My schedule over the last few months has been really tough. I started back to school in January and, even though I cut my bookings wayyyyyy down to compensate, I can’t seem to get more than a few hours off or to myself. Family time is really important so any second I have, I spend [...]
Government Money and the Arts
I’m not 100% one way or the other on this subject but it interests me in how hot or cold people are on it…
You Can’t Fake the Funk
In the past, of course, I have fallen victim to trying too hard. I have tweeted things and tried to write posts or music because I wanted followers or fans. It’s hard to admit but it’s true. It’s also true that I felt fake and just plain stupid when I did it.
Tips and Rules for Country Gigs
…I passed this place I used to gig at. It’s a good ole boy country bar (which has since changed ownership) that I got sucked into playing at for a while.
When You Come Back Down
I actually just came off a Nickel Creek binge a few days ago and then, someone goes and shares one of their videos on Facebook…
Best New Artist –Esperanza Spalding
At last night’s Grammy awards, a beautiful thing happened…Something that helped reassure my faith in humanity and the music industry. In the midst of Pop, Hip Hop and Indie artists/bands sat a petite upright bass player with big hair and an even bigger voice. Esperanza Spalding, a jazz musician, took home a Best New Artist [...]
Desert Island Picks
I always have music handy. I keep about 15 gigs worth on my phone and my iPod is currently holding about 50 GB (my entire library) and at least one of those is constantly in my possession. However, there are times when I have taken my AUX cable out of my car or my phone [...]
Alabama
I haven’t written anything about racism in a long time. It is something that I feel very strongly about and is something I have written several essays, reports and blogs about. I stopped because of some threats on my family that I received from people who misconstrued something I said and, instead of asking me what [...]
Outside the Box
Last week, a friend of mine posted a link to a video advocating education reform. It starts with the fact that our education system was designed for different times and circumstances and talks about how students are pushed through and not encouraged to think outside the box. At 7:42 it talks about divergent thinking or, [...]
In the Halls
I forgot how much I enjoy the atmosphere in the guts of a university music building. Music (and the love for it) seems to ooze from the walls. It saturates the dirt and is tracked outward by passersby. The people making it have a youthful passion for the music. They lack the experiences that dull many people’s [...]
