The CrossRoads Diaries - Episode 2 - The Summer Of Love And The Fall Of 1967

The CrossRoads Diaries - Episode 6 - Writing Home

A remembrance piano rock protest song in the style of Elton John meets Annie Lennox.

I’ll tell you what
I’m thankful for
The sacrifice
In all the wars
By those who fought
So we might live
And so it is
Great thanks I give

Remember them
Remember them
And don’t forget
No don't forget
X2

By now you’d think
We’re wiser still
For most would say
It’s wrong to kill
But as industry 
Seals weapons deals
The politicians
Lap at their heels

Chorus

So what should our
Generation learn
To pass on down
To the next in turn?
To use our vote
To stop the war
If that should fail
Then I’m not sure

Chorus

Remember Them

Ra Hītekiteki is a deeply evocative song that embraces the enduring spirit of life, hope, and renewal through the lens of te reo Māori and Māori cultural imagery. For war veterans, this song resonates profoundly as it symbolises resilience and the journey of healing from invisible and visible wounds. The references to natural elements—mountains, stars, and flowing waters—reflect the steadfast strength and guidance veterans seek as they navigate post-service challenges. The chorus, invoking joy and life’s calling, mirrors the determination of veterans to reclaim their identity and wellbeing. The bridge’s emphasis on unity, autonomy (mana motuhake), and walking together along ancestral paths aligns with veterans’ need for connection, support, and honouring heritage in their recovery and growth. Overall, Ra Hītekiteki serves as a spiritual anthem celebrating endurance, communal strength, and the unwavering hope that veterans embody.

Ra Hītekiteki

Skyline Dreams captures the relentless spirit of those who face hardship and adversity yet refuse to be confined by circumstance. Much like many war veterans, this song embodies resilience and determination to overcome challenges — whether in battlefields or in civilian life. The imagery of “running through the night” and “building an empire from dirt and pain” resonates with veterans’ journeys of rebuilding identity, career, and purpose after service. The raw, unapologetic tone reflects the grit required to navigate complex social dynamics, just as veterans must negotiate life beyond military service. The song’s emphasis on defying limits and claiming success mirrors the courage and tenacity veterans demonstrate every day.

Skyline Dreams

The Queen of the Show is an empowering anthem inspired by Rhonda, an extraordinary woman who has faced significant challenges and overcome silent injuries with remarkable resilience. This song celebrates her journey of strength, confidence, and individuality—qualities that deeply resonate with war veterans, especially women who have served. Rhonda’s story exemplifies the courage and grace required to face life’s hardships and reclaim one’s identity beyond military service. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics, the track honours her unwavering spirit and determination to live fully, serving as an inspiring tribute to veterans who continue to lead with pride and authenticity.

The Queen of the show

Rise and Run is an uplifting anthem that embodies the resilience, determination, and unstoppable spirit inherent in war veterans. The song’s powerful imagery of breaking free from chains and rising to the rhythm of one’s heartbeat reflects the journey many veterans undertake as they move beyond the challenges of service-related physical and mental injuries. The verses speak to embracing inner strength, overcoming obstacles, and transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth—an experience all too familiar to those who have faced adversity in military life and the transition to civilian life. The bridge highlights the veteran’s identity beyond their service, recognising their enduring power and refusal to be confined by past struggles. Ultimately, Rise and Run celebrates veterans as trailblazers who courageously pursue new horizons with unyielding determination and purpose.

Rise and Run

A haunting and emotional track that delves into the isolation, inner conflict, and emotional exhaustion often experienced by veterans dealing with mental health injuries. With moody lyrics and hypnotic repetition, the song reflects the struggle of running from one's own thoughts and the challenge of staying afloat amidst overwhelming feelings. A raw portrayal of the mental health battles many veterans face, offering a poignant connection for those who understand the weight of trauma.

73BMP, A Major

Stay Up All Night

Rebecca is a heartfelt tribute to resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of those who have faced adversity and emerged with joy and grace. Inspired by the gentle strength of veterans who have navigated life’s challenges, this song captures the essence of freedom and renewal. Like Rebecca walking barefoot through sunlit fields, veterans embody a wild, untamed spirit that refuses to be constrained by past hardships. The imagery of natural beauty and light mirrors the quiet courage and unyielding optimism that sustains them. This track celebrates their capacity to find joy and harmony amidst life’s uncertainties, honouring their ongoing journey of healing and personal growth.

Rebecca

"Whispers in the Alley" is a haunting, atmospheric song that evokes the tension and mystery of a shadowy urban night. The lyrics paint vivid scenes of footsteps echoing on cobblestones, elusive shadows, and an eerie sense of being pursued or drawn toward an uncertain fate. This track explores themes of fear, intuition, and the blurred line between truth and deception. It captures the restless spirit within us all, especially those who have faced the unknown and grappled with inner conflicts—making it profoundly resonant for war veterans who understand the complex emotions tied to uncertainty, vigilance, and resilience. The song’s evocative imagery and moody cadence invite listeners into a suspenseful journey, where courage and caution intertwine.

Whispers in the Alley

Mi Mate Music – Giving Sound to Silent Struggles

Mi Mate Music is a purpose-driven creative project transforming lived experiences into powerful, emotionally charged tracks. Founded by Dennis Weston, this initiative supports individuals—particularly war veterans living with invisible injuries such as PTSD and other mental health conditions—in expressing what too often goes unsaid.

Through music, we help broken people tell their stories in ways that are honest, raw, and empowering. These tracks are more than just songs—they are lived moments, captured in sound.

Our mission is twofold: to support healing through creative expression, and to foster greater understanding of the silent battles many veterans and others endure daily. Every lyric and every beat is crafted to inspire empathy, connection, and insight into the challenges of mental health injuries.

Whether you're navigating your own journey or seeking to understand someone else's, Mi Mate Music offers a soundtrack grounded in truth, resilience, and hope.

Your support helps us continue turning real stories into music that matters.

Introducing Ryan Fox, a roots/folk singer songwriter from Kent, England. His unique, popular sound and poetic, witty lyrical style draws from influences as diverse as early Dylan to Noel Gallagher, from Johnny Cash to Elton John, from Bruce Springsteen to Stephen Sondheim.
 
Ryan's songs have reached the finals of the UK Songwriting Contest and been featured on the Disabled People Against Cuts website. He has co-headlined the Acoustic Sessions at Rainham three times and Tunbridge Wells’ The Forum twice. Ryan has also recently played a support slot at St Edith Folk Club, Sevenoaks and will return there in 2026.
 
Ryan had classical piano lessons from an early age and picked up a guitar at uni, his early influences including Oasis, Coldplay and, naturally, The Beatles. He developed his songwriting in his 20s, largely owing to meeting musical guru Dr Richard Niles (Paul McCartney, Cher, Pet Shop Boys), who pushed Ryan out of his comfort zone to explore fresh sonic/lyrical ground - to try new things.

Ryan has recently released his fifth studio album Explorers Deluxe LP, available to buy from ryanfoxmusic.com or Bandcamp.

Ozarks DynaCom: 5 Radio Stations in Branson Missouri and Harrison Arkansas.
Branson:  Legends 106.3 KRZK; My 100.1; Classic Hits 98.1 FM/AM1220
Harrison: 1029 The Z; The Original KHOZ 49.9FM/AM900

New tracks tagged #WarVeterans