Hello everyone,

I’m really excited to share with you the story behind my latest album, No Profit In A Peaceful World. This album is a reflection of the journey I’ve been on — not just as a musician but as a person. It’s a journey that has evolved over many years, and while the music might seem like a fresh expression, it’s also very much a culmination of all my experiences, starting from the time I spent with Big Country.

In this series of videos, I’ll be diving into each track from No Profit In A Peaceful World and explaining the thoughts, emotions, and influences behind them. But before we get into that, I wanted to give you an overview of how I arrived at creating this album and what it means to me.

A Long Road from Big Country to Now

My journey into the music world began in my late teens when I joined Big Country. That experience was my apprenticeship — an intense, inspiring, and challenging time. I learned more than I could have ever imagined about music, performance, and the industry. It was also a time of profound personal growth. Being a part of that band, and working with the late Stuart Adamson, shaped who I am as a musician and a person.

When Big Country’s journey came to a close, it left me with an overwhelming sense of not just loss but also a burning desire to find my own voice. I’ve spent years working on my music, reflecting on my past, and figuring out what I want to say. And, let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

The album you’re (hopefully) listening to — No Profit In A Peaceful World — represents the emotional culmination of that journey. It’s a record about the complexities of life, the conflicts we face, and the underlying human condition that unites us all. There’s no grand political statement here, but the title itself says something about the world we live in. Peace is something we all crave, but sometimes, it’s harder to come by than we’d like to admit.

The Seed of the Idea

The idea for this album took root several years ago. I had been doing some solo work, and gradually, the themes that have always been important to me — identity, conflict, the search for meaning — started to take shape. Writing music has always been a way for me to process what’s going on in my life, but this time, the writing felt more urgent.

It’s not often that you get to take a step back and say, “I want to make something that reflects my journey as a musician and as a person,” but that’s exactly what I’ve tried to do with No Profit In A Peaceful World. Each track is personal, but it’s also a reflection of what’s happening around us in the world today. You’ll hear themes of struggle, resilience, and, yes, the complexities of trying to live a peaceful life in a world that’s often anything but.

The Creative Process

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this album was the creative freedom I allowed myself. I didn’t want to feel constrained by expectations or norms. I wanted to take risks and explore different sounds. This album combines elements of rock, folk, and a little bit of the unexpected. The writing process was one of discovery — I learned new things about my own creative abilities, and I also learned to embrace what feels right in the moment.

Of course, it’s hard to talk about any project without acknowledging the people who helped bring it to life. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredibly talented musicians and producers along the way. Their contributions have been invaluable, and the collaborative process has really been the icing on the cake for me. But in the end, it’s my story that needed to be told, and that’s what I’ve poured into every song.

What’s Next?

As you watch the videos accompanying the album, I hope you’ll gain a deeper understanding of where each track came from. It’s been a deeply personal process, and I’m grateful to be able to share it with all of you. I’m also excited to see how these songs resonate with people. Music is such a powerful thing—it can connect us in ways that words alone cannot.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be delving into the meaning behind each individual track. We’ll talk about the inspiration, the lyrics, the production choices, and everything else that went into creating No Profit In A Peaceful World. There’s a lot more to uncover, and I’m looking forward to sharing that journey with you.

Thank you for your continued support.

I hope you enjoy the album. Let’s continue the conversation.

Tony