Photo credit: Shervin Lainez
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
Our tour vehicle is a Kia Sorrento 2018. It’s a definitely a trusted workhorse and great SUV overall. But we’ve have one really memorable story.
We just got a new battery installed from our Brooklyn mechanic after the previous one conked out. With the new battery, we were stoked to be driving up to Lebanon, New Hampshire for a festival at the Nexus Music & Arts Festival the next day.
Then up in NH we discovered the new battery was giving us grief. The car just would not start every time and we had to jumpstart it with the help from anyone we could find. This new battery was shot too! So the morning after the festival we had no choice and no time but to jump start it one last time, fill the tank full of gas (with the car running) and get back to NYC as quickly as possible to make another blues festival that evening – Hudson River Park Blues BBQ Festival (at Pier 76) on Manhattan’s West Side.
We had to drive the 5 hours without stopping for gas or anything else since any stop would mean we could not restart the SUV unassisted – and we had no time to spare to get to the next festival.
And we were relieved to make it back to NYC. But just as soon, we took a sharp turn onto the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, a police car flashed its lights and shot up right behind us and proceeded to follow us the entire length of the tunnel. We were certain he was going to pull us over as soon as we made it out. This would spell doom – not just because of a ticket but because we would need to pull over, turn off the engine and then not be able to restart it. And we were running late to the festival. But as we approached the end of the tunnel and his lights flashing he just accelerated past us and sped away. Wow, what a relief! And we made it to the festival in the nick of time, and the performance was a triumph. What a weekend!
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
Eating cheaply and healthy while on tour can be a challenge, but I’ve learned to make the most of it. I carry a small cooler filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and homemade sandwiches.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I prefer to use my own mic while performing. It’s like an extension of myself and I feel more connected this way. However, I’m always open to using venue or studio mics if the situation calls for it.
Where do you rehearse?
My go to rehearsal space is in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn called Complete Music Studios.
They have nice, cozy rooms. One time my band and I even used the space to perform a virtual live show during the height of the pandemic for a WXPN radio show called “Free At Noon” (Philadelphia).
It was amazing to have that opportunity to in the middle of Covid and Complete and its amazing staff helped pull it off.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
The title of the first song I wrote was “Lost in the Music.” Here’s a sample lyric: “When I feel the tears rolling down my face and these soulful streets, it’s time to find my favorite hiding place. I close my eyes and suddenly the music begins, and I get lost in the music.”
Describe your first gig.
My first gig was at a small, dimly lit blues club in Greenwich Village in NYC called Club 101. I was nervous beyond belief, but as soon as I stepped on that stage and started singing, all my fears melted away. The crowd was small but enthusiastic, and their energy fueled my performance. It was a night I’ll never forget.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
My current outside work is volunteering in the choir at a local church called First Presbyterian in the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. It allows me to share my passion for music with a variety of people in the community – what an amazing group!
My favorite past job was working at Modo Yoga in NYC. I was surrounded by local artists and I got to meet, work and connect with many fellow musicians and performers.
Finally, my most fulfilling work was at God’s Love We Deliver in NYC – an organization that prepares meals and delivers to those too ill to cook for themselves.
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?
My music-related income has developed nicely over the past 5-10 years, mostly from live concerts and festivals, but there is much more room to grow.
With the changing landscape of the industry, it’s hard to predict exactly what the next 10 years will bring. But I absolutely love performing and touring and I’m determined to continue to expand my fan base and audience, and I hope that my hard work and talent will lead to even more and diversified income in the future.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
One thing I wish I knew when I started my career is the importance of self-care and balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve learned that putting a priority on rest and relaxation, keeping good relationships and finding joy in activities and hobbies might just be key to keeping a long and fulfilling career in music.