Capturing Live Energy on Recordings

I have always wanted to capture the magic of my live shows on a recording. There is something sacred about live performance. The energy of the room, the way the audience breathes with you, the unplanned moments that can never be repeated, those are the things that make performing special for me. Some of my favorite songs of all time are live recordings because they carry that same energy. You can hear the crowd, the improvisation, and the intimacy that make the performance unforgettable.

Studio recordings have their place, but they often felt like they could not hold all of that energy. Live @ Parkville Sounds is a dream come true because it finally captures me in my truest form. It is Hartford Soul brought to life in one unforgettable night.

The Push to Do a Live Album

The idea for this project was prioritized by my very supportive wife, Tianna, who kept encouraging me to do a live recording. She knew that as I was reintroducing myself to the world, it was important that people experienced me in my most authentic setting. Tianna had listened to me talk about how my studio recordings never felt like a full representation of my vibe, and she would gently remind me, “You should record a live album.”

As much as I knew she was right, it felt like such a big job. A live album means more people, more moving parts, and more responsibility. But when Parkville Sounds announced a series called the Parkville Sessions, it felt like the perfect moment had arrived. At first, it was not about creating a live EP at all. It was simply an opportunity to capture me in the wild, performing in my natural element, surrounded by an audience and a band feeding off the energy of the room. But after the show, when I listened back, I realized I had something special. That night we performed 12 songs, and I chose six of them to share with the world. That is how Live @ Parkville Sounds was born.

The Challenges of Going Live

Recording a live album is a huge undertaking. It requires arrangements, rehearsals, and coordinating a bigger team of people, which always means scheduling challenges. It also meant finding the right producers and creatives to bring the vision to life. A project like this is not just about capturing sound. It is about creating a live music experience that feels authentic from start to finish. Every detail had to be intentional, from the musicianship to the room itself to the way the audience became part of the performance.

Thankfully, Parkville Sounds was the perfect partner for this project. I loved the stage setup with the sultry black velvet couch, the warm glow of low-lit lamps, and the incense that filled the room. They created the perfect intimate setting. The thoughtful room design, with the audience seated not only in front of us but also along the sides, made it feel like we were truly surrounded by the community. That closeness amplified the energy of the night and made the music feel even more alive.

Hearing the Real Me

When I listen back to Live @ Parkville Sounds, I feel like people are finally hearing the real me. I am not holding my breath or second-guessing parts of the project the way I sometimes have with studio recordings. Instead, it feels natural, unfiltered, and complete. The energy, the connection, the flow, it all feels perfect. This is me at my most honest.

Why Live Music Matters

This project reminded me that live music is so much more than performance. It is about community, connection, and authenticity, not only with the audience but also with the musicians and creatives who share the stage. When the lights come up and the first notes are played, a kind of magic takes over. For that set, everyone is locked in together, fully committed to creating an experience people can feel and carry with them.

It is also fun and deeply bonding for the musicians, because we are listening, responding, laughing and trusting each other in real time. In a live setting, there is no hiding. The music is raw, vulnerable, and honest, and that is exactly what makes it powerful. Live @ Parkville Sounds captures that truth and reminds me why I will always believe in the sacredness of live performance.

The Spark Moving Forward

Capturing this live album feels like closing one chapter and opening another, but it is also a true bucket list moment for me. For years, I dreamed of making a live recording that reflected the spirit of my performances, and I struggled to translate that same energy into the studio. To finally have something that feels authentic and alive is more than an accomplishment, it is the fulfillment of a long-held vision.

This project represents not only where I have been, with all the lessons and experiences that shaped me, but also where I am going. It is a marker in my journey as a Progressive R&B and indie soul artist, proof that I can dream boldly and see it through, and a reminder that there are still so many dreams ahead waiting to be realized.