My Original Albums — A Musical Journey
This collection of original albums represents years of songwriting, recording, creativity, and a lifelong passion for music. Each release captures a different chapter of my musical journey, reflecting the experiences, emotions, and inspiration that have shaped me along the way.
My first officially released album, Now, Then Again…, featured contributions from two of my former college bandmates. One brought his talents to the drums, while the other added slide guitar to one of the tracks, making the album a special connection to my musical roots.
My follow-up album, Came, continued that journey and became even more personal when my lovely wife contributed background vocals to one of the songs.
Six Year Dream has a history all its own. Written and recorded many years ago, the album remained tucked away until I finally revisited it, remastered the recordings, and gave the music the official release it deserved.
Soundscape of Dreams is a recently released EP that takes a different direction from my other musical projects. Originally written and recorded shortly after completing Six Year Dream, it was born out of a simple question I asked myself: Could I create music that would feel at home in a movie soundtrack?
Having finished Six Year Dream, I wanted to challenge myself creatively and explore the art of cinematic composition. I wondered if I could tell a story through music alone, capturing emotions, creating atmosphere, and painting scenes in the listener’s imagination without the need for words.
Soundscape of Dreams was my attempt to answer that question. Although the music remained unreleased for years, I finally decided it was time to share this experimental chapter of my musical journey. It’s a collection of sounds, moods, and melodies intended to take listeners somewhere beyond the ordinary, where music becomes the soundtrack to their own imagination.
The rest of my albums have been written and recorded in my own Sound Ministry Studio, where I’ve had the freedom to explore my creativity and bring my musical visions to life.
Together, these albums are more than just a collection of songs. They’re pieces of my life, memories set to music, and a reflection of the journey God has led me through. Each one tells a story, and I’m grateful to finally share those stories with you.
Bands, Collaborations & Musical Journeys
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing with some incredibly talented musicians, sharing stages, writing songs, recording albums, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Each band and musical collaboration has played a part in shaping who I am as a musician and songwriter.
In no particular order, and certainly not an exhaustive list, here are some of the bands and projects I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of.
militantPoet
What began as a Rage Against the Machine cover band eventually evolved into something much bigger. We found our own voice, started writing original music, and built a collection of songs that became beloved by many who followed us over the years.
After two decades away from the stage together, we recently reunited for our first show in 20 years. With only three rehearsals under our belts, we somehow managed to pull off a 22-song set in front of a sold-out crowd! It was an unforgettable night and a powerful reminder that some musical connections never fade, no matter how much time passes.
Find out more here
The Jonz Boyse
My college band, and one that holds a special place in my heart. The Jonz Boyse blended an eclectic mix of cover songs with a wide range of original material, written primarily by our lead singer and me.
Those years were filled with creativity, experimentation, and the excitement of discovering our musical identity. It was a time when songwriting became an increasingly important part of my life, and many of the friendships and musical relationships formed during those years have continued long after the band played its final show.
Find out more here
Last Saints Day
Formed a little over 15 years ago, Last Saints Day brought together musicians with a shared history and a passion for creating original music. The band included two brothers I had grown up with and played alongside, on and off, for many years.
Together, we wrote and recorded a full-length album as well as a Christmas EP. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect musically with longtime friends while creating something entirely new.
Find out more here
Shellhorn and Soule
Some friendships are built on shared memories, while others are woven together through music. For lifelong friends Tim and Colin, it’s been a little of both. We’ve spent much of our lives writing songs together, with Tim being the Lennon to my McCartney. Our musical journey began in college with our band, The Jonz Boyse, where we poured our hearts, creativity, and countless hours into writing music that became the soundtrack to some of the best years of our lives.
Years later, we reconnected with a simple idea: finally record the songs we had written all those years ago but never had the chance to capture. What started as a trip down memory lane turned into something even more special. We dusted off old favorites, breathed new life into them, and even found that the creative spark was still there as we wrote a couple of brand-new songs together.
The result is a record we’re genuinely proud of; not just because of the music, but because of the friendship, memories, and decades of shared creativity behind it. Some things change with time, but the joy of making music with an old friend never gets old.
Mark Reitsma
Mark was the guitarist for The Jonz Boyse and someone I’ve had the pleasure of making music with for many years.
He released an EP featuring reimagined versions of some of his original songs, including one we had written together. I was fortunate enough to contribute bass guitar to the recordings, and the finished project is an absolute banger! It’s always exciting to revisit music from years past and hear it brought to life in a fresh, new way.
Find out more here
Contact Jack
Contact Jack was a cover band that gave me the opportunity to experience the life of a working musician in a big way. We performed all across Michigan, often playing four or five nights a week.
While our shows focused primarily on cover material, we also wrote a handful of original songs. Those years were filled with countless performances, late nights, long drives, and the kind of experiences that only come from spending so much time onstage with fellow musicians.
It was an incredible chapter of my musical life that taught me a great deal about performing, musicianship, and connecting with an audience.
The Bridges
After The Jonz Boyse disbanded, I joined The Bridges, continuing my journey of performing and creating original music.
We played several shows featuring our own material, and I was grateful that the band also incorporated a few songs I had written. It was another opportunity to share my music, collaborate with talented musicians, and continue doing something I’ve always loved.
Wonderland
Wonderland came into my life through an unexpected phone call from an old friend. Dusty, the keyboardist from my college band The Jonz Boyse, reached out to let me know that a band he was playing with needed a bassist. Having played together before, he already knew I had the chops, so there was no need for a formal audition. The only question was whether we’d all mesh musically and personally. As it turned out, we clicked right away.
What followed was an exciting chapter in my musical journey. We hit the local music scene, competed in Battle of the Bands at the legendary Orbit Room in Grand Rapids, and had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with numerous national touring acts. There was something special about the energy of that band, the chemistry onstage, and the thrill of playing in front of packed crowds. Wonderland was another unforgettable stop along my musical journey, filled with great music, memorable performances, and experiences I’ll always treasure.
The Music, the Memories, and the Journey
Looking back, I’m grateful for every band, every rehearsal, every recording session, and every moment spent onstage. Some of these projects lasted for years, while others were shorter chapters, but each left its mark on me.
For me, music has never been just about performing or recording. It’s about the friendships formed along the way, the creative spark that happens when musicians come together, and the incredible feeling of hearing something you helped create come alive.
More than anything, it’s about the songs and the stories behind them. Some were written decades ago, yet they still mean just as much to me today.
And the best part? I’m still writing, still recording, and still making music. The journey is far from over.
As of October 2026, my creative journey encompasses 139 published songs, crafted both independently and through exciting collaborative projects.
Projects
