Strange Highways Music & Publishing

Author: Jeff

  • Starr Search – Week 3 – Steve Starr

    Starr Search – Week 3 – Steve Starr

    ⭐ THIS WEEK’S CHARACTER: Steve Starr

    Stu Starr’s father. A handsome, quietly charismatic man whose charm once filled every room he walked into, Steve carries the weight of choices he never fully owned. He’s the kind of dad who means well but leaves emotional debris in his wake — a man stitched together from good intentions, half-truths, and the kind of silence that shapes a family for decades. In Starr Love, Steve represents the legacy Stu can’t outrun: a father who loved deeply, failed quietly, and left shadows long enough for his son to grow up inside them.

    [ays_poll id=”4″]

    Cast your vote above — and check back Thursday for the reveal.
    If you want updates first, follow my page on my Facebook page.

    Pre‑Release Prize

    Everyone who votes in any of the four pre‑release weeks is entered into a drawing for one autographed paperback of Starr Love.
    (The more weeks you vote, the more entries you get – enter your email address if you want to be entered.)

  • New Single Release: “I’m A Star” by Stu Starr — Straight From the Prison Yard

    New Single Release: “I’m A Star” by Stu Starr — Straight From the Prison Yard

    Every once in a while, a project comes along that feels so strange, so chaotic, and so unexpectedly electric that you can’t help but follow it wherever it leads. Today, I get to share one of those moments.

    I’m thrilled to announce the debut single from rising underground personality Stu Starr — a track called “I’m A Star.” And yes, the rumors are true: this song was recorded from inside the state prison.

    Stu’s cellmate, Rowdy, sent me his vocals through monitored phone lines, raw and unfiltered, straight from the yard. My job was to take that energy — the bravado, the delusion, the charisma, the sheer force of will — and shape it into a full studio production. What came out the other side is a high‑energy dance track that somehow manages to be both chaotic and irresistible. It’s Stu at his most determined, declaring his fame long before the world has caught up.

    Early download access is available now through my Bandcamp page:

    I’m A Star – Early Access:
    https://jeffelder.bandcamp.com/track/im-a-star

    The single will be released worldwide on all major streaming services on February 14, 2026, alongside the release of Starr Love, a book I wrote featuring Stu Starr.

    Here’s what Stu had to say about the track:

    “They tried to lock me up, but they couldn’t lock up my destiny. I’ve always known the world was waiting for me — now they finally get to hear what a real star sounds like.”
    — Stu Starr

    And from my side of the studio:

    “Working with Stu is unlike anything I’ve ever done. Rowdy sends me these raw, chaotic phone recordings of him from inside, and somehow there’s always a spark in them. My job is just to shape that spark into something the world can dance to.”
    — Producer, Jeff Elder

    This whole project has been a wild ride — part music experiment, part character study, part world‑building fever dream — and I’m excited to finally share it with you.

    More updates soon as we get closer to release day.

    Jeff

  • Starr Search – Week 2 – Mariel Starr

    Starr Search – Week 2 – Mariel Starr

    ⭐ THIS WEEK’S CHARACTER: Mariel Starr

    Stu Starr’s mother. A quiet force in the background of his chaotic life, Mariel embodies patience, worry, and unspoken disappointment. Her steady presence anchors the emotional undercurrent of Starr Love, revealing the roots of Stu’s lifelong need for validation. She’s the kind of woman who folds laundry while listening for sirens, who knows more than she says, and who carries the weight of family history in her posture.

    [ays_poll id=”3″]

    Cast your vote above — and check back Thursday for the reveal.
    If you want updates first, follow my page on my Facebook page.

    Pre‑Release Prize

    Everyone who votes in any of the four pre‑release weeks is entered into a drawing for one autographed paperback of Starr Love.
    (The more weeks you vote, the more entries you get – enter your email address if you want to be entered.)

