Happy Hour Blues: Lyrics, Notes and Reflections pdf

Happy Hour Blues is the written companion to TJ Armand’s three-volume recording project — a body of work conceived in New York City during the isolation and cultural turbulence of the pandemic. What began as late-night notes, lyrical sketches, and private reflections grew into characters centered around a country-themed gay bar in New York City.

Driven by Armand’s curiosity about blending queer life with country-esque themes, the writing naturally gravitated toward the raw storytelling traditions of Blues Rock, Roots, and Americana. Across more than fifty lyrics, notes, and reflections, the book traces the emotional and political terrain of queer desire, heartbreak, chosen family, immigration, exile, and the rapidly shifting landscape of the United States.

Complementing the writing is a curated selection of street photography from Astoria and Manhattan, capturing the textures, moods, and quiet poetry of the city that shaped the project. These images deepen the world of Happy Hour Blues by grounding its stories in the visual language of New York’s streets.

The companion album project unfolds in three volumes:

Volume 1 — created during demo sessions with the assistance of AI — introduces the sonic direction. Volumes 2 and 3 will follow in Spring 2026.

(Available on Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms)

About the Author:

TJ Armand is a Turkish-American writer, composer, and producer based in New York City. A Berklee College of Music scholarship recipient and protégé of legendary producer Arif Mardin, Armand’s multidisciplinary work spans two decades.

He has produced concerts for acclaimed artists including Chaka Khan, The Manhattan Transfer and albums for The Queen’s Six and Tony Award nominee Mary Bridget Davies. Along with his partner Carl H. Paiva, he was among the investing producers of Broadway shows such as The Great Comet with Josh Groban and Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along. His original works, such as Sama: An American Requiem, often explore queer identity, immigrant experience, and the cultural pulse New York City — the city he calls home.