BRIAN STRAW 'THE HIDDEN YEARS 2000-2007'

For many years, I grappled with this music—both during its creation and today as I revisit it. Until recently, I didn’t have access to much of this material; it was only thanks to my friend Al Karpinski in Seattle that I was able to come back to my old records. I tried to move on from these early works, feeling that nothing was ever quite right—the lyrics, the arrangements, the mixes—none of it met my expectations. At that time, I was still learning how to write songs, record music and navigate my artistic path.Yet, within that struggle lies a certain beauty.

These recordings represent an honest reflection of who I was at that point in my life. Surprisingly, I’ve uncovered some transcendent moments and beautiful imperfections. This realization has led me to the decision to reissue some of this once lost music, and I’m excited to finally present The Hidden Years.This collection showcases my younger self finding his way. I invite you to listen without the weight of my struggles; appreciate it for what it is. I’m pleased to share these remastered tracks, now pressed to vinyl for the first time.

I hope it resonates with you and perhaps inspires new listeners as well. Enjoy!

-Brian Straw