Orange Skyby Alexi Murdoch

"It’s taken me over 13 months to write this email. Last years event was too fresh and I just could not bring myself to do it. My boyfriend Sean and the “man campers” as they call themselves lost one of their group to Glioblastoma brain cancer in January last year after a nearly 2 year battle. Sean was there with Jeff as he was diagnosed and as he passed. It was a huge shock to everyone - unfair to lose someone so great, so young. We attended Jeff’s service April 1 in AZ. 2 weeks later Sean started showing signs of memory lapse. Just small odd things. It seemed each day something new and small was “off”. We did the things we loved to try to relax - went camping, listened to music. Finally May 19 (a little over a month later) we went to the Dr, then the hospital, MRI’s were done and a large tumor was discovered. Sean was overnighted to Seattle and the following day a brain biopsy was done followed by an additional brain biopsy to confirm everyone’s worst nightmare all over again. Sean had grade 4 Glioblastoma of the corpus callosum - a butterfly tumor spanning across his brain, inoperable. How? 2 “brothers” in the same group and healing hadn’t even begun from the loss of Jeff? Heartbreaking doesn’t even describe it. Sean and I met 5.5 years ago. We hit it off immediately (and) bonded over our love for KEXP (a staple in our home), the outdoors, beer (he owns Sequim’s only Taproom). Sean is goofy but private. He is the kind of person that genuinely listens to you when you talk. He gives you the shirt off his back, or gear for your bike/car/workplace, he shows up to help you move, he’ll help you get the good gear because “there’s no point in getting the cheap stuff”. He encourages people to take chances if they’re in a position to do so but also calculates the risk, he is a darn good friend, he always encourages people to better themselves and doesn’t put people down. He’s never once been disrespectful to me or my children (even now despite him feeling awful - and they are 3 teenagers!). I always told him I was his number one fan but I know he was his own. The amount of confidence this man had is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. He used to do the most wonderful self talk. “Come on Gary, you got this!” Or “oh yeah, let’s go Gary!” as loud as he could (his real name is Gary Sean). I don’t really think I had heard self talk before I heard him do it. It was pretty awesome. Today we are over 13 months into this awful disease and we’ve had to recently stop treatment due to progression. This disease has taken nearly everything from him. His independence, his confidence, his smile, his glow. His kindness is still there. He’s so sweet to the nurses that come to our house - he tells them thank you and asks how they are, he asks for a hug from them and to some he says he loves them. This week and today I was told by the Drs that it’s time to switch to a more “comfort care” approach due to the decline. Heart wrenching. Nothing prepares you for those words. He’s so scared and sad and so am I. This is such a mean disease. I feel robbed of our time and future. I feel like our plans were thwarted. It makes me mad and sad. The last year+ has been an emotional rollercoaster and my partner who I would normally share feelings and emotions with isn’t available in that capacity. A part of me feels so emotional and a part of me feels empty but I know these are appropriate and normal feelings for all that is happening. I am extremely grateful for community - 1) The KEXP community to help with healing - music truly does heal. Programs like this are truly wonderful. 2) The WSU SigmaNu brotherhood Sean has who has remained close and supportive. I will lump into this the “man campers” some of which he has known since kindergarten or 1971. Sean is 58. 3) The Sequim AND beer community who has helped us personally and has kept the lights on at the Taproom to help pay for Sean’s bills. One thing at a time, one day at a time. F the F-ing cancers. If you have the time to play Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch, we would sure appreciate it. Thanks for all you do. With love and gratitude, Longtime listeners Tiffany & Gary, Olivia, Penelope & Hunter - from Sequim)"

Alexi Murdoch from a set he played at KEXP back in 2003. Alexi hasn't released very much music as of late, most recently an album back in 2011, titled Towards the Sun. Appeared on his debut EP, Four Songs, as well as his debut full-length LP.

You are not alone.