  • Starr Search – Week 1 – Stu Starr

    Starr Search – Week 1 – Stu Starr

    ⭐ THIS WEEK’S CHARACTER: Stu Starr

    The man, the myth, the meltdown. Stu is a walking cocktail of ambition, delusion, charm, and catastrophic decision‑making. He’s the kind of guy who thinks the universe is sending him secret messages — and he’s absolutely the star of them.

    [ays_poll id=”2″]

    Cast your vote above — and check back Thursday for the reveal.
    If you want updates first, follow my page on my Facebook page.

    Pre‑Release Prize

    Everyone who votes in any of the four pre‑release weeks is entered into a drawing for one autographed paperback of Starr Love.
    (The more weeks you vote, the more entries you get – enter your email address if you want to be entered.)

  • Announcing the Release of Starr Love – Available for Pre‑Order Now

    Announcing the Release of Starr Love – Available for Pre‑Order Now

    Announcing the Release of Starr Love — Available for Pre‑Order Now

    I’m excited to share some news: my new book, Starr Love, officially arrives on February 14th, 2026 in both Kindle and paperback editions (audiobook to follow this Summer). After years of shaping this story — its humor, its heart, its glitter‑coated delusions — it’s finally ready to meet readers.

    Pre‑order is now available!

    👉 Pre‑Order from Amazon: Starr Love

    About the Book

    Starr Love is a darkly comic psychological tale about fame, fantasy, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. At its center is Stu Starr, a lifelong dreamer who has always believed he was destined for something bigger. The world never quite agreed — but that’s never stopped him from rewriting every moment of his life into a story where he eventually shines.

    With rhinestones polished and cape in place, Stu is convinced the spotlight is finally his. But as the line between fantasy and reality begins to warp, what emerges is a story that’s unsettling, funny, and painfully familiar in a culture obsessed with being seen.

    Set partly against the backdrop of Tulsa’s music scene in the 1980s, the story taps into the raw ambition that fuels performers everywhere — from garage bands to bar‑band veterans. Readers who love offbeat, boundary‑pushing fiction, dark humor, or camp‑infused storytelling will feel right at home.

    A Satire Wrapped in Sequins

    Described as “a portrait of delusion in sequins,” Starr Love offers a sharp, satirical look at:

    • celebrity worship
    • political spectacle
    • the cultural hunger for attention
    • the fragile psychology behind wanting to matter

    It’s a book for anyone who’s ever chased a dream, questioned their own narrative, or watched the spotlight burn a little too bright.

    The tagline says it best:
    “Fame is a fantasy. Delusion is forever.”

    Pre‑Order Today

    If you’d like to support the book — or just want to be among the first to read it — you can pre‑order below:

    👉 Pre‑Order from Amazon: Starr Love

    Your early support means the world and helps the book reach more readers when it launches.

    Stay Connected

    For updates, behind‑the‑scenes notes, and future releases, keep an eye on strangehighways.com and thanks, as always, for being part of this journey – Stu Starr is almost ready for his close‑up – I have some fun ideas that we’ll be playing with as a part of that.

    Happy Friday,

    Jeff

  • “Fame, Fear, and Funhouse Mirrors” — A Short Interview with Jeff Elder, Author of Starr Love

    “Fame, Fear, and Funhouse Mirrors” — A Short Interview with Jeff Elder, Author of Starr Love

    “Fame, Fear, and Funhouse Mirrors” — A Short Interview with Jeff Elder, Author of Starr Love

    Interview by Mic Copiloti (MC)

    MC: Jeff, Starr Love is a novel that feels both intimate and unsettling in the best way. For readers who haven’t encountered it yet, how would you describe what the story is about at its core?

    Jeff: Starr Love is the story of a wanna‑be rock star gone wrong. It takes us through his life, how he rose to fame, and beyond.

    MC: The book unfolds across Tulsa and Las Vegas — two places with wildly different energies. What drew you to set the story there?

