“‘Prosperity is an illusion’ is a critical phrase in the song and the main theme of ‘Let Us Breathe,’ in that the reckless pursuit of wealth, mechanical and technological advancement can ultimately lead to our own destruction,” TT explains, stating that his concept for the video was to show the catastrophic result of that reckless destruction of our planet. He recounts, “The experience was horrifying and felt apocalyptic, perhaps a vision of the future, should we not heed Mother Nature’s warnings.” Striving to “immerse the viewer in the dying world,” director Aaron Eisenberg and producer Anneliese Salgado of Sound + Vision included scenes of flames, burning mansions, wastelands, and tidal waves.
TT was inspired to rededicate himself to music in 2023, when his kidney disease came out of remission. Given a short life expectancy, he realized that he wanted to spend whatever time he had left focusing on the things that mattered most and, therefore, would return to his original passion - music.
Choosing bold inspiration over blind fear, TT rounded up a band of A-list instrumentalists and spent time in a Los Angeles recording studio, where he sang like his life depended on it. By the time he received the miraculous news that his disease had once again entered remission, he had already finished a nine-song album — one whose seize-the-day message was truly universal.
Man on the Corner may be inspired by TT's own experience, but his songs cast a wider net, reflecting on everything from addiction to parenthood. His first single, "Old Glory," a countrified blast of American roots rock and amped-up guitar riffs released on August 9, 2024, was inspired by his interpersonal experiences volunteering at Bread and Roses, a special food service for people in LA experiencing homelessness, where the clients are seated and served with dignity and respect. Elsewhere on the album, "Heal My Mind" delivers interwoven narratives about love lost, ghostly encounters, and mourning, while “My Confession” addresses feelings of inadequacy, and “My Kinda Cowgirl” admires an altruist from afar.
“There's an overall feeling of using the time you have left,” he says, reflecting on the self-produced record. “These are experiences and words that I hope everyone can relate to. We're all human. We all struggle with these issues. We all have mortality.”
Together, the songs on Man on the Corner weave diverse sounds and stories, all delivered by a longtime storyteller, songwriter, and survivor who refuses to waste another moment.
