“Mid-Life Angst” is an explosive yet humorous ride through work, money, teenagers, aging, mortality, traffic, pets, insomnia, and writer’s block. Got Teens? You’ll enjoy “(Smells Like) Teenagers,” “Application to Date My Daughter,” and “(I’m) Not an ATM.” If you have kids at all, you know all about “Carpoolin’ (Parental Chauffeur Blues).” And if you’ve been carpoolin’, you know there’s “(Always a) Truck.” Have a dog? We have “Pig Dog!” White collar worker? We provide “White Collar Noir.” Struggling with a widening waistline and graying hair? Then you’ll relate to “Mid-Life Blues” while you’re working on that “Bucket List” so you’re “Not Down.” And if you’re like me, you’ve probably got “Insomnia” from trying to come up with that “One GOOD Song.” This album is not hindered by a single genre; I refuse to be pigeon-holed that way. I wanted an album that presents the variety of a “London Calling” or “Odelay.” To that end, “Mid-Life Angst” celebrates the many genres that I’ve come to love over the years; Alternative Rock, Grunge, Rock & Roll, Blues, Ska, Hip-Hop, Bluegrass and a little bit of Pop. The name “Special K” was pinned on me in the early ‘90’s when I was playing softball in San Francisco. Little did I know I would end up playing for 25 years and the name just stuck. Oddly, the sporting aspect of my life never made it onto the disc as it was replaced with the hundreds of hours spent writing, recording, arranging and mixing this album. Nor-Cal born and raised, I began writing songs in high school. Love songs. Angry Love songs. Angry, angry love songs. So after a decade and a half off mired in work, childcare and chauffeuring my three kids to school, appointments, and whatever else took precedence over my own life, I returned to songwriting as a form of psychotherapy. What I didn’t count on was how much would come pouring out once I got started. Since “Special K” is not really a band, but just me, I had to augment my guitars and vocals with bass, keys, drums and any other instrument I heard in my head but needed to transfer to disc. Thankfully I had the help of the ladies of Unfit Company, wife Stacia and daughters Ceilidh and Reilly who provided the extra vocals and backup to give the songs a punch I never could have managed on my own. I also called on old friend Erik Holsinger who provided beautiful keys on “Mid-Life Blues” and “One GOOD Song.” ReverbNation Reviews Mid-Life Blues: • “When an artist can present their whole career in one song, that shows talent and that lands this song as one of my favorites. I give it a big ol' 10 for the amazing line up this song presented with vocals and instrumentals.” • “Mixing the blues with a sultry rock sound this band has created a unique sound that is sure to captivate. The instrumentals are perfectly coordinated making the song both catchy and memorable and the singer's voice is melodic and raspy to create a nice contrasting feel. The dynamic nature of this song really drew me in.” (Smells Like) Teenagers: • “Joyful song. Love the instruments and the lyrics are perfect. I love this song!!!!! I hope this song makes it to the radio one day and hope to buy the album soon!!!” Insomnia: • ”This song is absolutely beautiful. The piano piece at the beginning serves as a fantastic intro and sets the tone for the entire song. The vocals are absolutely fantastic and the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful. This song is soothing and relaxing. The combination of instruments used make this track very unique and help give it that soothing and relaxing quality.” Application to Date My Daughter: • “I love the beat! Can't stop listening to it. The singer’s voice is awesome!” • “This song is probably one of the best I've heard lyrically because it's a twist on a very real situation.” White Collar Noir: • “This is unlike any song I have ever heard and it is really different from anything I will probably ever hear again. It has great dynamic and variety and it instantly grabs your attention and draws you into the song. I would definitely buy it.” • “The beginning made me feel like I was on an awesome trip in space!!! Caught my attention for sure. Took a while for the lyrics to start but once they did they were AWESOME.” And simply… “I love this artist.”