    Jeff: I wanted to be able to describe subtle details of the city Stu lived in. I grew up in Tulsa, and since it’s such a rich playground for subject matter and scenery, it seemed perfect for the Starr family. As for Las Vegas — that’s where stars go to fade away into history, right?

    MC: Stu is a complicated figure: delusional, earnest, hungry, and heartbreakingly human. What should readers understand about his psychology?

    Jeff: Unfortunately, Stu is a bit like what the U.S. has become. He’s obsessed with fame, fortune, himself and not much else. It’s a sad commentary, but if you look at any device, that’s what you see. Stu is just an exaggerated version of that.

    MC: That cultural reflection is part of what makes the book so timely. Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you an outliner, a discovery writer, or something in between?

    Jeff: First off, I don’t consider myself a writer — not like a Stephen King or whatnot. I’m a story creative. I develop mostly full stories in my mind, then take them into a word processor and lay them out as completely as I can. From there, I’m not afraid to use the tools out there: editing software, critiquing software like AutoCrit, and bouncing ideas with AI. But I don’t use AI for coming up with ideas — I bring the ideas, and I might just ask how to word something or ask if something says what I am trying to express. At heart, I’m a dumb musician with a knack for crazy ideas, and I’m okay with that.

    MC: You’ve been open about using modern tools in your creative process. What’s your take on technology’s role in creativity?

    Jeff: AI isn’t for coming up with ideas — it’s for exploring them. I don’t think it’s a threat to the writing world. Have you ever read a book totally conceived by AI? I have. They’re all over Amazon. Add in virtual voice and it’s a double‑whammy slap to the creative community. But as a collaborator? As a tool? Absolutely. I’m a bit of a hermit, so sometimes I need a sounding board. Technology lets me sanity‑check ideas, take notes, voice‑type, and assemble thoughts into usable chunks. I’m all for technology in the arts when it’s used responsibly.

    MC: You’ve said before that Starr Love carries an underlying message. What do you hope readers take away?

    Jeff: The underlying message is to — gasp — stop worshipping fame so much. Fandom is fun, but when it crosses into worship? That’s kind of like being in a cult, isn’t it? While my story is fiction, it could happen. It’s not far‑fetched in today’s world. That alone makes it a pretty scary story, huh?

    MC: One last question. Why was now the right time to tell this story?

    Jeff: I can do it in one sentence: Have you seen the news?

    MC:
    That might be the most concise — and accurate — justification I’ve heard for a novel in years. Sometimes the world hands you a moment so absurd, so loud, so fame‑drunk that the only reasonable response is to write a story that holds a mirror up to it.

    ⭐ Book Availability

    Starr Love will be available February 14th, 2026 in both digital and print formats. Readers will be able to purchase it through Amazon and other major retailers. A full announcement with links will be posted prior to its release.

  • Looking Back at 2025 — and Ahead to 2026

    Looking Back at 2025 — and Ahead to 2026

    Looking Back at 2025 — and Ahead to 2026

    So, here we are again – New Years Eve. As usual, I have been reflecting and thinking ahead.

    2025 was a strange one — a year that didn’t always go the way I expected, but still managed to deliver some real highlights, a few surprises, and more than a little personal growth (forced or otherwise). As the year winds down, I wanted to take a moment to look back at what happened, what I created, what I survived, and what’s coming next.

    Creative Highlights of 2025

    In April, Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon A Time finally made its way into the world. By December, it climbed to #20 on the Amazon Children’s Books chart, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. That little story book found its audience, and seeing it resonate with readers has been one of the brightest parts of my year.

    Early in the year, I released a couple of experimental electronic tracks — not under a band name, not behind a persona, just Jeff Elder. They’re like me – odd, atmospheric, and definitely “an acquired taste,” but they made me happy. Sales weren’t wild, but that was never the point. It felt good to create something purely because I wanted to and I look forward to doing more in the future.

