Behind the Songs

Released March 2025

Copyright 2024
Post by Katie May

Jed and I took a spontaneous trip to Sweetwater Music in Fort Wayne, Indiana. One of those “Let’s go somewhere!” kind of adventures. We thought it’d be fun to rent a little cabin, bring a couple guitars, and write a song out in the woods—someplace we’d never been. It sounded like the perfect idea.

We arrived at our cabin—also known (by us) as Spiderville. It was anything but relaxing. The TV turned on by itself—not once, but twice—to some old black and white sitcom. Jed ended up unplugging it from the wall after the second time. We both agreed, “If that thing turns on again, we’re outta here!”

The next day, we stuck to the itinerary and headed to the impressive Sweetwater Music headquarters. And yes—I bought a guitar. Because seriously, who leaves Sweetwater empty-handed? A 2023 Les Paul Classic (push-pull pots and all) became the third 6-string friend joining us on the ride.

We made it to Indianapolis the following day and checked into the downtown Marriott. After settling in, we thought, Hey, let’s go dancing tonight! So we hopped in the car and scoped out a few clubs. 8 Seconds Saloon looked like the perfect fit. Since it was still early, we went back to the hotel.

That night, The Beach Boys were playing right across the street— we listened from our room. Fantastic group, and man, those harmonies are phenomenal!

But as the evening went on, neither of us really felt like going out to a club. So instead, we picked up our guitars off the bed and ended up writing most of the words and licks to “Take Me Dancing” right then and there.

Released April 2025

Copyright 2020
Posted by Katie May

An instrumental collaboration between Jed and me.

My Roland FA 07 had recently arrived—patches and more patches... so many sounds, and they were all so beautiful. Was it Mood Strings? Or Warm Strings? It didn’t matter—they begged for a progression.

At the time, I had a music station set up in the bedroom. Yeah, I know... it’s pathetic. I take the keyboard out, I bring it back in. I say, “Just one guitar in the bedroom.” Three later... I swear it’s just convenient, and no, I’m not actually sleeping with my guitars. (Though, have I fallen asleep with a guitar? Maybe.)

Back to the track. Jed gave me a progression, and I repeated it as he grabbed his 1976 Fender Tele from its case and plugged it into the little 20-watt Redline amp—also in the bedroom. I know, I know.

I said, “Play me something bluesy and romantic. Something like a movie soundtrack.”

And of course, Jed understood the assignment perfectly. We had no idea what would come of this little piece we had just written. It sat in the voice memos on my phone for a long time—maybe one or two years?

We settled that day on the title “Saratoga.” Why Saratoga? Great question. I had made a note while visiting Hutchinson, Kansas a few months earlier, inspired by a random street name: Saratoga. I remember thinking, That’s a cool name. Well, that day, Saratoga became a song. And a lovely one, too.

Jed takes you on an emotional journey from beginning to end. The song wasn’t officially finished that day—the middle section was added about two years later. That part took some decision-making, but Jed crafted a full journey with vision. And it's so worth going on.

The cover is a photo from Sausalito, California. HIGHLY recommend visiting.
I honestly can’t remember if it was Jed or me who took that photo, but I do remember what was behind the camera. Some quaint little homes... and then, I looked up and saw a man sitting at a desk, surrounded by books. He looked like an author—just staring into the water, and maybe at us. It felt both serene and convicting to imagine we were the subject of his thoughts. Did he write about us? Was this his daily ritual?

Either way, he became part of the photo—unseen, yet worth a thousand words.

Released April 2025
Copyright 2024
Posted by Katie May

Ah yes—it's hard to believe the emotions tied to writing this song have come and gone. Songs can take on many meanings, and this one could fit a number of situations. But for me, getting down to brass tacks, it was written about my son leaving for college.

I was very young when I became pregnant, and life began with just the two of us. Over time, our little family grew—first three of us, then four. Still, he was my first to leave home. It’s what every parent tries to prepare for, right?

Had you asked me during his junior year if I was ready for him to go off to college, I would’ve said yes without hesitation. But as graduation day in May crept closer, my eyes began to swell and my heart began to ache.

His sister was actually the first to hear the song. She and I sat in my bathroom, listening to the rough voice memos. I think, in a way, writing and sharing this song helped us both process some of the emotions that come with saying goodbye.