This year’s entry was going to be one song, but what fun is that? As mentioned in the first few lines of ‘Gratitude,’ I was sitting solo at a bar just having a beer with my book and pen and had some thoughts, decided to jot them, and out came the song. It rolled on from there.

Last years Seasoned Meatings Volume One (up on the same sites as this project) was more to have a general seasonal offering. I called it volume one hoping it would get me into making this an annual thing, and here we are. Now it is a DRLCT’s thing.

Seasoned Meatings Volume One was much more mood and vibe based, not so much directly about the holidays. This year felt like it needed to be a little bit more direct; maybe just to try to lighten my own spirits and have a bit more fun. Sometimes creations need to be lighter. Sometimes we just need shit to be sillier…. less serious.

Quick breakdown –

‘Gratitude’ is just that… being thankful and appreciating being here and some of the good stuff that comes with life around the holiday times.

‘Winterlude 22’ goes down a road of taking stock of feelings, where you may be at, and carrying over that gratitude into all things, even if difficult. Lead with love.

‘Shakin Presents’ was just a fun way as an adult to reminisce about being young and being SO AMPED on eating tons of trash food and the excitement of what may be under that tree… I also realized after making this song that truly not much has changed for me, I am currently what that song describes.

‘Not Quite (Seth’s Song)’ is one that was in the back of my head for many years. A friend told me this idea close to 20 years ago that he wanted to do… where the rhyme scheme made it sound like you were about to say something dirty or terrible then … you don’t. I remember him explaining the idea to me, told me examples he had for it, and he was just excited and happy about it, and I never forgot it. He (Ryan aka Seth) passed away ten years ago this year. I felt like it was an enjoyable way to give a nod in his direction. To my knowledge he never made this idea into a song. I figured now was the time, and why not in the context of a Christmas story? Hope he is ok with what I did.

Big thanks to Dundidit/Jesse for doing all the work he does on the music with me; he is a brilliant dude and does such an excellent job. Composing instrumentals, scratches, mixing and more! Dunny is a beast.

Thanks to the producers of the other beats we used as well. Your work is appreciated!

Big thanks to anyone reading this and listening. Trust that you are ALL appreciated. Hope there is something in there that you enjoy! If you do… download, or play it loud, or share it online with friends! That is all appreciated, too. And if you do not like it, that is ok too! Much love to all and positive vibes to everybody.

Seasoned Meatings to all.

Riegs / DRLCTS