Photo credit: Zack Knudsen
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
I carry the band around in a ‘05 GMC Yukon. It has 300,000 miles and still runs like a top! I had to replace the transmission two years ago- no notable break downs, but it did almost get stolen in Bakersfield, CA. Luckily they weren’t smart enough to hot wire it.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
We normally rock Jimmy John’s or Chick-fil-A. Unfortunately, that’s about as healthy as we get on the road. We LOVE catering! Ha.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I normally change strings every other show. It probably estimates to about $500 a year.
Where do you rehearse?
We practice at my guitar player’s house. It’s a shack over on the Cumberland River.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
The first song I ever wrote was called “Wantcha Back Blues,” and it’s a complete Guy Clark rip-off.
Here’s the chorus:
If I could go back now
I’d change so many things
I’d clean up my act and buy you a ring
But I’m stuck here in Georgia with the want you back blues
Cheesy right? Ha!
Describe your first gig.
My first gig was at a VFW in Summerville, GA. I was 14 years old and I played with a group of guys who were in their 60s. It was a funny scene.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I mowed yards and worked on a farm up until I moved to Nashville. That was my only job so I guess that’s my favorite.
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?
Everything has been going in the right direction for the past couple of years, but it’s still not where I want it to be. Hopefully, in 5-10 years I’ll be selling out clubs and traveling in a little more style, but either way–none of us are in it for the money.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
At the end of the day, it’s all a business–and it breaks my heart, but that’s the truth.