Music is a universal language. So many of the ideas expressed here can be described with words, but can better be felt through creative expression. The Blocks of Life music collaboration, like the blog posts, explores the elements of a meaningful life, but through music. Each song is a creative statement of the ideas expressed in the blog through its lyrics and the emotional content. The musical styles are extremely varied, with influences of rock, funk, folk, and classical music, the only limit being the expression of the idea.
My Keep
Genre: Pop Rock
My Keep is about being at home in yourself and anywhere you are. It features Jim Wiley on drums, Peter Wiley on bass, Lynsey Tibbs and Clare Dove on vocals, and Mike Fonte on Guitar.
Wind and Sun
Genre: Classical
Wind and Sun was inspired by a bright, sunny, and blustery winter day on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. It features Ayran Nicodemo on violin, Ben Trigg on Cello and Bruno Migliari on double bass.
My Place
Genre: Rock
My Place is a song that celebrates being home in yourself, no matter where you are. It features John Komosa on drums and Joe Macker on lead guitar.
No Regrets
Genre: Rock
No Regret is a song about taking risks, being vulnerable, and acting on your passion. It features Peter (The Boy) Wiley on drums, Joe Macker on lead guitar, Bob Tracy on trumpet, and Craig Rudy on Sax.
Eyes of Darkness
Genre: Rock
Eyes of Darkness explores the emotional panic and dark images associated with feeling trapped. It features Jim Wiley on drums.
No Escape
Genre: Rock
No Escape is associated with the blog post, Living a Life From Which We Don’t Need Escape. It features Jim Wiley on drums.
Common Thread
Genre: Rock
Common Thread is associated with the blog post, Keeping it All Together—How to Live an Integrated Life. It features Jim Wiley on drums and Tim Haverland on vocals.
Jolly Auctioneers
Genre: Alternative Folk
Jolly Auctioneers is a song Pete wrote for The National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, an environmental non-profit, to advertise their fundraising auction. It features Mike Skalzi on vocals.
New Day
Genre: Classical Piano
New Day is associated with the blog post, Personal Resilience—Thriving During the Hard Times, and is a musical interpretation of the Poem, A New Day Will Dawn.
The Lake
Genre: Vocal/Acoustic
The Lake is associated with the blog post, Foundations—Building Your Life from the Ground Up. It features Jacqui Wiley, Catherine Wiley, and Peter Wiley (the younger) on vocals.
Top of the Hill
Genre: Tone Poem
Top of the Hill is associated with the blog post, Moving On, and is a musical interpretation of the Poem, Top of the Hill.
Reality of Two
Genre: Tone Poem
Reality of Two is associated with the blog post, Desperate, and is a musical interpretation of the Poem, Reality of Two.
This Reality
Genre: Funk Rock
This Reality associated with the blog post, Acceptance. It features John Kamosa on drums and Tim Haverland on vocals.
Blocks of Life is coordinated by Pete Wiley, who plays guitar, bass, and keyboards, and is the principal songwriter. Collaborators include Jim Wiley and John Komosa (drums), Harry Osborne, Tim Haverland, Mike Skalzi, Jacqui Wiley, and Catherine Wiley (vocals), Joe Macker (guitar), Peter “The Boy” Wiley (drums, guitar, and vocals), Bob Tracy (trumpet), Craig Rudy (sax), and Chris Clement (mixing and mastering engineer). The lineup changes from song to song, and the combination of musicians and their vision for their parts adds to the interpretation of music and the feel of the song.