Alexi Murdoch is a British folk musician and songwriter. Orange Sky is from his "Four Songs EP." The track has been featured in many film and series soundtracks, including Garden State, Dawson's Creek, The OC, and Looking For Alaska. www.aleximurdoch.com

Hey John. It's a sad morning. On my way home to be with my dad Victor before he dies. He asked to be taken off oxygen. He will die like he lived - with wisdom and gentle dignity, sharing his love with others. I could use some Alexi Murdoch - you know the track. He was a teacher for 35 years in Canada. Husband of 64 years. dad and grandfather. Thanks. Chuck

Hey, John and morning show crew. It's been a rough couple of weeks recently, especially as Summer was only a weird fever dream this year as we now head into Fall/Winter. It snowed this Monday in Madison. Love to hear Alexi Murdoch's Orange Sky as a reminder that even as the sun sets earlier and I see less people out and about, we are not alone. -Mason in Madison -- Erin writes: My roommate from college and I would listen to this song (Orange Sky) about 3-4 times a day. Drinking tea this morning brought me back to that, snow in upstate NY, feeling homesick but being together. I texted my still dear friend old roommate who now lives in Montana and reminded her I love her and she's not alone. ❤️

Orange sky by Alexis Murdoch would seem appropriate. Even tho it’s mostly grey. Ryan in Smokey Vancouver -- Thanks john. Great morning set, before another strange day of remote teaching. Orange Sky has been on my minds soundtrack all smoky week. You are not alone. --jessica, #13 amplifier, morning faithful

John, Sending a shout out to all in the McKenzie River area east of Eugene. Level 3 "Get Out Now" evacuation in place this morning. This is one of my favorite places in all of the PNW, now it's on fire. -Jim in Phinney Ridge -- Murdoch's first album, Time Without Consequence, was released on 6 June 2006 on his own label, Zero Summer. As with the EP, Murdoch continued to turn down the record deals he was offered from numerous major labels to maintain creative control.

Watch Alexi Murdoch performing "Orange Sky" at Easy Street Records bit.ly

When I am alone // When I've thrown off the weight of this crazy stone // When I've lost all care for the things I own // That's when I miss you, that's when I miss you, that's when I miss you // You who are my home

"But when I am alone... When I've thrown off the weight of this crazy stone... When I've lost all care for the things I own... That's when I miss you...You who are my home now..." Here are the lyrics: genius.com

From 2006, here's Alexi performing Orange Sky during an in-store appearance at Easy Street Records bit.ly

Watch Alexi Murdoch performing "Orange Sky" at Easy Street Records bit.ly

Alexi Murdoch sang this song live at Easy Street Records in 2006: www.youtube.com

Good morning, Seattle. You're listening to the KEXP live performance of the song that appears on Alexi Murdoch's 2004 EP Four Songs and later on his full-length album Time Without Consequences. The track has also made numerous appearances on TV shows such as: Dawson's Creek, The O.C., Prison Break, House, Brothers & Sisters, Suburgatory and Ugly Betty.

Per his Facebook page, Alexi is working on new music but no word on release date etc.

Here's Alexi Murdoch performing "Orange Sky" at Easy Street Records in Seattle bit.ly

Live at KEXP version of the track that has made an appearance on the movie Garden State, TV shows Dawson's Creek, The O.C., Prison Break, House, Brothers & Sisters, Suburgatory and Ugly Betty. (To name a few!) www.aleximurdoch.com

We'd like to thank Safe Crossings Foundation for everything that they do to help grieving children heal. You can learn more about Safe Crossings and their upcoming luncheon at their website. safecrossingsfoundation.org

Read a biography of this talented Scottish artist: www.allmusic.com

Alexi Murdoch released his debut, 'Time Without Consquence' in 2006. He stopped by and performed at KEXP on October 22nd, 2003.

Alexi Murdoch performed "Orange Sky" from his release, 'Time Without Consequence' on Oct 22nd, 2003. Head on over to KEXP.org to check out past in-studios and upcoming sessions that you can attend at our new home in the Seattle Center

Watch the orange sky, listen, and read the lyrics in this video: www.youtube.com

Donate today to continue great performances like this one at KEXP! kexp.org www.kexp.org or call at 866-903-5397

Self released both his EP and his first full-length in, 2006's Time Without Consequence.

Check out this full KEXP LIVE in-studio performance with Scottish singer/songwriter Alexi Murdoch, recorded in 2003: kexp.org Also, here's his most recent KEXP in-studio from 2011: kexp.org

Check out this link to the Alexi Murdoch KEXP performance from 2003!! www.kexp.org band site www.aleximurdoch.com