenn wir sie am meisten brauchen.

"El Sonido de la Resiliencia" is one of the most personal and honest songs I’ve ever written. It came from a deep place — from moments in my life when I had to carry a weight that wasn’t mine, yet I embraced it with love and courage.

The arrangement is simple but deeply emotional. The acoustic guitar lays the foundation like a heartbeat, steady and raw. The harmonica weeps and breathes through the verses, giving voice to things I couldn't say. The organ adds a spiritual layer, almost like a silent prayer floating through the song. And then, the children’s choir… their voices break through with innocence and light, singing the chorus as if they’re echoing my younger self, or maybe reminding me why I kept going.

It’s not just a song — it’s a memory, a scar, and a victory, all wrapped into a melody. "The Sound of Resilience" doesn’t scream. It whispers — but it stays with you long after it ends."

El sonido de la Resiliencia

The Fire That Burned Into My Soul is a haunting and heartfelt musical retelling of a true rescue call that left lasting scars. Written by David Burnell, the song captures the emotional weight of recovering two young children from a winter house fire—an act of service meant to protect others from the trauma, yet one that changed him forever.

This isn’t a song about heroics. It’s a tribute to those silent, soul-deep moments that define what it means to serve, to grieve, and to heal. Blending acoustic warmth with cinematic storytelling, it speaks to firefighters, first responders, veterans, and every parent who's ever looked into their child’s eyes and felt the fragile beauty of life.

It’s a call to love harder, hold longer, and never forget what matters most.

The Fire That Burned Into My Soul (Some Fires Never Go Out)

“Vistas and Valleys” is more than a song—it’s a true story of pain, purpose, and quiet strength. Inspired by a life-defining moment in David Burnell’s personal journey, this track recounts his 2008 climb of the Middle Teton—a grueling ascent made just weeks after suffering a gunshot wound that left his foot permanently numb. Each step carried the weight of both physical pain and emotional scars.

As stronger hikers surged ahead, David found himself among those who were left behind—young men who were slower, overlooked, or struggling with more than just the trail. What unfolded wasn’t just a hike, but a gathering of the rejected and the wounded. Together, they moved one foot in front of the other, not just climbing a mountain, but discovering the summit within themselves.

With acoustic grit and cinematic soul, Vistas and Valleys honors those who lead from behind, who know the value of waiting for the broken, and who understand that the summit isn’t the point—it’s the people you lift along the way. The song’s soaring chorus and grounded verses paint a vivid landscape of switchbacks, silence, and second chances—a reflection on what it means to endure, to guide, and to grow when the world tells you to quit.

For anyone who’s ever been dismissed or doubted—yet chose to rise—this song is your anthem. For those who bear burdens quietly, who serve without recognition, who find strength in every slow, intentional step—this is your soundtrack.


Vistas and Valleys (The Summit Beyond the Mountain)

Title: “Lean Into Me”

[Verse 1]
I was rough ‘round the edges, tired to the bone
Had a long day of silence, just sittin’ alone
Then he padded on over, tail draggin’ slow
Like he knew I was hurtin’ and needed him close

[Chorus]
And I felt him lean into me, soft and true
Like he’s sayin’, “I got you, like you always do”
No bark, no words, just a weight I knew
That warm kind of quiet only heaven sends through
Yeah, the world disappears, it all fades to black
When your dog leans in, and leans right back

[Verse 2]
He don’t ask for nothin’, but he gives it all
When I stumble, he’s there, never lettin’ me fall
He don’t judge my tears or the things I lack
Just curls up beside me, and don’t look back

[Chorus]
And I felt him lean into me, soft and true
Like he’s sayin’, “I got you, like you always do”
No bark, no words, just a weight I knew
That warm kind of quiet only heaven sends through
Yeah, the world disappears, it all fades to black
When your dog leans in, and leans right back

[Bridge]
It ain’t just a hug, it’s a soul to soul
More faithful than most hearts I’ve ever known

[Chorus/Outro]
So when he leans into me, I stop and breathe
Thankin’ God for the love layin’ at my feet
No bark, no words, just a weight I knew
That warm kind of quiet only heaven sends through
Ain’t nothin’ else ever gonna top that
When your dog leans in… and leans right back

When your dog leans in

Inspired by a local news article that introduced me to Courtney Gustafson’s story, later chronicled in her memoir, “Poets Square.” She cared for a colony of feral cats in Tucson during the pandemic. Her choice—to help others in the midst of her own crisis—became the emotional core of that journey.

This song tells that story from the outside looking in: a male narrator bearing witness to quiet acts of grace. With just an acoustic guitar and voice, it captures the resilience found in small, furry lives—and the woman who refused to let them fade away.

Thirty Cats

Federico Gerhardt is a multifaceted musician whose repertoire spans blues, pop, and funk, showcasing his versatility as a singer, harmonica player, guitarist, and cigar box guitar enthusiast. His profound musicianship is complemented by his skills as a composer and luthier, crafting instruments that resonate with the soulful essence of his music. Gerhardt's journey in music is marked by a deep connection to the blues tradition, yet he seamlessly integrates elements of pop and funk, creating a unique sound that captivates audiences. His mastery of the harmonica and guitar, combined with his emotive vocals, make his performances unforgettable experiences. As a luthier, Gerhardt brings an artisan's touch to his instruments, each piece a testament to his dedication to music. His compositions are rich tapestries of sound, weaving intricate melodies that tell stories of life, love, and the human condition. Gerhardt's music is not just heard; it's felt, reflecting his passion for exploring the depths of musical expression.

Till ist ein Künstler, der seine Geschichten nicht erzählt, sondern lebt. Seine Stimme – tief, rau, gebrochen – trägt die Spuren von Erfahrungen, die ihn geformt haben. In seinen Songs geht es um mehr als Musik: Es geht um das Unausgesprochene, um Schmerz, um Hoffnung und um die stille Kraft, die entsteht, wenn man lernt, mit sich selbst Frieden zu schließen.

Till singt über Depression, Heilung und den langen Weg dazwischen. Seine Texte sind klar und ungeschönt, voller kleiner Wahrheiten, die berühren, weil sie echt sind. Er braucht keine großen Worte, keine Effekte – nur eine Stimme, die atmet, lebt und jede Nuance spürbar macht.

In einer Welt, die oft von Perfektion und Lautstärke bestimmt wird, steht Till für das Gegenteil: für Echtheit, für Fehler, für den Mut, leise stark zu sein. Seine Musik ist ein Rückzugsort für alle, die wissen, dass Verletzlichkeit keine Schwäche ist, sondern Tiefe schafft.

I’m JD Hodge — Oklahoma-born, red dirt-raised, and songwriting for over 30 years.

In 2024, I flatlined on an operating table. Cardiac arrest. Everything changed.

When I came back, the words came with me — like they’d been waiting their turn. Since then, the songs haven’t stopped. I write what’s real: struggle, hope, grit, and grace — stories meant to be felt.

You’ll hear pieces of my past, my people, and the kind of heartland truth you can’t fake. These songs aren’t just mine — they’re for anyone who’s fought through silence and still found a voice.

Retired • Lyricist • Country • Americana • Acoustic Soul
Oklahoma, USA
Collabs & contact: jim@reddirtclassics.com

Cinematic spoken-word reflections on war, service, and the human cost of duty—told with raw honesty and reverence.

New tracks tagged #TrueStorySong