Burning The Boat is an album I released in 2021 under the artist name Crosstown Walkers. It marked my second independent release, following the EP Gemini, which my brother and I created under the name DD Canfield. Both records were entirely DIY, serving as my first ventures into self-producing, engineering, and mixing. However, Burning The Boat holds special significance as it was the first album to feature me as the lead vocalist, effectively marking my debut as a solo artist.

Like Gemini, Burning The Boat was born out of personal experiences with the complexities of a long-term relationship and its conclusion. The album extends into the existential side of romanticism while also exploring the effects of trauma. With most of my music, I strive to go beyond my individual story, delving into the shared human experience. This album's theme was heartache—its impact, the process of release and moving forward, and the eventual journey toward healing and acceptance.

This album also played a pivotal role in a mental health fundraiser I organized with Zachary McCreery in partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Over the course of 10 days, we raised more than $1,200 to support their mission through a digital campaign. The fundraiser was paired with a podcast series featuring conversations with business owners, musicians, artists, authors, and others who shared their own mental health journeys. The goal was to inspire open dialogue and encourage others to feel empowered to speak up about their mental health challenges.