Through unforeseeable fortune, I was to cover a workshop where three songwriters (Darden Smith, Radney Foster, and Jay Clementi) listen to a handful of soldier veterans tell their stories, and create songs together. In an effort to find cathartic peace and camaraderie, Cedarbrake Retreat in Belton, Texas gave the participants all the calm respite they’d need to create 10 distinct songs, each with their own style and distinct point of view. The piece was featured in SPIN magazine, and included two multimedia slideshows I created—one from the perspective of the songwriters, and the other from the soldiers’. As the son of a Vietnam veteran, I was able to find answers to my own unresolved questions through their stories. It was an assignment I’ll never forget. To help or learn more, check out Songwriting with: Soldiers.
