Photo credit: Brooke Hamilton
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
I drive a 2003 Ford Econoline 15 passenger van called La Loba. I bought it from Dave Sanger and Elizabeth McQueen, both former Asleep At The Wheel members, so it’s been in the family for a while. It broke down once in the 5th Avenue parking garage right off Broadway in downtown Nashville. A tow truck wouldn’t fit in the garage, so we had to roll it out, and it four people to roll it down three flights. That was a wiring issue that kept frying starters…but it runs like a champ since we got that figured out. My dad turned the cargo area into a sleeper. It’s a pretty good-sized little house on wheels.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
I lean vegan and stay away from wheat as much as possible, but about three weeks into a run, things go completely to hell and I’m noshing like a trash panda. I’ve found it nearly impossible to exercise consistently on the road, so I make myself squeeze it in regularly while I’m home.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
If I’m unlucky I break one string a year. It’s never been a problem for me. I also play on dead strings and hardly ever change them.
Where do you rehearse?
It’s sweet that anyone might assume I have a dedicated rehearsal space. For band practice, it’s standard procedure to gather at someone’s house and make coffee. For more involved rehearsals…renting a space is always a good option, but I only do as a last resort.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
I wish I could recall, but I’m certain it was pretty terrible. No one gets to skip the writing terrible songs phase. It’s mandatory.
Describe your first gig.
My brother Seth and I were 14 and 17. He got us a gig at a coffee shop in Fargo that was run by a guy who purported to have been cured of his homosexuality. The place had fluorescent lights, yellow paint on the walls, and ominous pamphlets scattered on the tables. It relied on volunteer staff, and bands went, shockingly, uncompensated. We didn’t know any better. But it was an ok place to break the ice.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
During the most intense pandemic days of 2020, I worked as a guest services person at the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum. It’s a beautiful museum everyone should visit. I really enjoyed meeting country music fans and getting to learn something new about our music each time I walked the floor. Something brings a tear to my eye every time I visit.
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?
I value myself and my work more, and the experiences have improved. One thing I learned from covid…we’re not promised one more day in our industry. Honestly, I have no expectations…I just do the best job I can and try and maintain some balance.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Saying no to someone else is often saying yes to yourself.