There’s a certain irony in releasing a song called "Don’t Look Back."

Because in writing it, looking back was exactly what I had to do.

This Friday, the first song in a four-part story goes public—"Don’t Look Back"—and it marks the beginning of something I’ve wanted to share with you for a long time…But before I get into the contradiction, let's get the updates out of the way.

What to Expect on Release Day:

• Friday: "Don’t Look Back" becomes available everywhere. You’ll be able to listen on all major platforms.
• Free for You: Email subscribers get a free download of the track on my site.
• The Video: The official video drops on YouTube March 20, but members of The Journey can watch it early—starting Friday—plus get a sneak peek at the next release: "Song For Madeline."

So, Why Did I Look Back?

About three weeks ago, I posted quite a personal reflection in The Journey about a chapter of my life that had long since closed.

But life has a funny way of looping around, doesn’t it?

I wrote "Don’t Look Back" about a moment when I thought I had lost the love of my life. What I didn’t know then was that fate had different plans and if I had truly followed the song’s advice back then, I wouldn't be writing you now. We found our way back to each other, have been married 11 years now, but that chapter is still a part of us. And that’s why this song is so meaningful to me: it's honoring the truth of what I felt in that exact moment, even though I'm writing it from a very different place.

Music is funny that way. It doesn’t always tell the now. Sometimes it's a faded polaroid that you can still feel decades later.

Where the Story’s Going (And Why I Want You With Me)

Each song in this four-part release walks a delicate path within its own story. "Don’t Look Back" is the first step, but there’s so much I’m still holding close for now.

The next chapters are waiting—but like all good stories, there’s more between the lines, and more between each release day. The Journey is where I share those in-between moments with you—things too personal for broad release—memories, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and sometimes just imperfect reflections that aren't meant for anyone else.

That’s what The Journey is. It’s not just more music. It’s the space where the heart of these songs lives.

If you’ve been following my work for a while, you know this much: The songs I share publicly tell only part of the story. But if you want to go deeper into the real heartwork behind the music—the roots of what I write—The Journey is where we can do that together.

A Glimpse of What You’ll Find Inside The Journey:

• The full backstory of the songs—told long before the song goes public.
• Video premieres and early sneak peeks of everything I have in the pipeline.
• Archived newsletters and alternate versions that I’ve only ever shared with members so far.

Plus, more than anything, it's a space for deeper connection between us—away from algorithms, likes, and the noise of social media.

Sometimes, You Have to Look Back to Move Forward

By the time Friday arrives, I hope this song finds a place in your life the way that that loss—and those memories—found their place in mine. Looking back isn't always a sign of weakness. Sometimes it’s a way of grounding yourself before you take the next step forward.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this.

With all my gratitude,  
— Michael

**P.S.** I’ve just added all previous newsletters to The Journey — so if you do decide to join before Friday, you’ll be able to catch up on everything I’ve kept between us so far.