Music’s always been more than background noise to me—it’s been part of the blueprint. A good song can set the tone for a long drive, a quiet night, or a hard day’s work. It sharpens the edges, lifts the weight, or sometimes just holds the moment in place long enough for you to breathe.
I listen to just about everything except rap, and I’ve found pieces of myself in all kinds of sound. But a few artists and genres have stayed with me—long enough, deep enough—that I know they’re part of what built Black Circle Forge.
Pearl Jam and the Road
If there’s one band I’ll always make time to see live, it’s Pearl Jam. My wife and I have followed them all over the country, and they never play the same show twice. The energy, the unpredictability, the connection with the crowd—it’s something you have to experience to really get.
🎧 Listen to “Corduroy” on Spotify
📺 Watch “Given to Fly” live on YouTube
Every set feels handcrafted, and no matter the city, you always feel like you’re part of something special. That kind of commitment to the craft—that’s what keeps us coming back.
The Texas Spirit: Toadies and Red Dirt Roots
Another band that’s woven into my musical DNA is the Toadies. That loud, gritty, Texas-driven sound is something I’ll never shake off.
But Texas music doesn’t stop there. The stuff I play the most—when I’m driving, working, writing—is Texas country, Red Dirt, Americana, and Outlaw country. Artists like Cody Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, and The Wilder Blue keep me grounded.
📺 Watch “Dixie Darlin” by The Wilder Blue on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify
There’s a certain honesty in their lyrics—a refusal to be polished too clean. I like that. Life isn’t polished. And neither is this site.
King George and 90s Country
The music that made me love country in the first place? 90s country. And no one tops George Strait.
🎧 “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” on Spotify
📺 Live performance on YouTube
He didn’t need to yell to make you feel it. He just told the truth and let the music carry it.
Vibe Check: Jack Johnson, Shinedown, and Beyond
Depending on the day, you might catch me with Jack Johnson in my ears—or something from Shinedown if I need a little more edge.
🎧 Jack Johnson – “Banana Pancakes”
🎧 Shinedown – “A Symptom of Being Human”
Whether it’s mellow or full-throttle, the right music sets the pace. And for me, that rhythm shows up in the work, the words, and everything I’m building.
Why It Matters Here
Black Circle Forge isn’t just about products or posts—it’s about identity. Music is part of mine. It’s shaped my mindset, my values, and my stories. Whether I’m writing a novel, designing a shirt, or hammering out a blog post like this one, there’s always something playing in the background.
And chances are, it’s helping me build something that lasts.
What About You?
What artists shaped your identity?
What songs still hit you when nothing else does?
Drop a comment or shoot me a message—I’d love to swap playlists or stories.
Black Circle Forge 