Coincidence or The Devil? – The Inspiration for MAM
My new album was inspired by events that began 44 years ago, in 1981…
Coincidence 1 or First Brush?
Back then, my parents were part of a social group in a small town called Brookfield, Connecticut. I was just 9 years old, but I clearly remember helping my dad get ready for the annual haunted house at the Green Knoll. Every year, the haunted house had a significant following of people, but in 1981, it grew tremendously. I think it was because of a specific occurrence that year – the Devil Made Me Do It trial. The bizarre murder in this small town received national, and eventually international attention. I was too young to fully understand it all, but I think the constant media coverage drew all the crowds and maybe something else.
Coincidence 2 or Second Brush?
Before the 2021 movie ‘Conjuring 3,’ there was only one book about the infamous Devil Made Me Do It case in Brookfield. It was called The Devil in Connecticut and was written by Gerald Brittle, Ed Warren, and Lorraine Warren. In the late 1980s, I went to an event at the Congregational Church in New Milford, CT where I saw the Warrens give a talk on the supernatural. And later, in 2006, I sat next to Gerald Brittle at a wedding and found out later he was related to my wife.
Coincidence 3 or Getting Closer?
For decades, the only movie adaptation of this trial was a made-for-TV-movie called, “The Demon Murder Case” starring Kevin Bacon as Arne Johnson (the “possessed” murderer). My mother and her friend were hiking deep in the woods of Litchfield County, Connecticut. And who do you think they met randomly on their hike? Of all the millions of people in Connecticut (and countless celebrities) they meet Kevin Bacon walking with a small group in the woods.
Coincidence 4 or Neighbors?
In 2010, my wife and I relocated to Sherman, Connecticut. After living there, for over a year, we learned that the real Arne Johnson lived an eighth of a mile away, at the end of our dirt road.
Coincidence 5 or Drawing Me In?
Later in 2011, I had a midday appointment with a new doctor. I followed the directions on her business card, but when I got to the office a sign on the door redirected me to another location. Her new office wasn’t far away, so I drove over quickly and arrived just on time. As I was getting out of the car, I noticed the Devil in Connecticut book lying on my passenger’s seat. I started to stand and quickly realized where I was – I was looking directly over a fence and into the Brookfield Dog Kennels – the location of the murder thirty years ago. This unexpected (and eerie) redirection literally brought me to the scene of the crime.
Coincidence 6 or The Attack?
In 2013, a massive tree fell on our home in Sherman, endangering our lives. It happened at 3 AM on January 31st, 2013. The occurrence forced us to leave our home and we never returned. Later that year, we noticed another strange numeric, when we moved into apartment 1213 in Danbury.
Coincidence 7 or Maybe I Won?
During a visit to the Gaylordsville, Connecticut Cemetery in 2023, preparing for a photoshoot with Myra, I stumbled upon a peculiar sight—a small toy house near some grave stones. This little toy resembled an actual structure that once stood in the graveyard decades ago. Just like this toy house, the original shed also lacked doors or windows. I describe my memory of this odd structure in the lyrics of my song The Witches’ Circle (the second track on my album MAM). After the photo shoot we left and I didn’t think much more about it until I returned the next day and the small toy house was gone. This strange incident felt like a wink, like something was acknowledging my win – at least for now.
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Do I really think I was followed and attacked by the devil?
No! But, we all have moments when we feel “possessed.” Coincidences and metaphors like witches, wild animals, vampires, and even the devil, help me convey a feeling of being hopelessly out-of-control. This feeling of “possession” that we all feel at least once in our life can truly test our trust and our ability to love. I hope my album inspires you to confront those feelings and tackle your vices. Remember—you are not alone! Don’t give up! Your day will come!
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Why is the album called Malicious Animal Magnetism (MAM)?
In 2013, my wife and I went to a conference in Boston. While out walking, I stumbled on the Christ Science Monitor & Church. Intrigued by their beliefs, I learned about Malicious Animal Magnetism, a concept started by Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910). Eddy believed people could control and harm others with their minds. This seemed like the perfect backdrop to my new album: Malicious Animal Magnetism or MAM.