    On the non‑creative side, I started SOHO Admin Force, a business I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes most of the year. I know that’s not what most people come to this site for, but if you are curious, I’ve included a link where you can learn more about what we do above.

    On a Personal Note

    2025 was… physically challenging. Early in the year, I learned that my foot had actually been broken — not recently, but two years earlier. I’d spent all that time assuming it was a stubborn sprain. Turns out, no. It was very broken.

    I had the bone repaired, and the recovery took far longer than expected. I ended up off my feet for more than half the year. And just when I finally started walking again, I managed to injure the other knee. Physical therapy has been my new friend ever since.

    It wasn’t the year of movement I wanted, but I’m grateful to say I’m doing much better now — not quite 100%, but close. Healing is slow, but it’s happening, and I’m ready to step (carefully) into 2026.

    Looking Ahead to 2026

    So, what’s coming next? Quite a bit — the kind of work that’s been simmering quietly while I’ve been healing and regrouping.

    I’ve spent much of this winter finishing and editing my next release, Starr Love. Despite the title, no — it’s not a romance novel. It’s the story of a delusional wannabe rock star who maybe takes things a bit too far. It’s strange, darkly funny, and very much its own thing. You’ll see it on shelves this Spring.

    I’ve got two (maybe three) other manuscripts in various stages of development. Once Starr Love is officially off my plate, I’ll decide which one gets my attention next.

    I’m doing a couple of remixes for the latest Red Red Groove album, Resonance. Since I’ve stepped back from playing live and have mostly retired from the music scene, I only appear on the new album on one track (Activate) — a guitar part I recorded back during the Return sessions. Think of these remixes as my small way of supporting Mike Castle and the groove as he keeps it moving forward.

    I really enoyed making music with no rules, no expectations, and no persona — just me and a pile of synths. Will another track appear in 2026? Maybe. Probably. We’ll see where inspiration leads.

    And Finally…

    I hope everyone has been having — and continues to have — a wonderful holiday season. This time of year always feels like a reset button, a chance to breathe, reflect, and look ahead with a little more optimism than we had in the middle of the year.

    I’m looking forward to making 2026 a great one, creatively and personally, and I hope you’re able to carve out something meaningful for yourself in the months ahead too. Here’s to new projects, better health, and whatever strange, unexpected joys find us along the way.

    Cheers,
    Jeff

  • Greetings from Fall in Texas!

    Greetings from Fall in Texas!

    Autumn finally arrived yesterday, and I couldn’t be happier. I love this time of year. As Mike (from my old band Red Red Groove) used to say, it’s officially “Leather Weather Season.”

    It’s been a minute, and now that the weather’s finally decent, I figured it was time to post an update on what’s been going on.

    Summer Recap
    This summer was a whirlwind. While I haven’t posted much, I’ve been working non-stop on several projects. As I mentioned earlier this year, I’ve been building a new business called SOHO Admin Force. We officially opened our virtual “doors” this month. So now I guess I’m supposed to lean back and collect the cash, right? Just kidding—it’s been a labor of love, and I’m proud of what’s taking shape.

    Beyond that, I’ve continued work on two books: Starr Love and EternaLife. I expect Starr Love will be the first to debut, likely sometime next year. In the original draft, I included several “real” characters by name, thinking it would be funnier if readers recognized them as celebrities. After several months of trying, I wasn’t able to secure permission to use those names, so I went back to the drawing board. All good, though. I’ve learned that with writing, deadlines are overrated. You write until it’s right.

    Studio Shifts
    Ah yes, studio stuff. In today’s digital age, unless you’re a full band needing rehearsal space, there’s not much need for a dedicated studio anymore. I’ve been selling off gear and consolidating everything into a new office setup this Summer, rather than keeping it in a separate building like before.

    Aside from music projects, I’m planning to narrate some of the books myself. I’ve always admired how John Waters does his own readings. There’s something more sincere about hearing a story straight from the horse’s mouth.

