How the Year Sounded From Here
My reflections on goals, growth, touring, and learning what “success” really means
Setting the Tone for 2025
2025 started like most years do: full of intention, tempered expectations, and a cautious hope that this might finally be “the year.” For the first time in a while, I set personal, musical, and music-business goals that felt realistic—grounded enough to pursue without burning out. Whether they were hopes, dreams, or delusions is still up for debate.
The Goals I Set (On Substack, at Least)
At the beginning of the year, I aimed to:
Read more (goal: 60+ books)
Write more (1–2 albums or EPs, including FAWM)
Record more (finish album two and begin album three)
Grow my substack and Patreon communities
Double my number of full-band gigs
Increase streaming and Bandcamp listeners
Ambitious? Absolutely. Achievable? That depended on the year I was about to have.
What Actually Happened
The results were a mixed bag—some wins, some misses, and a lot of learning. I finished recording Ghost Stories: Songs of Disorientation, began recording my third album with my full band, the Nomad Collective, and saw modest growth across Substack, patrons, and listeners. I didn’t double anything—but I moved forward, and that counts.
Taking the Music on the Road
One of the biggest milestones of 2025 was touring—on a small, very indie scale. I played shows across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and my regular haunts in Indianapolis. Was it financially lucrative? Not even close. But it was deeply formative and informative. I met people, built relationships, and played rooms I once only imagined. The experiences mattered more than the math.
A Year of Writing (In Many Forms)
I wrote constantly: new songs - finished a sequel album to Ghost Stories, six songs during FAWM that evolved into a mercy-and-protest project, road-written songs, and even the early ideas for a potential sixth album. I also leaned harder into writing on Substack—not just updates, but honest reflections on art, faith, politics, and the long road of being a DIY musician.
So…Was 2025 a Success?
Financially? No. Creatively and personally? In many ways, yes. I did things I never thought I’d do at 47. I took risks. I learned where some of my limits are—especially as they relate to family, balance, and sustainability.
Looking Ahead to 2026
2026 will look different. Likely fewer shows, more structure, and a deeper awareness of the last several years’ toll on my family. But there will be a new album, and there will be more to say about where this road leads next.
Gratitude Before the Turn of the Page
I hope you all have a great new year! Thank you for coming to shows, the listens, the views, the readings of my ramblings and most importantly for your support. I truly am grateful for everything, big or small, that you’ve done for me. See you in 2026.
Remains of Time (aka announcements)
I’m booking for shows, be they full band or solo for 2026. From house shows to restaurants and bars and venues, I want to bring my music to you. Let's set something up. Message me or send me an email at music@joshgillespie.net. Have guitar will travel!
So far, only one show to announce and that’s coming up and it’s on Thursday, January 15th 2026 at the Melody Inn. It’s a full band performance with the Nomad Collective! Joining us on the bill will be the AMAZING Katie Jo Robinson (one of my personal local favs), Aftermarket (a great band headed up by the extremely talented and lyrically prolific Aaron Lipp) and Altitude, a band I haven’t heard, but I’m really looking forward to. Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7:00 and my band goes on at 8:30. Totally early enough for you to come out and see us. The door is $7 to get in. Pretty affordable for this lineup if you ask me! Hope to see you there.
