Photo credit: Cathy Partridge
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
I am currently in a 2022 Toyota Rav4. Last May I was in a 2017 Honda CRV. I was traveling on tour with my upright bass player when I was rear-ended on the interstate by some idiot doing 100+ mph. We were not injured, but things could have been drastically different.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
I try to eat healthy. It’s difficult. I also try to find parks where I can stop for a jog. This is my way only after years of doing the cheap food / no exercise type of touring… that eventually caught up with me.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I have a thing for old guitar strings… I hate the sound of new ones. So I only change strings when one breaks, which is typically 3 or 4 times a year.
I have these great supporters at EatMyBeats in Tuscaloosa AL who graciously keep me supplied with these great Ernie Balls that I just love.
Where do you rehearse?
My rehearsal space is my living room. We just move the furniture around and make do.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
“Reflection” – “I know it’s my reflection but I sure don’t like the things that I see”
geez… it sucked
Describe your first gig.
Twas a songwriter contest in Gulf Shores AL in late 2015. I couldn’t believe I was even invited. I had only sent in cell-phone recordings of a couple songs. The venue was packed, probably 200 folks, and quiet… listening room style. We drew numbers to establish the order we would perform. I drew 10 of 10. So I sat and anxiously watched all 9 other contestants do their thing. It was the only songwriter show I had ever been to. I realized about half way through the show that what I was doing was a good bit different than the others. So I assumed I would get booed off the stage. Well, I ended up winning that night. Despite what was surely an awkward performance, the room came to their feet. It jump-started this whole career I now have.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I quit my last straight job working as a civilian for the US Air Force in March 2019. No regrets.
I ain’t never had a job I liked. Never.
How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?
Well, I only started doing this a few years ago. I’ve been fortunate to be on that upward trajectory thus far.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
If you are gonna please everybody, you are gonna need the devil.