    Holiday Promotions
    Next month kicks off the promotional push for Once Upon a Time – a great stocking stuffer for the grandkids (hint hint). We’ll also be rolling out the annual Christmastime on the Beach campaign. That book and CD combo makes a great gift too. Just sayin’.

    Looking Ahead
    Now that SOHO is live, I’ll try to post more often while we wait on the next creative wave. There’s plenty going on behind the scenes, even if I haven’t been gabbing about it like I probably should.

    Until Then…
    Wishing you all a safe and fun Halloween. Here’s a track Mike and I released a few years back to help set the spooky mood.

    Happy Halloween,

    Jeff

  • Summer Summer

    Summer Summer

    It’s been a busy Summer here, figured I should probably drop in a quick update… at the moment, I’ve got three works in progress. Ok, maybe four. Maybe five.

    At the top of the list, creative-wise, I’m about half-way through finishing a book called Starr Love. I’m not going to get deep into what it’s about right now. But, rest assured, it is very different from anything I’ve put out in the past and will be a full-length book (rather than a short like in the past). With any luck, you’ll see Starr Love surface this Fall.

    Also on the writing pad is one called EternaLife. I’ve been working on this for close to a year now and it just keeps evolving. So, rather than rushing it, I’ve decided to let it evolve naturally and, hopefully, we’ll see it in 2026.

    Musically, a remix I did for the band Asylum is being released this month. I don’t have a lot of details on where to stream, etc. But, I know they’ve pressed some CD’s and I hear streaming is coming. Will post a link once I receive it.

    I will also being another abstract “elder” piece this Fall. More on that later.

    What else? Oh, on the non-creative side, I’ve been working on launching a new business called SOHO Admin Force. It’s been taking up a lot of time but, in the end, should provide for some retirement income when the time comes. That’s a good thing. But, very time consuming and has taken away from the writing lately. I’ll be glad once things get up and running and I have more time to devote to writing.

    So… that’s where we are on this Summer of 2025.

    Hope you all have a fun Summer!

    Jeff

  • That One’s in the Bag

    That One’s in the Bag

    Well, sometimes you just have to cut your losses and move on. Late 2023 I started working on a project I was calling, “Elder’s Mixed Bags.” It was an attempt at recreating some of my favorite family recipes into packaged “bags” (think chili mix).

    Throughout 2024, I did some pretty extensive taste testing and responses were great. Unfortunately, after the economy tanked and I started doing the math on supplied and packaging, it became clear that these things were going to cost WAY too much retail to ever sell. I’m not a big company and can’t compete with their slave labor and bulk purchasing power… although, I do have a few nieces and a nephew. Hmm… well, never mind, back to my point – it’s just going to cost the consumer too much. So, I have made the difficult decision to drop the project.

    Should the economy get its shit together before I’m dead, I may revisit the idea. I am also thinking that a recipe book could be the right way to go. At least people could make their own pickle shots or whatnot. Adding it to the idea stack.

    For now, thank you to all my taste testers. I really appreciated the input and had fun playing with recipes. Oh well, off to the next adventure…

    Jeff

  • Once Upon A… Coloring Book!

    Once Upon A… Coloring Book!

    I thought, since I did the children’s book, a coloring book would be fun to go with it. So… here it is!

    I wanted to keep the cost low, so I’m making about 15 cents off each of these babies lol. The rest is the manufacturing cost. Gotta love it, right?

    Have fun!

    – Jeff

  • New Free Music Download Site

    New Free Music Download Site

    A quick distraction from all of the book news…

    I just set up a new Bandcamp page where I will be making some of the harder-to-find past releases (things you can’t find on Amazon or Spotify) available for free download. If you download a song and enter your email address, you should receive notifications when I add new ones. Or, just check back here. I intend to post a short blurb each time I add something.

    Today’s track: Can’t Remember by Trust.

