Celtfather Monthly: October 2026 (Patreon)

Greetings Gunn Runners

I was reading a Patreon post yesterday and struck by an idea—a new way of writing and recording… and sharing music.

The blog post talked about someone with a Patreon who posted most things for free. But then twice a year, he does a big membership drive to get people to officially join Patreon.

That makes a lot of sense to me. Especially with how I create.

You see, I write a new song every month. But HOW I distribute that song is what I’m gonna change. That’s in part because of the new Pub Songs & Stories Video show.

It's where I record a song and tell its story, live on video. My initial goal is to do that every week for the next four weeks. One of those song/stories will become part of my free monthly audio podcast. Other videos might be either released on YouTube or broken into shorts.  My newest songs will debut as videos for Gunn Runners on Patreon.

I'll still record the new songs. But instead of releasing them one at a time, I'll compile them into special EPs, just me and my autoharp, and give them away to Patrons two or three times a year.

Twice a year, I'll also run a membership drive to encourage new signups. I tried something similar last year. It was more complicated, and it wasn't very successful. Hopefully this time will be better.

The good news is I already have plenty of songs ready. When I get back from vacation, I'll pull together six of them for the first EP and kick off the drive.

The songs may also end up on future public albums, but the EPs will be Patron-first.

I might even turn these EPs into physical CDs… What do you think?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

POLL:  Would you buy the autoharp-only EPs as physical CDs?"

Yes, definitely

Maybe, if signed or with bonus content

Digital only, please

I don't buy CDs anymore.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Oct 2: LUG Con, Atlanta, Ga

Oct 15: Celtfather Livestream on Bandcamp

Oct 31: Georgia Renaissance Festival, Atlanta, Ga

Nov 7: Georgia Renaissance Festival, Atlanta, Ga

Nov 14: Georgia Renaissance Festival, Atlanta, Ga

Nov 28: Georgia Renaissance Festival, Atlanta, Ga

Dec 5: Georgia Renaissance Festival, Atlanta, Ga

Dec 6: Nerdy Wonderland, Avondale Estates, Ga

THANK YOU GUNN RUNNERS ON PATREON!

You are amazing! And you’re my lifeblood. You keep me creating… for you. So thank you!

Listen. I will never be Taylor Swift. I’m a small indie musician who relies on the generosity of people like you to keep making music for a living.

I create something special for a musical niche of niches. In fact, I don’t know of any Celtic musicians who play as much music inspired by science fiction and fantasy as I do. It’s all thanks to my Gunn Runners.

I don’t know if your $5 per month is “worth it” to you for all the new music, lyrics, podcasts, videos, and blogs like this one, that I publish. But I hope it does.

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. Because you will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts.

Thank you for supporting Sci F'Irish music!

My projects and upcoming events:

KICKSTARTER FOR CELTIC PODFEST & NERDY ARTS MARKET- The Kickstarter for the Celtic PodFest is nearly over. The show will feature music from Olivia Bradley, The BorderCollies, May Will Bloom, and yours truly. Rewards include a CD or album pin highlighting the bands performing at the festival with live tracks from the event. There is also a Celtic Podcast shirt you can own. The campaign ends on October 2. I’d love your support if you’re able. (The festival is at the end of February next year)

MAY WILL BLOOM had a fun show at The Lost Druid Brewery last Saturday. It was a one-hour show. We highlighted some new songs. May did a solid job with the show. She’s still getting comfortable on stage. But, just wow!

SONGWRITING AND PRACTICE - I have been slacking with writing and recording this month. It’s been a challenge. But last night, I started watching Sinners. I wasn’t 20 minutes in before the music moved me. I had to practice. I played the guitar. It was a blast.

NEW ALBUM - I have not started working on the new album. Returning to an old process will make that easier in October. My plan is to record the autoharp and vocals live, much like I’ve done with all but my latest two albums. It’s quicker. And it is mentally easier for me to just sit down and record.

My family is going to the canyons for the kids’ fall break. When I get back, I’m gonna set a goal to finish recording before the end of October. Wish me luck. (Seriously… It’s gonna be a challenge).

NEW ALBUM PINS! - Not only do I have the new Celtic Star Trek album pin, I also have a new album jacket for shows. I finally realized that as much as I love the big album pin jacket, it is too bulky and no one really looks at it. They look at the pins OR the CDs.

BROBDINGNAGIAN BARDS have some new plans in store. We’re recording a podcast this week to talk about it and hopefully release more stuff. So look for a new Bards podcast in a week or so…

PUB SONGS & STORIES - The new episode is now online. AND I launched something new (see above). It’s Pub Songs & Stories video edition. This is just my song, followed by my story about the song, performed live on video. I’m gonna record multiple videos at one time.

Is there a song you’d like to see me perform and learn more about? Drop me an email.

IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST - I moved the podcast to a new recording schedule. I’m trying to record a couple of weeks in advance. Plus, I have several interviews scheduled. House of Hamill is on an upcoming episode. Louise Bichan is coming as well.

LAST CHANCE TO VEND AT NERDY WONDERLAND - Applications close this Wednesday, September 30. I’ love for you to sell your wares to these nerdy fans. Follow Nerdy Wonderland. Then join us on Dec 6 for the actual event.

CELTIC CHRISTMAS MUSIC - The new Instrumental Celtic Christmas music episode is now online. Are you subscribed?

HALLOWEEN LIVESTREAM - The next internet concert is scheduled for Thursday, October 15  at 7:30 PM Eastern on Bandcamp. It is “Ghost Stories & Drinking Songs: A Celtic Halloween Special”. Mark your calendar and make your requests.

CELTIC INVASION HIKING THE ISLE OF SKYE - All the spots are taken. But I’ll share some photos and videos in the days to come from the last trip.

CELTIC SUSTAINABILITY - Mend before you replace.

Got a sock with a hole, a shirt missing a button, or a torn seam? A needle and thread takes five minutes and can add years to what you already own. Celtic folks have been darning and patching for centuries.

Try it this week. Fix one thing before you toss it.

It's also kind of fun. I mended a new handle for one of my autoharp cases. It makes me really happy that it's all hand made!

Here's a complete list of What I'm Doing Now.

STATS

Celtfather Patreon Subscribers: 139 paid, 564 total members

Celtfather Mailing list = 1160

Celtic Music Magazine = 3383

Brobdingnagian Bards= 740

Nerdy Wonderland = 246

YouTube Subscribers = 6520

Facebook Likes = 4360

Facebook May = 43

Instagram = 2338

Instagram May = 72

TikTok = 468

TikTok May = 420

Spotify followers = 3054

Spotify May = 10

Spotify Bards = 4282

#CFMonthly