"Deadweight Destiny" started as a song with a working title of "Push", when I was lead singer of a band called Starways Congress back in 2003-2004. I think I had actually had the riff in-hand as far back as college (so, somewhere in the 2000-2002 range) but could never really figure out what to do with it. As it turns out, neither could Starways Congress. The lyrics were a long-gestating piece of work - inspired mostly by the idea that people's expectations of you - or better yet, the expectations you perceive they have of you - can start to become a burden.

"Undertow" was a fun song to make. I absolutely love the chorus, and the middle section with the guitar solo and build to climax was originally three times longer - with a few different crazy changes that went into some far off places. I wish I still had those developments somewhere but, alas, I do not.

"Speak My Name" is one of my favorites too. I was trying to mix a little Depeche Mode with U2, and just a drop of Smashing Pumpkins to see what I would get. This and "Deadweight Destiny" were really exploring my faith - both spiritual and in myself.