    This was the b-side of the Faith 7-inch single from 1993. Originally released under the band name Trust. Since that time, a new Trust happened. When re-issues of this Trust started happening in 2014, we went with the band name Trust 93 to avoid confusion (since the other Trust is still alive and kicking). This track is also using the Trust 93 band name to make your digital filing easier.

    So…. if you’d like free download, hop on over to the following link:

    Can’t Remember… | Trust 93 | Jeff Elder

    The main page to bookmark is –

    Music | Jeff Elder

    More to come soon!

    Jeff

  • Once Upon a Release Day

    Once Upon a Release Day

    I’m thrilled to officially announce that my new book, Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon a Time, is now available! This project has been a labor of love, and I couldn’t be happier to finally share it with you all. If you grab a copy and enjoy it, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a rating or review on Amazon or Goodreads. Those reviews make a big difference in helping the book reach new readers. And if you’d like to help spread the word, sharing this post or telling your friends about the book would mean the world to me.

    Thank you all for your support!

    – Jeff

    Spoiler alert:

    While I’m a big fan of Duran Duran, I’ve never been thrilled about their habit of releasing multiple versions of the same album without much warning. I always end up buying them all—a true sucker for their music! With that in mind, I wanted to share all the coming formats upfront so there are no surprises down the line. While I’d love for you to pick up every version, I completely understand how frustrating that can be. So… pick your favorite poison!

    Paperback – Now available

    Kindle – Now available for purchase OR free to read with Kindle + for next 90 days (I get paid for “page turns” on those – so simply reading and reviewing it for free still helps)

    Audible audiobook – Due in about a week or so

    Hardcover w/ color pictures – Early Summer

    Coloring Book – May 2025

    Other merch (t-shirts, music project, etc.) – Now through Fall

  • Once Upon a Time…

    Once Upon a Time…

    Once upon a time, I had the idea to create a book of bedtime stories for children.

    Well, that idea has come to life and I’m happy to announce that Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon a Time will be released on April 11th, 2025.

    Initial formats will be Kindle and Paperback, followed by an Audiobook, an album (Summer), and a Hardcover version (Fall).

    As we did with Christmastime on the Beach, there will be another Goodreads Kindle giveaway launching very soon. If you’re not already a Goodreads member, go join by clicking here. It doesn’t cost anything 🙂

    To pre-order the Kindle version, please use the following link:

    Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon A Time (Kindle)

    I will be posting links to other formats as they become available.

    I’m excited to see this one come to life and look forward to hearing your feedback!

    Jeff

  • The Outsider

    The Outsider

    Out today – The Outsider.

    While it is only a single, this is something that has been in the works for a long time.

    The concept was simple; Free-form mood music. The process was simple; Plug in, alter mind, throw out the rules. Oh, and don’t drag it out. That was a big one. In other words, let’s see what I can do like the old days when hours in the studio were expensive. You bought a block of time and that’s all the time you had to get it done. For me, I set that block of time at 48 hours. So, this past January, I locked myself up for two days and did as much as I could get done in that time period.

    The original intention was to create an entire album. But, as it turns out, I was a little rusty on the free-form stuff and had to get used to some new gear, etc. So, it took a little longer than I had planned. Regardless, I’m happy with the outcome and will continue the project indefinitely. And, hey, no one buys full albums anymore, anyway, right? lol

    A little about the music.

    The idea behind the song, The Outsider, was to try capturing what I often feel around other people and translating that into a soundscape. I’ve always been called an outsider. Honestly, I don’t mind being around people, I don’t hate them or anything. But I just don’t feel like I’ve ever fit in with any particular group. When you listen to this, close your eyes and try to imagine walking through a crowd… I’ll leave it at that.

    Waldeinsamkeit

    If your German is a bit dusty, Waldeinsamkeit is a German word that refers to the feeling one has while being alone in the woods, usually a sublime or spiritual feeling. I’m very happy with how this one turned out and hope you like it, too. Once again, best listened to with your eyes closed 🙂

    Interesting tidbit: in my 40+ years of releasing music, this is the first thing I’ve ever released as “Jeff Elder.” A million other bands, a million other names, even a couple where I used my real name as a player, but this is the first official Jeff Elder release. Will there be more? Yes. I thoroughly enjoyed this process and plan to do it again later in the year and beyond.

    The Outsider is now available on all major streaming platforms, including:

    Amazon

    Spotify

    Apple Music

    I know this release won’t be for everyone. But I hope you explore the tracks with an open mind and enjoy them as much as I do.

    Until next time…

    Jeff

  • PPT Valentine’s Pre-Order / Pre-Save

    PPT Valentine’s Pre-Order / Pre-Save

    The RFH album Project: PornTrack is now available for pre-sale / pre-order on most of the majors.

    As I had mentioned previously, PPT was recorded around the same time as the Strange Highways album. Same gear, etc.

    Since I found the software to be more like a toy than a real DAW, I thought it would be funny to create another album’s worth of material to people to use, royalty-free, in their own DIY pornos… “Come on, Daddy. Fire up that camcorder, grab another Natural Light, plug in the PornTrack and hit record.”

    Anyway… my humor is pretty dark. For some reason, it didn’t sell millions. I did sell more than expected, though!

    So now, we’re back in remaster land and putting it out there for the world to consume again. Official release date is Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2025). It will be on all streaming services. Heck, I’ve even fired up the old email address from the back of the original CD. Yes, you are welcome and encouraged to send a copy (or a link to) the home movie you created (pp*@*************ys.com). I promise I won’t share… well, unless you want me to lol.

    Ok ok… there ya have it. The ULTIMATE Valentine’s Gift. Right? I mean, who wouldn’t want this awesome soundtrack on our immaculate day of romantic commercial consumption?

    Click Here for pre-order / pre-save links

    Thanks again – another surprise coming right around the corner 🙂

    Jeff

  • Next stop: 2025

    Next stop: 2025

    I hope everyone had a nice holiday season. For me, I usually consider the official end of the holidays to be on my birthday (mid-January). No sense is going back to dieting and all that crap for just a couple weeks, right? Right 🙂

    Anyway, finalizing many projects for this coming year and figured I would give a little info about what I will be working on.

    First up, The Outsider. I say first up – you can’t really be 100% sure of the order of these things, but it’s a good tentative guess. Now, back to the The Outsider…

    For years, I have dabbled in assorted types of instrumental music under one name or another. I’ve always wanted to go kind of “freestyle” though. Just sit down for a few days, lose my mind and see what comes out on tape.

    The first week of January, I did just that. I completed two of four tracks. I expect to wrap up recording on the rest by end of this month and, since it’s going to be outside of the label system, I’m just going to put it out once it’s done. No promo build up, no hoopla. It’s just an piece I’ve always wanted to make.

    Working title is The Outsider and I will be releasing it under my name (first time ever). I’ll post make a few posts about it once it’s ready. But, it is high on the list and should be out first quarter of 2025, for sure.

    More music… another old re-issue will be out on Valentine’s Day. This time it’s Project: PornTrack from RFH. This was from the same time period as Strange Highways was, same software. I thought it would be funny to do a DIY porno soundtrack. So, I did. I built a bunch of instrumental tracks for you, you and your partner or you and your group of friends to use as background music lol. Anyway, it’s my warped sense of humor and it will be re-released under the RFH handle on all the digital platforms.

    On the writing side, I’m hoping to publish two works this year. The first is called my first “full length” (aka not a short story) called EternaLife. It’s a little about mind control and other things that I don’t want to give away too much about right now. There will be decent promo on this one, so you’ll know when it’s coming, for sure.

    The other I’m in progress on and plan on releasing next Fall is tentatively called Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon a Time: A collection of Thoughtful Bedtime Stories for Children and their Grown-Ups. It’s basically done. Just has mega-editing to do. The idea is “moral of the story” tales. When I started on it early in 2024, the ideas just kept flowing. So, trying to weed out the weaker ingredients and make a smoother read. More on that later.

    What else? Oh, my Mixed Bags is still very much an active project. For those who don’t know, last year I started working on converting some family favorite recipes into recipes made from dry ingredients that could be sold in bags – you know the drill – dump it in, add water or whatever and enjoy.

    My first “bag” was for something my mom used to make. We called them sweet hot pickles. They are very hard to describe and have a truly unique taste. Anyway, I got the recipe down, did some taste testing and I think it’s fair to say that first recipe is ready to go. Everyone to tested it was happy with the results.

    The next step is to work on packaging and a sugar-free version. Once both of those are together, I will be able to start selling here in Texas. If you’re interested in it, it’s called Elder’s Mixed Bags (facebook page, etc).

    Speaking of social media, I am now on Blue Sky. If you’d like to follow me there, my handle is @jeffelder.bsky.social

    Ok ok ok… I’d say we’re caught up. Thanks, again, for joining me on this ride. It’s been fun and I intend to do my best to keep things interesting as we move forward.

    Jeff

  • Christmastime on the Beach: A Holiday Romance

    Christmastime on the Beach: A Holiday Romance

    Happy Black Friday Release Day!

    This has been a fun project to put together. As I mentioned in the introduction, the story is kind of a “What if I didn’t have to keep to the confines of a 3-minute pop song?” idea. It’s a simple Christmas story with a little Hallmark-style romance thrown in for good measure. Don’t worry, I promise I’m not going to become a romance writer. This was just a little fun for the sake of fun.

    Anyway, I hope you like it and can have as much fun with the song (and now the story) as I have over the years. It is everywhere today. I will post links to the major places below.

    Thanks for reading and have fun!

    Jeff

    Amazon Kindle and Print versions are available by clicking here. Print versions can also be found in many of your larger retail chains. If they don’t have it, just ask for it and they can get it through their distributor. Kindle note: If you have Kindle Unlimited, the title is available to read free for the next month! Just add it to your reading list and you’re good to go.

    Audible audiobook version is available by clicking here.

    The re-issue of the original Roy Holliday song (and more) is available today on Amazon by clicking here or at Apple Music by clicking here.

  • More Pre-order Links

    More Pre-order Links

    A couple more for you guys…

    Amazon MP3 pre-order link for the re-issue of the Roy Holliday song that started it all, Christmastime on the Beach. Pre-order / pre-save at https://amzn.to/3OqZ7z1

    Kindle pre-order link is at https://amzn.to/4f5I5lf

    And, the Audible audiobook version is available at https://amzn.to/496LZZD

    Party on,

    Jeff

  • The Countdown Begins / Spotify Pre-Save

    The Countdown Begins / Spotify Pre-Save

    Well, here we go, kids. 10 days til the release of the new short story, Christmastime on the Beach: A Holiday Romance and 10 days til the release of…

    Christmastime on the Beach – the digital music collection!

    Yes, to coincide with the book’s release, we’ve gathered Roy’s previous Christmas songs, remastered them, and put them all together in one place for easy access.

    Christmastime on the Beach will be available on all major streaming platforms and, for you Spotterfy users, you can pre-save it NOW by clicking here or using the perty link below.

    And while we’re on the topic of links and countdowns, don’t forget that the Goodreads giveaway (giving away 100 copies of the new book in Kindle format) only has 10 days left for you to enter.

    Goodreads Book Giveaway

    Christmastime on the Beach by Jeff Elder

    Christmastime on the Beach

    by Jeff Elder

    Giveaway ends November 29, 2024.

    See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

    Enter Giveaway

    Here’s to hoping you have as much fun with this one as I am!

    Jeff